Grand Rapids Griffins vs Cleveland Monsters
Friday, January 12th, 2018; 7 pm est
and
Saturday, January 13th, 2018; 7 pm est
Van Andel Arena, Grand Rapids, Michigan
Radio: 99x(99.1); 99x Online
Twitter: @griffinshockey , @Monstershockey
Cleveland Monsters; 10-18-3-3, 26 points, .382 win%, 7th Central, 15th West
vs
Grand Rapids Griffins; 18-16-1-4, 41 points, .526 win%, 6th Central, 13th West
The Cleveland Monsters are looking to end their seven-game road trip on a high note by sweeping the weekend series against the Grand Rapids Griffins.
As of late, the Griffins have been hot winning eight of their last 10 games. While the Monsters have won two of their last ten games. January 2nd was the last time the Monsters ended a game with a “W”.
The Monsters and Griffins are hanging out at the bottom of the division. Walking away with two wins is important for both teams. At first glance, it appears the Griffins are leaps and bounds ahead of the Monsters. The Monsters 26 points and .382 win% compared to the Griffins’ 41 points and .526 win% looks bad.
If you factor in games played, you’ll see the Monsters can move out of last place and up the leaderboard by the time January comes to a close. Dropping both games this weekend will drop the Griffins down to .500. While winning both games will bump the Monsters to .417. Two wins for the Monsters will start to close the gap.
It’s always intense when Grand Rapids and Cleveland play each other. Imagine adding the desire to stay out of last place with wanting to stay as far away from last place as possible. Keep in mind, the Monsters and Griffins are the past two Calder Cup winners. They both have a lot to prove this season.
Be prepared for a rough and tough game. I’m talking old time hockey style.
Yesterday, the Monsters signed defender Garrett Cockerill of the Kalamazoo Wings to a 25-game PTO. This is a smart move on their part. With Brady Austin likely out for the weekend due to an injury, Monsters are short on the defensive side of things. Cockerill is a playing for a Michigan team. So, it’s an easy fix to get the Monsters through the rest of the road trip.
Look for Cockerill to crack the lineup tonight.
Zac Dalpe and Dean Kukan were sent back to the Monsters today. Dalpe will likely center the Broadhurst brothers on the starting line.
It will be nice to have Kukan back on the power play. His speed and accuracy have been missed.
Season Series
12/29/2017 – Monsters (2) at Griffins (5) – preview – recap
12/30/2017 – Griffins (5) at Monsters (3) – preview – recap
1/12/2018
1/13/2018
2/1/2018
2/2/2018
2/4/2018
4/14/2018
Stats Matchup
On This Date
January 12th
Out of the five games the Monsters have played on January 12th, they have walked away with only one win. Every game was played on the road.
The highest all-time scorer on this date is T.J. Hensick with five points (1g, 4a). Two points were tallied while playing for the Monsters. Three were earned while playing against the Monsters.
January 13th
The Monsters have a record of 1-1-0-1 on January 13th. Like January 12th, they have yet to play a home game on this date.
Brian Willsie is the leading all-time scorer on this date with three points.