Gameday Preview: Texas Stars at Grand Rapids Griffins

Texas Stars 34-23-7-3, 78 pts, 0.582 #4 Pacific Division

at

Grand Rapids Griffins 36-24-1-7, 80 pts, 0.588 #3 Central Division

March 28th at 6:00 PM

Van Andel Arena, Grand Rapids, MI

The last time these two clubs matched up, Grand Rapids was not doing so hot. At two games below .500, they were out of the playoff picture and it didn't look promising for them to recover. However, several lengthy win streaks have helped them compile a 28-14-1-4 record since playing Texas. They're firmly in playoff position and are riding a four-game point streak coming into tonight's game against the Stars.

(Credit: Texas Stars)

Texas is in a playoff spot today, and it looks like their chances are getting better each day. This midwest roadtrip will be crucial to locking this down. They'll have some new helping hands to get them there in tonight's game. In addition to ATO Robbie Payne, who has not yet played a game, Texas signed Joel L'Esperance to a tryout yesterday. L'Esperance played at Michigan Tech for the last four years, notching 98 points in 152 games. He's a Michigan native and spent two years in the USHL before college. His hometown of Brighton is a Detroit suburbs and on the way from Detroit to Grand Rapids.

Stars injury/call up report:
Dickinson, McKenzie, Heatherington, McKenna (call up)

Website: griffinshockey.com
Twitter: @GriffinsHockey
Blog: Griffins Hockey on MLive.com