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1996–97 Grand Rapids Griffins
League10th International Hockey League
Division5th Northeast
Conference6th Eastern
1996–97 record40–30–12
Home record21–13–7
Road record19–17–5
Goals for244
Goals against246
Team information
General managerBob McNamara
CoachDave Allison
Assistant coachCurtis Hunt
CaptainDon McSween
ArenaVan Andel Arena
Average attendance10,811 (99.8%)
Team leaders
GoalsMichel Picard (46)
AssistsMichel Picard (55)
Jeff Nelson (55)
PointsMichel Picard (101)
Penalty minutesMatt Ruchty (364)
WinsPokey Reddick (30)
Goals against averagePokey Reddick (2.48)

The 1996–97 Grand Rapids Griffins season was the franchise's inaugural season in the International Hockey League (IHL). Their regular season began on October 5, 1996, against the Indianapolis Ice and concluded on April 13, 1997, against the Michigan K-Wings. The Penguins looked to improve upon their progress in the 2006–07 season after being eliminated in the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs by the Ottawa Senators. During the season, the Penguins wore gold patches with "250" on them, honoring the city of Pittsburgh's 250th anniversary in 2008.

Evgeni Malkin scored 106 points in the regular season, helping to offset the gap left while Sidney Crosby was injured. Goaltender Ty Conklin replaced Marc-Andre Fleury, who was also injured, to win 18 games. The team surpassed their record for total attendance, selling out all 41 home games for the first time in franchise history. The Penguins also participated in the AMP Energy NHL Winter Classic, which set the NHL single-game attendance record.

During the regular season, the Penguins finished second in the Eastern Conference, behind the Montreal Canadiens. With a 12–2 record in the playoffs, the team eliminated the Senators, the New York Rangers and the Flyers, on their way to the 2008 Stanley Cup Finals, the franchise's first in 16 years. The team was defeated in the Stanley Cup Final by the Detroit Red Wings in six games.

Training camp and preseason

[edit]

Grand Rapids general manager Bob McNamara began building the roster for his team's inaugural season in July 1996 with the signing of defenseman Todd Nelson.[1] Over the next few months, a core of veteran players with NHL experience, including Pokey Reddick, Don McSween and Michel Picard, was added to the roster.[2][3][4] Prospects Jeff Nelson and Kevyn Adams also signed before training camp,[5][6] which began on September 16 at Belknap Ice Arena in Grand Rapids.[7] More than thirty players took part in the camp, seventeen of whom were under contract.[8] The Griffins played their first exhibition game, a 7–5 win over the Cleveland Lumberjacks, in Cleveland on September 20,[9] and cut their roster from thirty-six to twenty-seven the next day.[10] Following a split of two games against the Milwaukee Admirals,[11][12] the Griffins cut three more players from their roster,[13] then won exhibition games against the Cincinnati Cyclones and Chicago Wolves to close out the preseason.[14][4] (All of the team's preseason games were played on the road as construction of the Van Andel Arena was being completed.)[15] Cuts continued before the start of the regular season to make room for late additions Bill Armstrong and Ben Hankinson.[16]

Regular season

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The Griffins played their inaugural game on October 5 in Indianapolis against the Ice, a 1–0 win for Grand Rapids. Michel Picard scored the franchise's first goal by redirecting a shot from Don McSween past Indianapolis goaltender Marc Lamothe, and Pokey Reddick stopped 30 shots in the shutout.[17] Following a road shootout loss to the Detroit Vipers, the Griffins returned home for their inaugural game in Van Andel Arena. In the first professional hockey game in Grand Rapids since the Grand Rapids Owls folded in 1980, the Griffins lost 1–3 to the Orlando Solar Bears.[18] The game was played in front of a sold-out crowd of 10,834, the first of 39 sellouts over the course of the season. After a 2–5 loss to the San Antonio Dragons on October 22, the Griffins' record stood at 2–4–1, and Jamie Linden was loaned from the Florida Panthers of the National Hockey League (NHL) in time to play in the team's next game two days later.[19] That game marked the beginning of a twelve-game span in which starting goaltender Reddick recorded six wins and one shootout loss, while backup Blaine Lacher suffered five losses. Lacher won his next game on November 30 in Indianapolis and ultimately played in eleven, but in mid-December he refused to accept a conditioning assignment to the Muskegon Fury of the Colonial Hockey League and instead retired from hockey.[20] Reddick, in contrast, was twice named IHL Goaltender of the Week in the first month of the season.[21]

