The Grand Rapids Griffins Are Calder Cup Champions
For the second time in franchise history the Grand Rapids Griffins are champions of the American Hockey League.
Grand Rapids won game six 4-3 over the Syracuse Crunch in front of a sold out Van Andel Arena despite being outshot in the game 32 to 26.
The Griffins had only one lead throughout the hockey game, but it was the only one they needed. Martin Frk scored the game winning goal with 7:19 to play in the third period with a slap shot from the right point off of a faceoff. Frk also had an assist on the game tying goal that was scored by playoffs MVP Tyler Bertuzzi.
Bertuzzi picked up career AHL playoff goal number 23 to become the Griffins all-time leader in playoff goal scoring, passing Teemu Pulkkinen.
The third piece of that line Tomas Nosek tallied three assists on the game. Goaltender Jared Coreau made 29 saves on 32 shots for the win.
Both of Grand Rapids' championships have come against the Syracuse Crunch in the final round and both series lasted six games.
The Detroit Red Wings' playoff streak may have ended this year but plenty of future Red Wings got quality postseason experience this year.