SHUTOUT SHOCK
GRAND RAPIDS GRIFFINS 0 at Charlotte Checkers 1
Jan. 16, 2013
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The Grand Rapids Griffins remain winless against the Charlotte Checkers, as they fell to the Western Conference leader 1-0 at Time Warner Cable Arena Wednesday.
Despite having nine players recalled to Carolina from Charlotte earlier this week, the Checkers defeated Grand Rapids for the second time this season. The Griffins recorded 28 shots on goal while holding the Checkers to 16, but were unable to overcome the one-goal deficit. With the loss, the Griffins fall to 0-3 all time at Time Warner Cable Arena, in addition to sitting winless in six total meetings with the Checkers.
Charlotte (24-11-2-3) broke the scoreless tie at 9:26 of the first period. Luke Pither snapped a wrist shot from just below the top of the left wing circle past the catching glove of Petr Mrazek. The defenseman scored the lone goal of the evening during his first game in a Checkers uniform after being recalled from the ECHL this week.
The Griffins (21-12-2-2) held the Checkers to seven shots on goal while tallying 14 of their own in the first period. But Charlotte responded in the second, limiting the Griffins to just five shots to the Checkers’ six in a scoreless period.
The Griffins had an opportunity to tie the game late in the final period, as they pulled Mrazek from the goal and used a power play to create a six-on-four advantage. The effort fell short of giving Grand Rapids their first victory in Charlotte’s arena, though.
Mrazek recorded 16 saves during the game while Peters earned the victory with 28 saves. The shutout was Peters’ fifth of the season.
The Griffins will have another chance to break their winless streak against the Checkers tomorrow, as they stay in Charlotte for a rematch at 7:00 p.m. Thursday night.
Three Stars: 1. CHA Justin Peters (shutout); 2. CHA Luke Pither (goal); 3. GR Petr Mrazek (16 saves)
Griffins Game Rewind
Video Highlights WOOD Radio Highlights: Pither Goal Flickr Photo Gallery Official Game Report