Over the weekend, the Grand Rapids Griffins got off to an undefeated start to their season with back-to-back home wins over the Colorado Eagles
One night after the Detroit Red Wings opened their season in New Jersey, the Grand Rapids Griffins commenced their 2023-24 campaign last Friday evening at Van Andel Arena.
The Griffins played host to the Colorado Eagles (AHL affiliate of the Colorado Avalanche) on Friday and Saturday, winning both match-ups to get the new season off to an undefeated start.
On Friday, Grand Rapids claimed a narrow 3-2 decision despite being outshot 42-25.
Twelve minutes into the first, Austin Czarnik launched the Griffins into the lead, but goals from Peter Holland and Jack Ahcan put the Eagles in front heading into the game's final period.
In the third, Taro Hirose wasted no time returning Grand Rapids to level terms, scoring just seven seconds into the final frame. Then, some 11 minutes later, with the Griffins on the power play, the Michigan State product struck again to lift Grand Rapids into a lead that would hold.
In net, Michael Hutchinson delivered an excellent performance in his Griffins debut, stopping 40 of the 42 shots that came his way. Meanwhile, top Red Wing prospects Simon Edvinsson, Jonatan Berggren, and Elmer Soderblom each recorded an assist.
The following evening, Grand Rapids cruised out to a 4-0 start and eventually claimed a 5-2 victory to sweep the weekend.
For the second consecutive night, Czarnik nabbed the game's first goal, and from there, Tyler Spezia, Edvinsson, and Tim Gettinger extended the lead, before Wyatt Newpower notched the fifth of the night. Berggren recorded another assist, this time on Edvinsson's power play goal.
Perhaps the best development from Saturday night was a sterling performance in net from Sebastian Cossa. After less-than-stellar performances at the Traverse City Prospects Tournament and in his pre-season cameo with the Red Wings, Cossa was outstanding Saturday night, stopping 41 of the 43 shots he faced.
After the 2-0 start, Grand Rapids sits atop the AHL's central division as its only team with two victories. The Griffins will return to action this weekend, traveling to Loveland, CO for a Friday-Saturday re-match with the Eagles.