TUCSON, Ariz. – Two first period goals from Eric Tangradi set the tone early for the Grand Rapids Griffins as they defeated the Tucson Roadrunners, 4-1, on Saturday night at Tucson Convention Center Arena.
Tonight’s result combined with Milwaukee’s 5-1 loss to the Chicago Wolves clinched a2018 Calder Cup Playoff berth for the Griffins.
Grand Rapids (40-25-1-7) is back in action on Wednesday against the Texas Stars at 8:30 p.m. EDT from the H-E-B Center. Tucson (39-20-5-1) leads the Pacific Division by 38 percentage points.
Tangradi put the Griffins on the board first with a backdoor goal at the 4:05 mark of the first period.