1/31 Griffins @ Peoria Rivermen (4-1 loss)

[TStar]

The Griffins came out of the break the same they went into it with a 4-1 loss at Peoria. The Griffins had no answer for the line of Martin Kariya, Julian Talbot, and Charles Linglet which combined for 3 goals and 9 points. The Rivermen outshot the Griffins 38-31 with both teams scoring once of the PP (Peoria 1/6, Grand Rapids 1/4). Darren McCarty was not in the lineup. Newest Griffin Tyler Redenbach had a quiet debut not even recording a shot on net.

1-18:39 GRA Corazzini (15) from Ericsson PP
2-09:54 MIL Kariya (11) from Talbot and Linglet PP
2-10:27 MIL Wagner (5) from Talbot
3-03:57 MIL Talbot (17) from Kariya and Linglet
3-18:23 MIL Kariya (12) from Linglet
W: Marek Schwarz
L: Jimmy Howard

3 Stars
1. Julian Talbot (Peoria)
2. Martin Kariya (Peoria)
3. Marek Schwarz (Peoria)

Prospect Performance
D Jonathan Ericsson - PPA, 2 shots, 4PIM (slashing, tripping)
RW Randall Gelech - 1 shot
C Darren Helm - 4 shots
G Jimmy Howard - L, 4GA, 34 saves
D Jakub Kindl - -1
C Evan McGrath - -1, 1 shot
C Ryan Oulahen - Nothing of note
D Kyle Quincey - -3, 7 shots
LW Mattias Ritola - -1

[heyfolks]

-3 for Kyle...OUCH

I wonder when the coach will get another "vote of confidence"

[griffs11]

C Ryan Oulahen - Nothing of note

This is a common occurence. I am still trying to understand all the comparissons of him to Matt Ellis.

Career AHL Stats
Games Goals Assists Points
Ellis 282 69 84 153
Oulahen 248 34 42 76

[TStar]

My best guess is leadership. Oulahen certainly isn't in the same picture as Ellis offensively.

[bigalsted]

"This is a common occurance". Hardly, and I'm surprised that Tstar didn't point this out. Also I read where he just played his 200th game so how did you manage to inflate the games played? Basically Oulahen keeps his mouth shut to coaches and management and does his job so he's the perfect candidate to use to fight fires that are created. Cases in point. When Hartigan was called up and Cullen was injured he played center on the 3rd line with wingers such as Keefe, Walsh, Clarke, and Gellich so points were obviously at a premium for that stretch, but the coach entrusted Oulahen to at least make the 3rd line respectable. When Hartigan and Cullen returned Oulahen went up to play left wing on the top 2 lines again until Helm, Tardif, and McGrath went -4 for 2 games, so Oulahen played on the left side with Tardif and McGrath and they stopped being a minus line again. Last night it looked like he was playing right wing of all places with a lot of the new guys.

It's funny how checking rated forwards are expected to score and put up the big numbers. Ellis under Ireland played with top wingers on the top line with plenty of power play time and maybe 25 to 30 minutes of ice time a night.

The last time I checked Oulahen was one of only 2 or 3 forwards on the team that is a plus rated player.

So he gets 20 to 25 minutes of ice time a night because the coach trusts his attitude, effort, and defensive positioning. But he doesn't get the Ellis type of offensive ice time. This is a completely different type of team that is very young up front.

So basically Oulahen wears the "C" because he does his job and keeps his mouth shut to coaches and management and isn't into his own stats and production like so many young players that were drafted for their scoring production are. By the way the coach trusts Oulahen to play all 3 forward positions which can't be said about a lot of players at this level.

[bigalsted]

Just one more point. Wasn't Ellis like 24, 25, 26 when he did most of his scoring for the Griffins? I think if you check he'll be 27 this year. What's Oulahen 22? Yah Tstar was right I guess it's all about leadership and having your head screwed on right. By the way Oulahen's production for an offensively challenged team isn't all that bad I don't think since he really doesn't get the so called scoring icetime.

[Griffan]

Bigalsted, you hit the nail right on the head.

Oulahen does so much that goes unnoticed. He's the guy who gets shifted around a lot. His versatility is what makes him valuable. He's willing to do whatever the coaches ask him to do even if it doesn't give him the notoriety. As a result he is playing in just about any situation you can imagine. He's here to learn ... and he is learning. The offense will come but his strength lies in his defensive abilities. I've watched him since his rookie season and he has improved each year.

Ryan is one of the few Griffins who I can honestly say has given it his all every time he's been on the ice this season.

Brian

[heyfolks]

Glad to see another insider on griff hockey on the board. welcome bigalsted.

[griffs11]

As far as games played, it is correct that I mistakenly added this season a 2nd time and thus am about 50 games over as well as added in the extra goals and assists from this season.

Correct totals are.

Games Goals Assists Pts
203 27 34 61


The points that 16 and 23 have completly different linemates/roles are exactly the point I was making. Everytime Oulahen is brought up it is said "he is another Matt Ellis" and I was pointing out that thus far they are compeletly different players with different roles. Oulahen is a much better skater while Ellis is stronger with a more physical presence around the boards and in front of the net. Ellis even when not scoring was a noticeable presence on the ice while Oulahen quitely does his job without notice.

I think Oulahen projects better in the NHL because of his skating but must pick up his hitting and be a more noticable presence on the ice.

[Resmo112]

what's jimmy gonna do when he gets up to detroit and isn't facing 34 shots a night?