Griffins Flashback: April 1

Take a look back at this date in Griffins history.

April 1, 2016
Robbie Russo contributes an assist in a 6-1 win at Rochester for his 38th point of the season, breaking the franchise record for points by a rookie defenseman that had been held by Clay Wilson (2005-06) and Chad Billins (2012-13). (Photos)

April 1, 2015
Thanks to a 6-1 win over Rockford that was highlighted by Tom McCollum’s second-straight 45-save outing, Jeff Blashill becomes the first coach in franchise history to lead the Griffins to three 90-point seasons. (Photos)

April 1, 2009
Justin Abdelkader is named to the AHL's All-Rookie Team, joining Jimmy Howard (2005-06) as the only Griffins to ever receive the honor.

April 1, 2005
Eleven shootout rounds and a record-tying 11 power play chances are not enough for the Griffins, who fall 2-1 to Utah. Joey MacDonald sets a Griffins single-season record for minutes played and ties Pokey Reddick’s standard of 61 games played. Kip Miller’s six-game assist streak is snapped, one game shy of the franchise record.

April 1, 2001
The Griffins become the eighth team in IHL history to post consecutive 50-win seasons with an 8-0 laugher at Cleveland. Grand Rapids earns its largest shutout ever and its largest margin of victory in a regular season game, while tying the record for goals scored in a road game. Slava Butsayev (3-2—5) and Ivan Ciernik (2-3—5) lead the attack, tying a team record for points in one game, while Mike Fountain earns his team-record 31st win.