GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Behind a trio of goals from their AHL-leading power play unit, the Grand Rapids Griffins handed Eastern Conference titan Toronto just its second regulation loss of the season on Friday, a 4-1 decision that spoiled the Marlies’ first visit to Van Andel Arena in nearly four years.
After spotting Toronto an early goal, the Griffins scored on half of their six opportunities with the man-advantage to snap a four-game winless streak (0-3-1-0). Calvin Pickard finished with 23 saves against his former team and stopped the last 21 shots he faced to backstop Grand Rapids’ first victory over the Marlies since April 4, 2015, breaking a four-game series skid.