Wolves Blank Griffins to Claim Central Division

Nicolas Carrillo/Griffins [From the Griffins]

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – One night after registering their first shutout of the season, the Grand Rapids Griffins suffered their first blanking on Wednesday in a 7-0 loss to the Chicago Wolves at Van Andel Arena.

Chicago only led 2-0 through 39 minutes and 57 seconds of play before a late second-period tally opened the door to a four-goal third for the Wolves, who used a hat trick by David Cotton and 35 saves by rookie Beck Warm to clinch the Central Division crown.

The visitors drew first blood 12:17 into the contest when Sean Malone roofed a backhand over Calvin Pickard at the right post, then Cotton made it 2-0 during a power play at 13:33 by…