Grand Rapids improved its record to 8–7–2 by mid-November – largely on the strength of Reddick's play, as the team's 2.59 goals per game average placed it 18th in the 19-team IHL.[22] Left wing Darin Smith was traded to the Las Vegas Thunder on November 26 in exchange for Pavol Demitra.[23] Head coach Dave Allison placed Demitra on a line with Picard and Jeff Nelson, and the trio accumulated 35 points in the Griffins' next seven games. (Demitra and Picard each tallied six goals and six assists, and Nelson scored four goals and added seven assists.)[24] Grand Rapids won five of its games during the seven-game stretch to improve its record to 15–11–3. Picard scored the team's first hat trick on December 17 in Milwaukee, but the Griffins lost the game 4–6.[25] The franchise's first two shorthanded goals were scored by Keli Corpse and Travis Richards in a 7–0 rout of the Detroit Vipers on December 26.[26] Picard's performance in that game (two goals and two assists) and the next (two goals and one assist)[27] against the Fort Wayne Komets led to his being named IHL Player of the Week.[28] He was also selected IHL Player of the Month for December after recording 16 goals and 11 assists in 14 games.[29]

The Griffins followed a three-game losing streak – during which the team gave up 20 goals and Allison called his team's play "embarrassing"[30] – with one regulation loss in their next nine games. Allison partially attributed the reversal in the team's fortunes to a change in demeanor. Enforcers Bruce Ramsay and Matt Ruchty became more willing to defend teammates, and because "[t]hey're sticking together, our skilled players don't get intimidated", said Allison.[31] In mid-January, the Griffins added forward Danton Cole from the Krefeld Pinguine of the Deutsche Eishockey Liga. Cole, who won an NCAA championship with the Michigan State Spartans and a Stanley Cup with the New Jersey Devils, notched two assists in his first game with the Griffins.[32] The addition of Cole made Bill Armstrong, underperforming with only one goal in 35 games, expendable,[33] and he was loaned to the Solar Bears in late January for the remainder of the season.[34]

Grand Rapids endured a four-game winless streak to start February, which coincided with the absence of forwards Cole and Demitra. Cole was sidelined with a minor injury, and Demitra was in Europe helping his native Slovakia qualify for the 1998 Winter Olympics.[35] The Griffins hosted the 1997 IHL All-Star Game at the Van Andel Arena on February 18, which sold out the arena. Reddick and Picard were voted among the Eastern Conference starters in the league's first-ever fan balloting; Jeff Nelson was named to the team by the coaches.[36] The Western Conference won the game 6–4; Reddick stopped 10 of 12 shots and Picard and Nelson were held scoreless.[37] Demitra's return was delayed by one day due to visa issues, and he scored a goal in consecutive games upon rejoining the team on February 22.[38][39] Defenseman Darcy Simon took a blindside punch from Indianapolis enforcer Steve McLaren on February 27 while being escorted to the penalty box.[40] Simon suffered a concussion and required more than 20 stitches in his jaw,[41] and ultimately missed ten games.[42] The IHL suspended McLaren for three games, a punishment that Simon called "a joke".[41]

Season results

[edit]

