Griffins Flashback: April 18

Take a look back at this date in Griffins history.

April 18, 2015
Despite a 7-3 loss to Charlotte in their regular season finale, the Griffins claim their second Midwest Division title in three seasons under Jeff Blashill when Rockford loses 3-1 to Toronto. Grand Rapids completes a worst-to-first climb up the standings, as it spent much of the opening two months of the campaign in fifth place and still found itself in fourth – 12 points behind the IceHogs – entering play on Jan. 23, when the Griffins began their season-concluding 27-6-3-1 (0.784) tear. (Photos)

April 18, 2009
The Griffins score three third-period goals to rally for a 3-1 road win over Hamilton, taking a 2-0 lead in the North Division Semifinals. Justin Abdelkader scores twice and adds an assist, Ville Leino scores the tying goal on the power play and assists on the game-winner, and Darren Haydar logs two helpers to tie Willie Marshall’s AHL record of 71 career playoff assists. Jimmy Howard finishes with 22 saves to record his 10th career playoff win, matching the franchise record held by Jani Hurme and Marc Lamothe.

April 18, 2004
Kari Lehtonen’s 37 saves lead Chicago to a 1-0 victory in Game 2 of the West Division Semifinals, as the Griffins sustain their first playoff shutout in nearly three years and just their second ever at home. Marc Lamothe keeps Grand Rapids in the game during the second period by stopping Brendan Yarema on a penalty shot, the first ever awarded during a Griffins playoff game.

April 18, 2003
The Griffins open 2-0 at home during the playoffs for just the second time in franchise history, taking a 2-1 win over Wilkes-Barre in the Western Conference Quarterfinals.

April 18, 2001
Derek King and Mike Fountain are chosen as the IHL’s Player and Goaltender of the Month for April, respectively.