Griffins Flashback: April 7

Take a look back at this date in Griffins history.

April 7, 2018
The defending Calder Cup champion Griffins clinch a berth in the playoffs with a 4-1 victory at Tucson, coupled with Milwaukee’s 5-1 loss at Chicago. Grand Rapids reaches the playoffs for a franchise-record sixth consecutive campaign, and Todd Nelson joins Jeff Blashill as the only coaches in franchise history to lead the Griffins to three straight postseason appearances. It also marks the seventh time in as many full seasons as an AHL head coach that Nelson guides his team to the playoffs. (Photos)

April 7, 2016
One day after earning a spot on the league’s All-Rookie Team, Robbie Russo is named to the AHL’s Second All-Star Team. He becomes the first player in the franchise’s 20-year history to earn both All-Rookie and All-Star Team accolades in the same season, as well as the first Griffins rookie to be named to a postseason all-star team.

April 7, 2005
Niklas Kronwall is named to the AHL’s First All-Star Team. That night, Kip Miller notches a hat trick and adds two assists to lead the Griffins to a 7-4 win at San Antonio, as Grand Rapids clinches its sixth straight season with a winning record.

April 7, 2002
In a season finale whose result was inconsequential to Grand Rapids, the Griffins nonetheless earn their third road win in as many cities in as many nights, taking a 5-2 victory over the Manitoba Moose. The Griffins, who finish their first AHL season with a 42-27-11-0 record, stun a record crowd of 13,985 at Winnipeg Arena by denying the Moose an opportunity for a Central Division title and instead sending them to the ninth seed in the Eastern Conference.

April 7, 2001
The Griffins earn their team-record 52nd win and complete their home schedule with an amazing 31-7-3 record thanks to their record eighth shutout, a 6-0 whitewash of the Detroit Vipers. The win puts Grand Rapids 32 games above .500 for the first time ever (52-20-7). Mike Fountain ties a team record with his sixth shutout of the season, while Derek King also matches a franchise mark by recording four assists. The Griffins’ 31 home wins are the most of any pro team.

April 7, 2000
Grand Rapids completes a record seven-game road trip with a 6-1 mark, courtesy of a 5-2 win at Cincinnati that clinches home ice in the Eastern Conference Semifinals.