Photo by Michael Caples/MiHockey

Griffins complete sweep of Milwaukee, advance to Round 2 of AHL playoffs against Chicago

Photo by Michael Caples/MiHockey


By @MichaelCaples –

Thanks to an overtime game-winner from Kyle Criscuolo in Milwaukee tonight, the Griffins are moving on in the AHL playoffs.

Criscuolo’s goal at the 10:03 mark of the extra period secured a three-game sweep of the Milwaukee Admirals for Grand Rapids, as the Griffins punch their ticket to the conference semifinals in convincing fashion.

The Griffins advance to Round 2 of the Calder Cup playoffs; they’ll be taking on the Chicago Wolves next.

Games 1 and 2 are in Chicago on Wednesday, May 3 and Friday, May 5 (8 p.m. starts for both). The Griffins will host Game 3 on Saturday, May 6 at 7 p.m. and Game 4 on Monday, May 8 at 7 p.m.

Tomas Nosek scored in the second period of the decisive Game 3 tonight in Milwaukee, while Matt Lorito scored the game-tying goal with less than four minutes remaining in regulation to force overtime.

Tyler Bertuzzi and Evgeny Svechnikov tied for the Griffins’ scoring lead in the first round, both recording four points. Fifteen players found the scoresheet during the three-game sweep.

The Griffins’ next opponent, Chicago, was taken to five games by the Charlotte Checkers. The Wolves, AHL affiliate of the St. Louis Blues, won Games 4 and 5 to avoid a first-round upset.

Chicago’s roster features Michigan natives Jared Nightingale, Mackenzie MacEachern, James Wisniewski and C.J. Motte, as well as Michigan alum Scooter Vaughan and former Red Wings forward Landon Ferraro.