After defeating the Griffins 4-0 in the first game of the best-of-five playoff series, the Stars had to wait six days to play game two due to scheduling conflicts at Van Andel Arena. The wait was well worth it, as the visitors showed very little rust and dispatched the home team 4-2, taking a commanding 2-0 series lead.
Remi Poirier (17 saves), newly-minted AHL Rookie of the Year Justin Hryckowian (1G, 1A) and the Stars took both games in Grand Rapids and are one victory shy of advancing in the Calder Cup Playoffs.
After losing game one, the Griffins were intent on playing a physical brand of hockey to start the first period.