Griffins Unbeaten in Regulation
The Grand Rapids Griffins have made one clear statement this fall: they will not lose in regulation. Through the club’s first 12 outings the Griffins sit with an eye-popping record (11-0-0-1), making them the last professional team across North American leagues without a regulation defeat — a run driven by balanced scoring, timely special teams and stingy goaltending.
Offense has led the way. John Leonard has been a catalyst, piling up goals and points while Amadeus Lombardi and several veterans create secondary scoring and playmaking behind him. Grand Rapids ranks among the AHL leaders in goals per game and has produced one of the best power plays in the circuit — numbers that have translated to consistent margins on the scoreboard.
But hot scoring only tells part of the story. The Griffins’ defensive structure and goaltending depth have kept opponents off the board at crucial moments. Sebastian Cossa’s return and the work of the club’s tandem have produced a sub-2.00 goals-against average for the leaders and an overall penalty kill that’s been elite — the kind of complementary play that turns good streaks into historic ones.
Those results haven’t gone unnoticed in the AHL narrative: Grand Rapids’ start has already eclipsed long-standing early-season marks and sits as one of the best openers in franchise history. The team’s ability to win both at home and on the road — including perfect road outings early on — shows the depth and composure of a group that looks built to sustain success.
The test won’t stop. The Griffins return to Van Andel Arena for back-to-back matchups against the Charlotte Checkers this weekend, where fans will get a closer look at whether Grand Rapids can keep the momentum and fend off the rush of teams trying to slow them down. For now, the message is simple: when the final buzzer fades, the Griffins have rarely left the ice staring at a regulation loss.