The Grand Rapids Griffins are one step closer to advancing in the playoffs, thanks to a stellar performance from goaltender Michal Postava. On Wednesday night at Van Andel Arena, Postava turned aside 15 of 17 shots to lead the Griffins to a 4-2 victory over the Manitoba Moose, giving Grand Rapids a 2-1 lead in the best-of-five Central Division semifinal series.
Postava, who has been starting over first-round draft pick Sebastian Cossa, has been nothing short of sensational in the postseason. Through three games, he has allowed just three goals, boasting a microscopic 1.01 goals-against average and a .957 save percentage. His steady play between the pipes has been a key factor in the Griffins' playoff push.
Carter Mazur, a Jackson native, earned first-star honors after lighting the lamp twice, while Erik Gustafsson added a goal and an assist to claim second-star recognition. The Griffins now have a chance to close out the series on home ice in Game 4, scheduled for Friday night. If necessary, a decisive Game 5 would take place Saturday at Van Andel Arena.
The winner of this series will move on to face the Chicago Wolves, who punched their ticket by defeating the Texas Stars in a thrilling Game 5 victory.
In other hockey news, the Western Hockey League Prospects Draft saw a familiar name go off the board early. Center Max Osgood, a Plymouth native and the son of three-time Stanley Cup champion Chris Osgood, was selected in the first round, 21st overall, by the Medicine Hat Tigers. The young forward put up impressive numbers this season with the Detroit Little Caesars U14s, tallying 15 goals and 28 assists for 43 points in just 20 games.
Meanwhile, the NHL announced the three finalists for the Frank J. Selke Trophy, awarded annually to the forward who best excels in defensive aspects of the game. Montreal Canadiens captain Nick Suzuki, Colorado Avalanche center Brock Nelson, and Tampa Bay Lightning center Anthony Cirelli are all in the running for the prestigious honor, as voted on by the Professional Hockey Writers Association. The winner will be announced at a later date.
Suzuki, 26, had a career year, leading the Canadiens with 29 goals and setting new personal bests with 72 assists and 101 points, all while posting a plus-37 rating in 82 games. If he wins, he would be the first Montreal player to claim the Selke since Hockey Hall of Famer Guy Carbonneau in 1991-92. Nelson, 34, recorded 65 points (33 goals, 32 assists) and a plus-15 rating in 81 games for the Presidents' Trophy-winning Avalanche. Cirelli, 28, is a finalist for the second straight year after finishing third in voting last season; he totaled 52 points (23 goals, 29 assists) this campaign.