The Penguins clinched their second consecutive playoff berth on March 25 in a 2–0 victory against the New Jersey Devils and earned the second-seed in the Eastern Conference.[43] Two years removed from their last-place Eastern Conference finish in 2006,[44] the Penguins clinched the Atlantic Division for the first time ever, when they defeated the Philadelphia Flyers, 4–2.[45] The division championship was the first for the Penguins since winning the Northeast Division in 1998. It was the best finish by the team since finishing second in the 1997–98 season. The 102 points the Penguins gained during the season was the team's fifth 100-point season. The Penguins raised banners for their top finishes in the Eastern Conference and Atlantic Division prior to their first game at Mellon Arena during the 2008–09 season.[46]

Standings

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Divisional standings

[edit]

Conference standings

[edit]

Schedule and results

[edit]
  • Green background indicates win (2 points)
  • Red background indicates regulation loss (0 points)
  • White background indicates shootout loss (1 point)
1996–97 Game log

Turner Cup Playoffs

[edit]

Eastern Conference Quarterfinals

[edit]

The Penguins opened the playoffs against the 7th-seed Ottawa Senators, in the Eastern Conference quarterfinals. In the opening game on April 9 in Pittsburgh's Mellon Arena, the Penguins defeated the Senators 4–0. In the game, Evgeni Malkin scored his first career playoff goal, Marc-Andre Fleury recorded his first career playoff shutout, Petr Sykora added a goal, and Gary Roberts scored twice.[92] In Game Two, the Penguins took a lead of 3–0 following a goal from Sergei Gonchar and two from Sykora. The Senators came back to tie the game in the third period, before Ryan Malone scored twice to give the Penguins their second victory in the series.[93] The Pens got four unanswered goals from Max Talbot, Sidney Crosby, Jordan Staal and Marian Hossa to defeat the Senators 4–1 in Game Three, the first game in Ottawa's Scotiabank Place.[94] Two days later, the Penguins managed to eliminate the Senators in four games, the only team to do so in the first round. The team got goals from Malkin, Crosby, and the series-winner from Jarkko Ruutu in the second period, to defeat the Senators, 3–1.[95] The Penguins were the first team to advance from the opening round. The series win was the team's first since the 2001 Stanley Cup Playoffs, and the first sweep of a playoff series in 16 years.[96]

Playoff log

[edit]
  • Green background indicates win,
  • Red indicates loss.
1997 Turner Cup Playoffs

Player in italics scored winning goal.

Player stats

[edit]

Skaters

[edit]

Note: GP = Games played; G = Goals; A = Assists; Pts = Points; PIM = Penalty minutes

Regular season Playoffs
Player GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM
Michel Picard 82 46 55 101 58 5 2 0 2 10
Jeff Nelson 82 34 55 89 85 5 0 4 4 4
Pavol Demitra 42 20 30 50 24
Kevyn Adams 82 22 25 47 47 5 1 1 2 4
Matt Ruchty 63 14 20 34 364 5 0 1 1 23
Sean McCann 76 8 26 34 46 5 0 0 0 2
Ben Hankinson 68 16 13 29 219 5 2 2 4 4
Chad Remackel 70 9 18 27 36 1 0 0 0 0
Don McSween 75 7 20 27 66 3 0 1 1 8
Danton Cole 35 8 18 26 24 5 3 1 4 2
Travis Richards 77 10 13 23 83 5 1 3 4 2
Todd Nelson 81 3 18 21 32 5 1 0 1 0
Stanislav Jasecko 62 3 15 18 48
Jamie Linden 48 8 8 16 138 5 1 1 2 4
Darcy Simon 71 4 12 16 327 5 1 2 3 35
Brian Dobbin 29 4 5 9 39
Bill Armstrong 35 1 8 9 39
Bruce Ramsay 66 3 5 8 306 4 0 0 0 2
Keli Corpse 19 3 4 7 2
Victor Gervais 14 2 4 6 16
Alex Vasilevski 10 1 5 6 43 5 0 1 1 19
Len Hachborn 19 2 2 4 6
Patrick Traverse 10 2 1 3 10 2 0 1 1 2
Scott Allison 12 2 1 3 41 4 0 0 0 21
Darin Smith 14 2 1 3 23
Cory Johnson 12 1 2 3 4
Blair Manning 8 1 1 2 4 1 0 1 1 0
Dean Trboyevich 30 1 1 2 73 5 0 1 1 14
Aigars Cipruss 1 0 1 1 0
Mike Maurice 2 0 1 1 0
Steve Yule 3 0 1 1 9
Kelly Hurd 4 0 1 1 4
Pokey Reddick (G) 61 0 1 1 19 5 0 1 1 0
Jean Blouin 1 0 0 0 0
Lubomir Rybovic 1 0 0 0 0
Kelvin Solari 1 0 0 0 2
Quinn Fair 2 0 0 0 0
Mike Muller 2 0 0 0 4
Shawn Frappier 3 0 0 0 0
Ian Gordon (G) 5 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0
Pat Mazzoli (G) 5 0 0 0 0
Blaine Lacher (G) 11 0 0 0 18
Tyler Moss (G) 15 0 0 0 2
Bench 82 7 7 60 5 0
Total 82 244 391 635 2321 5 12 21 33 156

