Grand Rapids Griffins Defeat Charlotte Checkers 5-2

Tuomisto scores game-winner, Cossa records 20th win in AHL matchup

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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The Grand Rapids Griffins defeated the Charlotte Checkers 5-2 on Saturday, with Antti Tuomisto scoring the game-winning goal on the power play and Sebastian Cossa making 38 saves for his 20th win of the season.

Why it matters

The Griffins' victory extends their strong start to the season, as they now sit at 35-7-2-1 with 73 points in the AHL standings. This matchup was an important one as the Griffins look to solidify their position heading into the league's break.

The details

Tuomisto's game-winning goal on the power play and Cossa's 38-save performance were the key factors in the Griffins' win over the Checkers. The victory improves the Griffins' record to 35-7-2-1 on the season.

  • The game was played on Saturday, February 8, 2026.

The players

Antti Tuomisto

A player for the Grand Rapids Griffins who scored the game-winning goal on the power play in Saturday's matchup against the Charlotte Checkers.

Sebastian Cossa

The goaltender for the Grand Rapids Griffins who made 38 saves to record his 20th win of the season.

Grand Rapids Griffins

The American Hockey League (AHL) team that defeated the Charlotte Checkers 5-2 on Saturday, improving their record to 35-7-2-1 on the season.

Charlotte Checkers

The AHL team that lost 5-2 to the Grand Rapids Griffins on Saturday.

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The takeaway

The Grand Rapids Griffins continue to have a strong start to the season, as evidenced by their 5-2 victory over the Charlotte Checkers. With Tuomisto's game-winning goal and Cossa's 20th win, the Griffins are well-positioned heading into the AHL's break.