GRIFFINS FALL TO STARS 3-2 IN OVERTIME

DEC 22, 2024 – The Grand Rapids Griffins earned a point but fell to the Texas Stars 3-2 in overtime on Sunday at Van Andel Arena, conceding a power-play game-winner. The loss extends the Griffins’ skid to three games, marking their longest losing streak of the season.

FAST START BUT TOUGH FINISH

Grand Rapids struck early, with Dominik Shine breaking loose just 3:27 into the contest and netting an unassisted goal. The momentum continued as Elmer Soderblom found the back of the net at 8:28, sniping a shot from the right circle off assists from Shai Buium and Brogan Rafferty. The Griffins capitalized on their first two shots, heading into the first intermission with a 2-0 lead.

The Stars responded late in the second period, with Justin Hryckowian cutting the deficit to 2-1 at 16:26. Both teams successfully killed penalties in the frame, and Grand Rapids maintained their narrow advantage heading into the final period.

Grand Rapids controlled play early in the third, outshooting Texas 8-3, but Hryckowian struck again at 18:36, tying the game at two. A late Griffins penalty left them shorthanded for the final 1:18 of regulation, but they held firm to force overtime.

Texas capitalized on their man advantage in the extra frame, as Arttu Hyry buried the game-winner at 1:28, sealing the Stars’ 3-2 comeback victory.

CLEANUP ON DEFENSE & GOALTENDING

Goaltender Sebastian Cossa made 27 saves, maintaining a .919 save percentage and a 2.31 goals-against average, bringing his record to 10-5-3. On the other end, Texas’ Magnus Hellberg turned away 27 shots to secure his 12th win of the season.