Goaltenders

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Note: GP = Games played; MIN = Minutes played; W = Wins; L = Losses; SOL = Shootout losses; GA = Goals against; GAA = Goals against average; SA = Shots against; SV = Saves; SV% = Save percentage; SO = Shutouts

Regular season
Player GP MIN W L SOL GA GAA SA SV SV% SO
Pokey Reddick 61 3245 30 14 10 134 2.48 1570 1436 .915 6
Tyler Moss 15 716 5 6 1 35 2.94 363 328 .904 0
Ian Gordon 5 258 2 2 0 15 3.50 140 125 .893 0
Pat Mazzoli 5 169 2 0 0 10 3.56 98 88 .898 0
Blaine Lacher 11 511 1 8 1 32 3.76 261 229 .877 0
Team 82 4920 40 30 12 246 3.00 2452 2206 .900 5
Playoffs
Player GP MIN W L GA GAA SA SV SV% SO
Ian Gordon 1 1 0 0 0 0.00 0 0 0.00 0
Pokey Reddick 5 336 2 3 13 2.32 154 141 .916 0
Team 5 340 2 3 14 2.47 155 141 .910 0

Personnel

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Cleves, Randy, ed. (2009). Grand Rapids Griffins 2009–2010 Media Guide (PDF). Grand Rapids Griffins. Retrieved October 24, 2009.
  2. ^ Flemming, Gretchen (July 31, 1996). "Griffins acquire experience by trading for goaltender". The Grand Rapids Press. p. B1.
  3. ^ Padilla, Lenny (August 16, 1996). "Griffins add trio of players to roster". The Grand Rapids Press. p. C4.
  4. ^ a b Flemming, Gretchen (October 2, 1996). "Griffins shift attention to season opener". The Grand Rapids Press. p. D1.
  5. ^ Flemming, Gretchen (September 10, 1996). "Griffins load first roster with veterans". The Grand Rapids Press. p. C1.
  6. ^ "Griffins land first-rounder". The Grand Rapids Press. August 10, 1996. p. C4.
  7. ^ Flemming, Gretchen (September 17, 1996). "On ice". The Grand Rapids Press. p. C1.
  8. ^ Flemming, Gretchen (September 15, 1996). "Destination Grand Rapids". The Grand Rapids Press. p. B1.
  9. ^ Flemming, Gretchen (September 21, 1996). "Tough enough". The Grand Rapids Press. p. C1.
  10. ^ Flemming, Gretchen (September 22, 1996). "Two local players among Griffins' first cuts". The Grand Rapids Press. p. B12.
  11. ^ Flemming, Gretchen (September 24, 1996). "Center on a fast track despite Griffins' loss". The Grand Rapids Press. p. C1.
  12. ^ Flemming, Gretchen (September 26, 1996). "No. 3 goalie helps Griffins to 4–3 win". The Grand Rapids Press. p. C1.
  13. ^ Flemming, Gretchen (September 27, 1996). "Griffins trim three players; roster at 24". The Grand Rapids Press. p. C1.
  14. ^ Brower, Gary (September 30, 1996). "Abundant road trips give Griffins time to build team unity". The Grand Rapids Press. p. C1.
  15. ^ Weiker, Jim (September 26, 1996). "Almost showtime". The Grand Rapids Press. p. A1.
  16. ^ Flemming, Gretchen (October 4, 1996). "Griffins waiting on Pens". The Grand Rapids Press. p. B1.
  17. ^ a b Flemming, Gretchen (October 6, 1996). "First game is a winner for Griffins". The Grand Rapids Press. p. C1.
  18. ^ a b Flemming, Gretchen (October 12, 1996). ""It was frustrating"; Excited Griffins fall to Orlando in home opener, 3–1". The Grand Rapids Press. p. C1.
