Griffins Earn Sam Pollock Trophy for First Time Since 2005-06

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - The Grand Rapids Griffins secured their eighth division title and earned the Sam Pollock Trophy on Thursday night with a 5-2 victory over the Cleveland Monsters at Rocket Arena, clinching the AHL Central Division crown for the first time since 2002-03.

This marks the Griffins' second-earliest title-clinching in franchise history, trailing only the 2002-03 season when they won the Central Division title on March 9. The Griffins (45-13-4-1, 95 points) currently hold a 10-point cushion over the Ontario Reign for the Western Conference title and sit two points behind the Providence Bruins in the race for the Macgregor Kilpatrick Trophy, awarded to the AHL's regular-season champions.

Carter Gylander's Heroics Spark Historic Run

Goaltender Carter Gylander made 28 saves to spark the Griffins to victory, improving his record to 7-0-1. Gylander was recalled from the ECHL's Toledo Walleye earlier in the day to replace Michal Postava, who the Detroit Red Wings recalled due to goaltender Cam Talbot's injury.

Gylander posted a career-high six-game win streak with Grand Rapids since November 12, showing a 1.32 goals-against average and a .953 save percentage during that stretch. He collected his first AHL shutout on December 21 against the Cleveland Monsters behind 22 saves and currently sits on a seven-game AHL winning streak.

The 24-year-old was the 191st overall pick by Detroit in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft and has been instrumental in the Griffins' historic playoff run under head coach Dan Watson.

Mazur Delivers Twice in Late Period Scramble

Carter Mazur scored twice in the game, giving him 11 goals and 15 points in 14 AHL games this season. His second goal came with just one second remaining in the second period in a wild scramble in front of Monsters goalie Ivan Fedotov, a goal so late that referees conducted a video review to confirm time had not expired.

Eduards Tralmaks scored his 21st goal of the season, while Wojciech Stachowiak, recently acquired in a trade, registered a goal and two assists for his first Griffins points. Defenseman Shai Buium also added a goal to the Griffins' offensive production.

Griffins Dominance in Second Period

After falling behind 2-1 on a 5-on-3 power play goal by Luca Marrelli, the Griffins responded with four consecutive goals to cruise to victory. The late second-period goal by Mazur proved crucial as it tied the game less than 11 seconds after the Monsters' power play ended.

Head coach Trent Vogelhuber, speaking from the Monsters' perspective, called the late goal "unacceptable" and noted that mental lapses on power plays have been costing his team dearly. "We're getting in our own way and handing out goals," Vogelhuber said. "You can't do that ever, but especially at this time of the year."

Playoff Push Underway

The Griffins have secured their postseason berth for the third straight season, having clinched their spot on February 27. Head coach Dan Watson has never missed the postseason as a pro head coach and has led the Griffins to their 20th playoff appearance in 30 seasons.

Grand Rapids, which has won two Calder Cups (2017, 2013), holds an 86-71 (.548) all-time record during the AHL's postseason. Seeding, matchup and dates for the Griffins' playoff run will be determined in the coming months as the AHL regular season concludes on Sunday, April 19.

Elite Goaltending Duo

In net, former Red Wings first-round pick Sebastian Cossa and rookie Michal Postava have formed one of the best duos in the AHL. Cossa has led the way with a 24-7-4 record in 35 games with a career-high five shutouts, a 2.25 goals-against average and a .918 save percentage.

Postava has shown a 13-6-0 record in 21 outings with two shutouts, a 1.86 GAA and a .932 save percentage. The Griffins will have nine games remaining in the regular season, with six of those nine games on the road and eight against Central Division foes.

Scoring Leaders

The Griffins are led in scoring by John Leonard (30-16-46 in 39 GP), who reached last year's Calder Cup Finals with the Charlotte Checkers. Sheldon Dries (20-18-38 in 49 GP), captain Dominik Shine (21-16-37 in 38 GP) and rookie Michael Brandsegg-Nygard (16-21-37 in 52 GP) round out the top four scorers.

The Griffins will play their finale on April 19 at the Cleveland Monsters, with playoff ticket packages and single-game tickets going on sale at a later date.