Photo by Michael Miller/MiHockey

Griffins set new franchise record with 12th straight win

Photo by Michael Miller/MiHockey
Photo by Michael Miller/MiHockey

 

By @MichaelCaples –

With a 3-2 victory over the Lake Erie Monsters on Wednesday night, the Grand Rapids Griffins established a new franchise record.

After a rough start to the 2015-16 season – the Griffins had only two wins in their first 11 contests – Grand Rapids picked up a win on Nov. 18 and they haven’t lost since. Wednesday’s victory marked their 12th straight, which establishes a new Griffins record for consecutive wins.

Anthony Mantha scored two second-period goals, while Jared Coreau turned aside 47 shots in the historic win in Cleveland for the Griffins.

Grand Rapids is now fifth in the AHL’s Western Conference, as the team has surged through the latter half of November and first half of December.

New coach Todd Nelson – responsible with the task of taking over for Jeff Blashill – is now 14-8-0-1 with his new club.

Newcomer Eric Tangradi currently leads the Griffins in scoring, having racked up 21 points in 22 games. Michigan native Andy Miele is three points back, having registered four goals and 14 points in 23 games.

Meanwhile, top prospects Anthony Mantha and Andreas Athanasiou check in at the No. 3 and 4 spots, respectively, for Griffins points leaders. Mantha, limited to 18 games due to a concussion, have five goals and 10 assists in 18 games. Athanasiou, who has already spent time in Detroit, has seven goals and seven assists in 17 games.

Free-agent acquisition Robbie Russo – a NTDP and Notre Dame alum – leads the team with a +13 rating.