  19. ^ Flemming, Gretchen (October 26, 1996). "New Griffin Linden on loan from NHL's Panthers". The Grand Rapids Press. p. C6.
  20. ^ a b Flemming, Gretchen (December 22, 1996). "Strong goaltending lifts Griffins over Ice". The Grand Rapids Press. p. C5.
  21. ^ Flemming, Gretchen (October 29, 1996). "Homestand helps Griffins serve up treats". The Grand Rapids Press. p. C1.
  22. ^ Flemming, Gretchen (November 19, 1996). "Defensive approach keeps Griffins on even keel early in season". The Grand Rapids Press. p. C1.
  23. ^ a b Flemming, Gretchen (November 25, 1996). "Griffins deal for big scorer". The Grand Rapids Press. p. C5. Cite error: The named reference "GRP19961126" was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page).
  24. ^ Flemming, Gretchen (December 17, 1996). "Pic's Pak; Top line paced by Picard quenches Griffins' thirst for goals". The Grand Rapids Press. p. C1.
  25. ^ a b Flemming, Gretchen (December 17, 1996). "Griffins lost to Admirals, 6–4 despite team's first hat trick". The Grand Rapids Press. p. C1.
  26. ^ a b Flemming, Gretchen (December 27, 1996). "Picard, Reddick shine for Griffins". The Grand Rapids Press. p. C1.
  27. ^ a b Flemming, Gretchen (December 28, 1996). "Griffins rely on offense". The Grand Rapids Press. p. C1.
  28. ^ Flemming, Gretchen (December 31, 1996). "Griffins' scoring leader Picard named IHL Player of the Week". The Grand Rapids Press. p. C5.
  29. ^ Flemming, Gretchen (January 5, 1997). "Griffins right at home on Indy rinks". The Grand Rapids Press. p. C7.
  30. ^ a b Flemming, Gretchen (January 4, 1997). "Griffins' coach calls 6–2 loss 'embarrassing'". The Grand Rapids Press. p. C1.
  31. ^ Flemming, Gretchen (January 6, 1997). "Griffins on win streak – with pucks and fists". The Grand Rapids Press. p. B8.
  32. ^ Flemming, Gretchen (January 17, 1997). "Griffins don't want to be a one-liner". The Grand Rapids Press. p. C1.
  33. ^ Flemming, Gretchen (January 15, 1997). "Slumping Armstrong on his way out". The Grand Rapids Press. p. D5.
  34. ^ a b Flemming, Gretchen (February 1, 1997). "Linden's return sparks Griffins to 5–2 win over Cyclones". The Grand Rapids Press. p. C1.
  35. ^ a b Flemming, Gretchen (February 7, 1997). "Losing streak reaches 3 as Komets tame Griffins". The Grand Rapids Press. p. C1.
  36. ^ Flemming, Gretchen (February 4, 1997). "Griffins trio named All-Stars". The Grand Rapids Press. p. C2.
  37. ^ Flemming, Gretchen (February 19, 1997). "Red-hot Chabot steals All-Star show". The Grand Rapids Press. p. E1.
  38. ^ a b Flemming, Gretchen (February 23, 1997). "Demitra's return lifts Griffins". The Grand Rapids Press. p. C1.
  39. ^ a b Flemming, Gretchen (February 24, 1997). "5 goals in 2nd period doom Griffins, 5–4". The Grand Rapids Press. p. B1.
  40. ^ a b Flemming, Gretchen (February 28, 1997). "Griffin earn 30th victory of season". The Grand Rapids Press. p. C1.
