Chicago 3, Grand Rapids 2 – The Chicago Wolves eliminated the Central Division champion Grand Rapids Griffins with a 3-2 Game 4 win at Allstate Arena on Thursday night. Noah Philp scored twice, Cayden Primeau made 33 saves, and Justin Robidas notched the game-winner in a dramatic elimination game. The Wolves now advance to the Western Conference Finals against the Colorado Eagles.
Philp, who was held off the scoresheet in the first three games of the series, broke the deadlock with just two minutes left in the second period. He struck again 4:02 into the third, giving Chicago a 2-0 lead and setting the tone for the Wolves’ decisive performance.
Robidas iced the game with his third goal of the series, a power-play tally with 3:56 to play that made it 3-0. The Griffins responded late, with Eduards Tralmaks and Sheldon Dries scoring in the final two minutes to make it interesting. Dries’ goal came with just 14.9 seconds remaining, but it wasn’t enough to force a Game 5.
Primeau was stellar in net, turning aside 33 of 35 shots through regulation. The Griffins had their chances late, but couldn’t erase the deficit. Michal Postava, who started all eight postseason games, made 18 saves but was unable to prevent the Wolves’ elimination.
Chicago dominated the series 3-1, winning Games 1, 2, and 4. The Wolves will now face the Colorado Eagles in the Western Conference Finals. The series opens next Thursday in Loveland, Colo., marking Chicago’s seventh conference finals appearance in franchise history.
The Griffins’ elimination marks only the second time since 1997 that none of the AHL’s four playoff teams are division champions. Chicago’s performance in the playoffs has been relentless, and now they turn their attention to the next round.
Next up: Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals is set for Thursday, June 11, at the Eagles Ice Center in Loveland, Colo. The Wolves look to continue their deep playoff run against a dangerous Colorado squad.
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