GRAND RAPIDS – The Midwest Division-leading Grand Rapids Griffins (37-17-6-2) extended their point streak to 18 with a 3-1 win over the IceHogs on Saturday night in front a sellout crowd of nearly 11,000 at Van Andel Arena.
Playoff level hockey and checking from both sides kept the game exciting yet scoreless until 14:09 in the second when Rockford’s rookie Matt Carey sent a long rocket past defenders and McCollum to score (0-1). 
A one-timer from Ryan Sproul would even up the score (1-1) in the same period at 17:41 on a 5-on-3 power play for the Griffins.
Kevin Porter would bring the crowd to their feet with his mighty effort chasing the puck down and slipping it in for the goal with Rockford’s Ville Pokka on his heels (2-1).
With just over 5 minutes left in regulation Jeff Hoggan would seal the win with his 10th goal of the season (3-1).
Griffins goaltender Tom McCollum would continue his own point streak to 11, having not lost in regulation since Dec. 13. He would also tie Jimmy Howard playing his 186th regular season game (both 2nd behind Joey MacDonald’s 210 games). His 3rd assist of the season on Porter’s goal would be the most since Howard in 2005-2006.
Griffins head coach Jeff Blashill has taken notice of McCollum’s performance too. “He has been great, playing consistently, making all the saves he should have, doesn’t let the easy ones in and grabbing a lot of pucks in his glove.”
The Griffins next game will be hosting Milwaukee, 7 p.m. Friday, March 20 at Van Andel. The IceHogs take on the Chicago Wolves at 3 p.m. in Rosemont on Sunday.
Stars of the Game: Tom McCollum (GRG), Kevin Porter (GRG), Nick Jensen (GRG)
Game report by Jill.Rothwell@prohockeynews.com
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