PERFECT POGGE

TORONTO – Justin Pogge was perfect in the Toronto Marlies’ crease, posting 31 saves and handing the Grand Rapids Griffins a 2-0 loss Thursday night at the Ricoh Coliseum.

The loss to the North Division leaders marked just the Griffins’ fourth regulation defeat in their last 13 contests, and the first time this season they were shutout. The last time Grand Rapids was held scoreless came nearly one year ago on Jan. 12, 2007 against the Omaha Ak-Sar-Ben Knights.

The Marlies notched their first lamp-lighter at 9:45 of the opening period when Jay Harrison launched a 50-footer during a power play that soared past Jimmy Howard.

Grand Rapids out-shot Toronto 26-11 through the final two periods, but the home team extended their lead at 5:37 of the second on a tick-tack-toe play. From along the right boards, John Mitchell fed a pass to Colin Murphy in the near circle, who skated in and backhanded the puck to David Ling on the doorstep to pound a shot into the goal.

Midway through the final stanza, Howard prevented the Marlies from taking a three-goal lead with a star-studded save on Kris Newbury, sliding from right to left in his crease while stacking his pads and gloving the puck in windmill fashion. The save was one of 22 on the night for Howard.

The Griffins’ power play, which has struggled of late, failed to convert on seven opportunities and has now been held scoreless in 26-straight chances.

Grand Rapids will return home Saturday night to take on the Milwaukee Admirals at 7 p.m.