Moose rally past Griffins in Game 1

Photo: Jonathan Kozub

Michael Spacek scored on a power play with 1:09 left in regulation to give the Manitoba Moose a 3-2 win over the Grand Rapids Griffins in Game 1 of their Central Division semifinal series on Saturday afternoon.

The Moose host Game 2 on Sunday (3 p.m. ET).

The defending Calder Cup champion Griffins took a 1-0 lead on Ben Street‘s goal 12:42 into the contest. Grand Rapids outshot Manitoba, 20-8, in the first period.

After a scoreless middle frame, the Moose drew even on a goal by Jan Kostalek at 6:22 of the third. Turner Elson restored the Griffins lead at 12:41, but Cameron Schilling tied things back up 31 seconds later.

Chase De Leo tallied two assists and Eric Comrie finished with 34 saves in his postseason debut.

Tom McCollum got the Game 1 start for Grand Rapids and stopped 28 shots.

Central Division Semifinals – Series “F” (best-of-5)
C2-Grand Rapids Griffins vs. C3-Manitoba Moose
Game 1 – Sat., Apr. 21 – MANITOBA 3, Grand Rapids 2
Game 2 – Sun., Apr. 22 – Grand Rapids at Manitoba, 3:00
Game 3 – Wed., Apr. 25 – Manitoba at Grand Rapids, 7:00
*Game 4 – Thu., Apr. 26 – Manitoba at Grand Rapids, 7:00
*Game 5 – Mon., Apr. 30 – Manitoba at Grand Rapids, 7:00
*if necessary… All times Eastern