  41. ^ a b Flemming, Gretchen (March 4, 1997). "McLaren's suspension not enough, Griffins say". The Grand Rapids Press. p. C1.
  42. ^ a b Flemming, Gretchen (March 22, 1997). "Griffins tame Quebec, 4–2". The Grand Rapids Press. p. C1.
  43. ^ Compton, Brian (March 26, 2008). "Penguins Fleury steals the show". National Hockey League. Retrieved September 29, 2008.
  44. ^ Sager, Joe (April 3, 2008). "Penguins resilience pays off with title". Pittsburgh Penguins. Retrieved September 29, 2008.
  45. ^ Compton, Brian (April 3, 2008). "Pens clinch Atlantic". National Hockey League. Retrieved September 29, 2008.
  46. ^ "A "Banner" Night In Pittsburgh". PittsburghPenguins.com. October 9, 2008. Retrieved October 11, 2008.
  47. ^ Flemming, Gretchen (October 9, 1996). "About face". The Grand Rapids Press. p. F1.
  48. ^ Flemming, Gretchen (October 13, 1996). "Chilled at home". The Grand Rapids Press. p. C1.
  49. ^ Hohlfeld, Neil (October 18, 1996). "Losing in Rapids fashion". Houston Chronicle. p. E4.
  50. ^ Flemming, Gretchen (October 20, 1996). "Solar Bears too much for Griffins again, 5–2". The Grand Rapids Press. p. C1.
  51. ^ Flemming, Gretchen (October 23, 1996). "Griffins go out in puff of smoke in 5–2 loss to Dragons". The Grand Rapids Press. p. D1.
  52. ^ Flemming, Gretchen (October 25, 1996). "Griffins shut out K-Wings for first win on home ice". The Grand Rapids Press. p. C1.
  53. ^ Flemming, Gretchen (October 27, 1996). "Griffins treat K-Wings rudely again in 4– 2 win". The Grand Rapids Press. p. C13.
  54. ^ Flemming, Gretchen (October 31, 1996). "Big shot". The Grand Rapids Press. p. B1.
  55. ^ Flemming, Gretchen (November 3, 1996). "Griffins win streak ends in 6–0 loss to Dragons". The Grand Rapids Press. p. C1.
  56. ^ Brower, Gary (November 8, 1996). "Fading at the finish". The Grand Rapids Press. p. C1.
  57. ^ Flemming, Gretchen (November 10, 1996). "Griffins blow 2–0 lead in loss to Lumberjacks". The Grand Rapids Press. p. C1.
  58. ^ Flemming, Gretchen (November 11, 1996). "Same old story". The Grand Rapids Press. p. D1.
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  61. ^ Flemming, Gretchen (November 23, 1996). "Griffins' 5–2 defeat by Solar Bears fuels coach's exasperation". The Grand Rapids Press. p. C1.
  62. ^ Flemming, Gretchen (November 24, 1996). "Orlando burns Griffins again". The Grand Rapids Press. p. C1.
  63. ^ Flemming, Gretchen (November 30, 1996). "Griffins need a shootout to beat Fort Wayne, 4–3". The Grand Rapids Press. p. D2.
  64. ^ Flemming, Gretchen (December 2, 1996). "Griffins complete weekend sweep by beating Cyclones". The Grand Rapids Press. p. C1.
  65. ^ Brower, Gary (December 7, 1996). "Picard helps Griffins take 5th in a row". The Grand Rapids Press. p. C1.
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  68. ^ Flemming, Gretchen (December 14, 1996). "'A team of warriors'; Griffins' 7–4 victory over Southwest Division leaders shows character and inspires coach". The Grand Rapids Press. p. C1.
