WILD GROUNDS GRIFFINS WITH 3-1 VICTORY
Mar 8, 2014WILD GROUNDS GRIFFINS WITH 3-1 VICTORY
Iowa Ends Six-Game Losing Skid With Road Win Over the Defending Champs
Grand Rapids, MI – The Iowa Wild (23-25-6-4, 56 points) defeated the Grand Rapids Griffins (37-18-2-3, 79 points) 3-1 in front of 10,834 fans at Van Andel Arena on Saturday night. Forward Marc Hagel scored 32 seconds into the third period, breaking a 1-1 tie, as Iowa held on for two-goal victory behind 28 saves from goalie Johan Gustafsson (9-13-2). Veteran forwards Brad Winchester and Warren Peters also scored, helping the Wild end its six-game losing skid. Defenseman Jonathon Blum and Captain Jake Dowell each had two assists, as Iowa improved to 13-10-3-3 on the road. Grand Rapids goalie Tom McCollum (19-11-2) made 26 saves in defeat, ending the club’s winning streak at seven games. The Wild concludes a five-game road trip in Milwaukee on Wednesday, Mar. 12 at 7 P.M.
For the first time in seven games, the Wild opened the scoring at 4:45 of the first period. Defenseman Jonathon Blum held the puck in the offensive zone at the right point. Blum fired a shot to the Griffins net and forward Brad Winchester tipped the puck past goalie Tom McCollum. Winchester gave Iowa a 1-0 lead with his first goal since joining the club, his 17th tally this season. The Griffins used their power play to tie the game late in the first period at 17:08. With a 3-on-2 rush, defenseman Adam Almquist found Teemu Pulkkinen inside the blueline on the right wing. The Griffins forward blasted a slapshot past Johan Gustafsson for his team-leading 26th goal of the year. Forward Mitch Callahan added an assist, as Grand Rapids tied the game 1-1.
After a scoreless second period, Iowa moved in front 2-1 merely 32 seconds into the final frame. Blum picked up the pick in the corner of the Griffins zone. The Wild defenseman feathered a pass to the backdoor for Marc Hagel. The Iowa forward ripped a one-timer into the back of the Grand Rapids net for his seventh goal of the year and Iowa’s second lead of the night. Captain Jake Dowell was credited with the second assist on the play. Grand Rapids pulled the goalie for the extra skater in the last minute and Iowa cashed in for the game’s final goal. Center Warren Peters buried an empty-net goal from Dowell at 19:51 for the 3-1 final score.
The team concludes a five-game road trip in Milwaukee this Wednesday at 7 P.M. prior to returning home on Sunday, Mar. 16 at 5:05 p.m. to host San Antonio. Fans may purchase the Subway Family Four Pack for Sunday’s game, which includes: four hot dogs, four sodas and four tickets, starting at $44. Sunday’s game marks the beginning of a six-game homestand. The team also welcomes Texas, Grand Rapids and Charlotte over the home stretch. Sunday’s game begins a six-game homestand, which includes visits from Texas (3/19), Grand Rapids (3/21 and 3/22), as well as Charlotte (3/25 and 3/26).
Fans may purchase single game tickets multiple ways, either through the team's website – www.Iowawild.com, Wells Fargo Arena box office or Dahl's Ticketing. Tickets are available online at www.iowawild.com under the single game tickets tab. Fans may also purchase tickets by calling 1-866-55-DAHLS (32457) or by visiting one of 13 Dahl's Food Stores locations in the greater Des Moines area, and in Ames. In order to purchase group tickets (10 or more), please call the Iowa Wild ticketing department at 515-564-8700. Fans interested in buying full season, or smaller season packages may call the Iowa Wild front office at 515-564-8700.
The Iowa Wild regular season is presented by Mercy Medical Center. Season tickets to see the Wild play at Wells Fargo Arena start at just $9 per game. For more information on tickets, please contact the Wild ticket office by calling 515-564-8700 or go to www.iowawild.com.
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