Griffins Rally With Three Third-Period Goals to Beat Wolves 4-2

A late third-period surge turned a 2-1 deficit into a 4-2 victory for the Grand Rapids Griffins over the Chicago Wolves at Van Andel Arena. Trailing after two periods, Grand Rapids scored three times in the final 13 minutes to secure the comeback and hand Chicago a tough road loss.

Center Cole Raymond erased the Wolves' lead with a power-play goal at 6:14 of the third period to make it 2-2. Rookie right wing Tanner Blake put the Griffins ahead 4:08 later with a backhand from the slot that found the net through traffic. Veteran defenseman Mason Keeler sealed the outcome with an empty-net goal with 43 seconds remaining, bringing the final to Griffins 4, Wolves 2.

Grand Rapids starter Ryan Walsh made 28 saves and was steady when it mattered most, earning one of the game's three stars. Chicago starter Ian Mercer stopped 26 shots in a solid outing, while Wolves forward Samir Holtz chipped in two assists, the most on his side. The Wolves carried a 2-1 lead into the third but could not withstand the Griffins' late pressure or the power-play strike that swung momentum.

The scoring sequence underscored both special-teams impact and the blend of youth and experience driving the Griffins. Raymond's power-play marker showcased Grand Rapids' ability to convert on man-advantage chances at a critical moment, while Blake's game-winning backhand highlighted the rapid development of a rookie forward stepping into higher-pressure roles. Keeler's empty-netter reflected veteran poise in closing shifts and protecting narrow leads.

From an organizational standpoint, performances like Blake's and Raymond's are the kind of in-season progress that AHL affiliates aim to cultivate. Walsh's 28-save performance reinforces the depth in goal that Grand Rapids can lean on as the long season develops. For the Wolves, Holtz's two assists were bright spots, but Chicago will need to tighten late-game defensive coverage and special-teams play after surrendering three third-period goals.

The win delivers momentum to Grand Rapids and will resonate with fans at Van Andel Arena who saw a comeback built on timely scoring, disciplined goaltending, and veteran finishing. As the AHL grind continues, the Griffins will look to build on this resilience while the Wolves regroup and address breakdowns that allowed a one-goal game to become a two-goal defeat.