Rocco Grimaldi scored an overtime winner to lead the Milwaukee Admirals to a 2-1 win over the Grand Rapids Griffins Wednesday at Van Andel Arena.
It was Milwaukee’s second win in a row. The victory moved the Admirals into 5th place in the Central Division. Milwaukee has a .481 winning percentage to the Griffins .478. The Admirals are 7-2-1-0 in December.
With Grand Rapids defenseman Ryan Murphy in the penalty box, Grimaldi ripped a shot from the slot past the glove of Griffins goaltender Calvin Pickard for his 10th goal of the season (second on the power play) at 2:03 of overtime. Cole Schneider and Matt Donovan assisted.
Grimaldi’s goal came after the Ads killed a late-third period penalty with goalie Devin Cooley making several huge saves. Cooley finished with 38 stops in goal for the Ads.
Grand Rapids scored the first goal of the game at 13:05 of the second period. Milwaukee was unable to clear its zone and the puck came to the front of the goal. Kyle Criscuolo slid a pass to the left post for Turner Elson and Elson’s shot found the back of the cage for his ninth goal of the season.
Milwaukee tied the game when Egor Afanasyev batted a rebound into the goal, while on the power play, at 7:48 of the third period. Cole Smith and Donovan recorded the helpers.
The Admirals return home Thurs., Dec. 30 to host the Rockford IceHogs at UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena.
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