THIRD PERIOD BLUES

WINNIPEG, Manitoba – The Grand Rapids Griffins suffered their second straight shootout loss to the Moose, falling 4-3 in the decisive six-rounder after Manitoba battled back in the third period from a 3-0 deficit Saturday night at the MTS Centre. The loss marks the first time in franchise history that the Griffins have suffered five straight one-goal losses.

Grand Rapids will now head to Toronto for a battle with the Marlies tomorrow evening at 5 p.m.

The Griffins scored the lone goal of the opening period at 18:04 when Jamie Tardif fired a shot from the right circle with Tony Voce crashing the net to burry the rebound past Julien Ellis.

Grand Rapids jumped to a 3-0 lead during the second frame as Matt Hussey assisted Tardif by sending a pass through the crease where his line mate one timed the puck into the mesh at 1:47. Hussey then scored a goal of his own at 13:48, capitalizing on a wrap around attempt from the right side of the cage off assists from Eric Himelfarb and Jonathan Ericsson.

But the Moose battled back in the third period and tied the game at three goals apiece. Maxime Fortunus got Manitoba on the board at 7:14 with four seconds remaining on their power play by ripping a laser past Jimmy Howard from the hash marks. Shortly after at 8:33, Jason Jaffray cut in close and backhanded the puck into the lower right corner.

The equalizing dagger came at 15:57 when Nathan Smith sent a centering pass from behind the net to Jannik Hansen, who tucked a one timer inside the left pipe.

In the shootout, Brandon Reid scored twice for the Moose while only Tony Voce lit the lamp for the Griffins.

Howard finished the night with 31 saves while Ellis halted 21 at the other end.