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  70. ^ Brower, Gary (December 21, 1996). "'Jacks make most of changes, beat Griffins". The Grand Rapids Press. p. C1.
  71. ^ Flemming, Gretchen (December 23, 1996). "Griffins coach encouraged in spite of loss to Chicago". The Grand Rapids Press. p. C1.
  72. ^ Flemming, Gretchen (December 31, 1996). "Cooling it". The Grand Rapids Press. p. C1.
  73. ^ Flemming, Gretchen (January 1, 1997). "Cyclones upend Griffins". The Grand Rapids Press. p. D1.
  74. ^ Flemming, Gretchen (January 5, 1997). "If they were tired, they didn't show it". The Grand Rapids Press. p. C7.
  75. ^ Flemming, Gretchen (January 6, 1997). "Reddick, Griffins stop high-scoring Wolves". The Grand Rapids Press. p. B1.
  76. ^ Brower, Gary (January 8, 1997). "Griffins' scorers break out late against Vipers". The Grand Rapids Press. p. D1.
  77. ^ Flemming, Gretchen (January 11, 1997). "Reddick gives Griffins 1–0 victory". The Grand Rapids Press. p. C1.
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  80. ^ Ziehm, Len (January 15, 1997). "Griffins pound Wolves goalies". Chicago Sun-Times. p. 106.
  81. ^ Shebest, Pam (January 18, 1997). "Griffins victorious in 3–2 shootout with K-Wings". The Grand Rapids Press. p. C1.
  82. ^ Flemming, Gretchen (January 19, 1997). "Griffins win 2nd shootout in a row". The Grand Rapids Press. p. C1.
  83. ^ Flemming, Gretchen (January 23, 1997). "Home ice blues". The Grand Rapids Press. p. B1.
  84. ^ Brower, Gary (January 25, 1997). "Griffins get physical, outmuscle, outskate high-flying Ice Dogs, 6–1". The Grand Rapids Press. p. C1.
  85. ^ Flemming, Gretchen (January 26, 1997). "Cyclones' rookie goalie shuts out Griffins". The Grand Rapids Press. p. C9.
  86. ^ Brower, Gary (February 2, 1997). "Cyclones muscle up on Griffins". The Grand Rapids Press. p. C1.
  87. ^ Flemming, Gretchen (February 3, 1997). "Griffins lose 5–2 in Cleveland". The Grand Rapids Press. p. C1.
  88. ^ Flemming, Gretchen (February 9, 1997). "Latest loss sits better with Griffins". The Grand Rapids Press. p. C1.
  89. ^ Flemming, Gretchen (February 12, 1997). "Total meltdown". The Grand Rapids Press. p. B1.
  90. ^ Flemming, Gretchen (February 22, 1997). "Griffins edge Fort Wayne". The Grand Rapids Press. p. C1.
  91. ^ Flemming, Gretchen (March 2, 1997). "Griffins turn slaughter into difficult victory". The Grand Rapids Press. p. C1.
  92. ^ Associated Press. "Game One recap". Pittsburgh Penguins. Retrieved September 29, 2008.
  93. ^ Associated Press. "Game Two recap". Pittsburgh Penguins. Retrieved September 29, 2008.
  94. ^ Associated Press. "Game Three recap". Pittsburgh Penguins. Retrieved September 29, 2008.
  95. ^ Associated Press. "Game Four recap". Pittsburgh Penguins. Retrieved September 29, 2008.
  96. ^ Associated Press (April 17, 2008). "Penguins eliminate Senators in first sweep in 16 years". The New York Times. Retrieved September 29, 2008.
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