SUCCESS STEMS FROM EAST

PHILADELPHIA – The Grand Rapids Griffins continued their season-high winning streak by adding a fifth straight victory Monday night in a 3-2 decision over the Philadelphia Phantoms at the Wachovia Spectrum.

After completing their east coast swing with a perfect 3-0-0-0 record, the Griffins will return home Wednesday night to host the Peoria Rivermen at 7 p.m.

Following a scoreless first period the Griffins powered their way to a 3-0 lead during the middle frame. Ryan Keller opened the scoring at 8:42, tapping a rebound past Scott Munroe from Danny Syvret’s shot. Kip Miller also picked up an assist on the play, adding to his four-game point streak and matching his season-high five-game mark.

The Grand Rapids power play then took over and notched two goals with the man advantage. Matt Ellis crashed the net and was denied of his efforts, but Jonathan Ericsson pounded the blocked shot over the line from the goal mouth at 12:36.

The third Griffins’ tally came during the final minute of the period when Syvret recorded his second assist on blast from the right point that Darryl Bootland tipped into the top corner.

The Phantoms got on the board at 3:14 of the third period by capitalizing on a Grand Rapids turnover. Boyd Kane picked Derek Meech’s pocket and flew up the side boards before feeding the puck to Niko Dimitrakos between the circles for a one-timer that soared by Stefan Liv.

Philadelphia put on the pressure in the waning moments of the contest with an empty net and managed to score at 19:18 as a skirmish in the slot resulted in Darren Reid sending the puck into the net. But the Griffins defense led by Dan Smith, who was appearing in his 600th professional game, stood strong for the rest of the way ensuring the 3-2 victory.

Liv extended his season-high winning streak to four games with a 27 save performance while at the other end Munroe managed 28.