Last night, the Grand Rapids Griffins defeated the Chicago Wolves by a score of 5-2, effectively eliminating the Wolves from the Calder Cup playoffs in 5 games.

The race for the Central Division title came right down the wire. It was the last game of the season and the Division Title was either going to the Griffins or the Wolves. Ultimately, it went to the Wolves, so the Griffins had a chance with these series to prove themselves against a Division Title Champion that they felt should have been them. It only took the Griffins five games to do so.

Game 1 was taken by a score of 4-1. Tyler Bertuzzi, Martin Frk, and Nathan Paetsch all had a two-point night. The Wolves stormed back in game 2, winning 7-3 and tying the series at one. In game 3, the Griffins won 4-2, led by Joe Hicketts who registered two points. Game 4 was a thriller as Mitch Callahan scored a hat trick and Evgeny Svechnikov and Eric Tangradi both put up three assists to lead the Griffins to a 6-3 victory. Finally, after a five day break, Tyler Bertuzzi scored two goals in game 5 leading the Griffins to a series victory.

The Wolves spent a lot of time in the box during the series, but a few notable performances by the Griffins have really been driving them forward. Through eight playoff games, Tyler Bertuzzi has ten points (5 G, 5 A), Evgeny Svechnikov has nine points (3G, 6A), and Mitch Callahan has eight points (3G, 5A). Bertuzzi is actually ranked second in Calder Cup Playoffs scoring with his ten points. These three players are expected to challenge for a spot on the Red Wings next season, so seeing this production from them in a playoff situation is a very positive sign.

Next up for the Griffins is the San Jose Barracuda who set aside the San Diego Gulls in five games last night. The Griffins were 0-2 vs the Barracuda in the regular season. The Barracuda finished top of the Pacific Division with 95 points.

The series gets underway in San Jose on Saturday, May 20. Here’s the schedule:

The Griffins are one step closer to the Calder Cup.