On April 2, 2025,
AHL enthusiasts will be treated to a riveting encounter between the
Grand Rapids Griffins and the
Chicago Wolves. Both teams are looking to make a significant impact in this matchup, with the Wolves holding a slight edge historically, having won 52 of their past 99 clashes against the Griffins.
Roster Rundown
Grand Rapids Griffins are counting on a few key players to deliver. Forward Taro Hirose is crucial, boasting 45 points this season, including 25 assists. He’s a playmaker, no doubt. Then there’s Jonatan Berggren, who’s chipped in with 38 points, featuring a solid 18 goals. Defenseman Simon Edvinsson, with a plus-minus of +10, anchors the back-end. Let’s not forget the netminder, Sebastian Cossa, who’s posted a respectable .912 save percentage. But, they’re missing two crucial players: Donovan Sebrango and Albert Johansson, both sidelined with injuries. That’ll sting.
Over in Chicago, the Wolves are leaning heavily on Jamieson Rees, who’s racked up 50 points, with 22 goals and 28 assists. He’s their offensive engine. Meanwhile, Vasili Ponomarev is hot with 41 points, including a knack for timely goals—19 of ’em. On defense, Max Lajoie stands out, tallying 30 assists. Goalie Pyotr Kochetkov, holding a .918 save percentage, is their last line of defense. Absent, though, are key players Josh Melnick and Jesper Sellgren, both out due to injuries.
Head-to-Head
Their head-to-head record is pretty close, with the Wolves leading slightly. In their last meeting,
Grand Rapids Griffins 2-3
Chicago Wolves, it was a nail-biter. These two always give us something to talk about.
Recent Form
Grand Rapids Griffins have struggled lately, losing three of their last five. They fell to Texas Stars 0-4, and twice to the Rockford Icehogs, 1-2 and 1-4. They did manage wins against the Rockford Icehogs, 3-1, and the Milwaukee Admirals, 3-2. It's been a mixed bag.
Chicago Wolves are in a similar boat, losing three of their last five. They suffered defeat at the hands of Coachella Valley Firebirds twice, 0-4 and 2-3, and a 2-5 loss to Texas Stars. But they pulled off victories against Iowa Wild, 4-3, and Rockford Icehogs, 5-4.
Wrap-Up
So, what’s it gonna be? Both teams are stumbling into this match with recent losses, but they’ve got talent that can change the course of a game. Grand Rapids, with their playmakers like Hirose and Berggren, will need to capitalize on every chance, especially with absentees hurting their depth. Chicago, with Rees leading the charge, will aim to exploit the Griffins’ recent defensive lapses. It's anyone’s game, really.
Summary
Given the recent performances and rosters, this matchup is poised to be tight. Wolves might have the historical edge, but Griffins have shown they can turn the tide, especially if their top guns fire. It’s all about who shows up on the day, and with both teams desperate for a win, expect a gritty contest. A slight nod to Chicago’s depth, but don’t count out the Griffins’ tenacity.
Match Odds Grand Rapids Griffins – Chicago Wolves
Leon's odds are 5.5 on Grand Rapids Griffins winning on their territory.
At this moment our odds are equal to 6 on Chicago Wolves visiting team's winning.
Draw odds are 1.36.
