Griffins Flashback: April 24

Take a look back at this date in Griffins history.

April 24, 2019
Chicago forces a decisive Game 5 of the Central Division Semifinals – just the second winner-take-all playoff game in the long and storied history of the rivalry – with a 5-2 win at Van Andel Arena, a result inflated by a pair of late empty-net goals. (Photos)

April 24, 2009
Behind two goals by Darren Haydar – who appears in his 100th career Calder Cup Playoff game – and a record-setting defensive performance, the Griffins seize a 3-2 lead in the North Division Semifinals with a 4-1 win over Hamilton. Grand Rapids sets a franchise playoff record by allowing just 15 shots on Jimmy Howard, who sets another team mark with his 11th career playoff win.

April 24, 2006
In their first playoff game ever in Canada, the Griffins grab a 2-1 lead in the North Division Semifinals with a 4-1 win at Toronto. Jimmy Howard’s 35 saves and Tomas Kopecky’s two power play goals lead the way for Grand Rapids, whose 20 shots in the opening stanza tie the franchise record for shots in a playoff period and set a new road standard. The Marlies’ 19 shots in the third period, meanwhile, tie a record for a Griffins playoff opponent. As a result, Howard ties a franchise playoff record with 18 saves in the third, and Jean-Sebastien Aubin sets an opponent road mark by making 18 stops in the first. (Photos)