Griffins end skid with 5-1 romp in Game 1

Photo: Ross Dettman

Grand Rapids erupted for five unanswered goals and stunned Chicago, 5-1, in Game 1 of their Central Division semifinal on Friday night.

The Griffins, who finished the regular season with a nine-game losing skid, spotted the Wolves an early 1-0 lead before Colin Campbell knotted the score late in the first period.

Matt Puempel and Dominic Turgeon scored in the middle frame, and Turner Elson and Dominik Shine scored 33 seconds apart late in the third for the final margin.

Harri Sateri turned aside 29 shots to pick up the victory in his Calder Cup Playoffs debut.

Tye McGinn had the lone goal for the Wolves, who have now lost seven straight playoff games going back to 2017.

Central Division Semifinals – Series “E” (best-of-5)
C1-Chicago Wolves vs. C4-Grand Rapids Griffins
Game 1 – Fri., Apr. 19 – Grand Rapids 5, CHICAGO 1
Game 2 – Sat., Apr. 20 – Grand Rapids at Chicago, 8:00
Game 3 – Tue., Apr. 23 – Chicago at Grand Rapids, 7:00
*Game 4 – Wed., Apr. 24 – Chicago at Grand Rapids, 7:00
*Game 5 – Sun., Apr. 28 – Grand Rapids at Chicago, 4:00
*if necessary… All times Eastern