Hudler, Griffins keep on rolling

Already the AHL’s leading scorer, Jiri Hudler recorded a hat trick on Wednesday night to lead Grand Rapids to a 6-3 win over San Antonio at the SBC Center.

Hudler, the reigning CCM Vector/AHL Player of the Week, upped his league-high totals to nine goals and 13 points in just five games in 2005-06, registering at least one goal and at least two points in each contest.

On a conditioning assignment from Detroit, Chris Osgood made 22 saves in his first AHL action in 10 years.

Bryan Helmer and Matt Ellis gave the Griffins an early 2-0 lead, but Steve Gainey and Mike Bishai responded quickly for the Rampage and the game was tied again by the 8:43 mark of the first period.

Hudler’s first goal of the night, 11:17 into the second, gave Grand Rapids the lead back for good. He added two more goals in the third period.

Eric Himelfarb, Brett Lebda and Ryan Oulahen recorded two assists each for Grand Rapids, which took over sole possession of first place in the North Division at 4-1-0-0.

San Antonio (3-4-0-0) lost for the first time in four outings at home this season.