IOWA EDGED IN GRAND RAPIDS 4-3
Jan 24, 2015IOWA EDGED IN GRAND RAPIDS 4-3
Wild Returns Home Thursday to Begin Three-Game Home Stand
GRAND RAPIDS, MI – The Iowa Wild (15-26-1-1, 32 points) were defeated by the Grand Rapids Griffins (21-16-3-1, 46 points) 4-3 in front of 10,834 fans on Saturday at Van Andel Arena. With 4:20 remaining in regulation, Griffins forward Teemu Pulkkinen rifled a shot that deflected off traffic and into the Iowa net, breaking a 3-3 tie and propelling Grand Rapids to victory. Grand Rapids goalie Jarod Coreau (7-6-1) made 14 saves, as his club claimed its fifth straight victory over the Wild dating back to last season. Griffins forward Mitch Callahan scored twice and Landon Ferraro also added a tally in the win. Wild center Tyler Graovac scored and added an assist as Iowa dropped its third straight decision. Iowa goalie John Curry (8-9-0) had 26 saves in the road defeat. Rookie forward Kurtis Gabriel and Zack Mitchell also scored, as Iowa dropped to 7-14-1-1 on the road this year. Grand Rapids visits Iowa on Thursday night at 7 p.m.
Iowa jumped out to a 2-0 lead with a pair of goals in the first 6:37 of play. Kurtis Gabriel found a rebound in the Griffins slot just 2:29 into the game for his third goal of the year. Center Brady Brassart and right wing Marc Hagel each picked up an assist as Iowa claimed a 1-0 lead. With its first power play of the evening, the Wild opened up a two-goal cushion at 6:37. Center Tyler Graovac cut across the Griffins zone, beating Jarod Coreau for his 15th goal of the year. Graovac’s tally set a new mark for goals in one season, surpassing Erik Haula’s total of 14 in 2013-14. Forward Jordan Schroeder and defenseman Matt Dumba helped set up the 2-0 lead. Grand Rapids cut the deficit in half at 12:39 of the period after Mitch Callahan snapped a wrist shot over the shoulder of John Curry. Andy Miele and Landon Ferraro set up the Griffins first goal of the night, as the team made it a 2-1 game.
The Griffins claimed their first lead of the game with two goals in the first five minutes of the second period. Landon Ferraro snapped a wrist shot past Curry at 3:37, scoring his 17th goal of the year. Marek Tvirdon and Nick Jensen set up the tally as Grand Rapids tied the game 2-2. Callahan scored his second of the night at 4:55, pushing the Griffins in front 3-2. Teemu Pulkkinen and Miele set up Callahan’s 15th goal of the year. Iowa tied the game 3-3 with 32 seconds to go in the period as Zack Mitchell shuffled home a loose puck. His 12th goal of the year was assisted by Graovac and defenseman Justin Falk.
Griffins forward Teemu Pulkkinen broke a 3-3 tie with 4:20 remaining in regulation. The Grand Rapids forward turned and fired a shot from the right-wing wall. Pulkkinen’s shot bounced off a Wild defender and into the net. Defenseman Ryan Sproul and Callahan each had an assist on Pulkkinen’s 21st of the year and a 4-3 win.
Iowa now heads into the All-Star break from Jan. 25-27. After the mid-season classic, Iowa returns home to face Grand Rapids on Thursday, Jan. 29 at 7 p.m., kicking off a three-game home stand. It’s also a Throwback Thursday, where fans may purchase sodas for one dollar, presented by 95 KGGO. On Friday, Jan. 30, the Wild hosts the Hamilton Bulldogs at 7 p.m. Also on Friday, Iowa celebrates Military Appreciation Night, where the first 1500 fans receive camou koozies, sponsored by NASH 92.5. Friday’s game is also a $2 Beer Night, presented by 100.3 The Bus. Fans may purchase 10-ounce domestic beers through the first period of play. Iowa finishes its home stand against Hamilton on Saturday, Jan. 31 at 7 p.m. The Wild will also hold AHA Heart Day, where the first 2500 fans receive mini sticks, presented by ABC 5 WOI-TV.
The Iowa Wild 2014-15 season is presented by Mercy Medical Center, it runs from October through April. Fans may purchase seats to see any of the team’s 38 regular season home games at Wells Fargo Arena. Season tickets to see the Wild play at Wells Fargo Arena start at just $9 per game. For more information on tickets, including ticket plans and group seating, please contact the Wild ticket office by calling 515-564-8700 or go to www.iowawild.com.
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