Seth Griffith sets Condors record in 7-3 win versus the Wranglers

As the saying goes -- albeit likely with a bit of paraphrasing -- if you're going to do something, do it in style. This seems entirely appropriate for what Seth Griffith achieved on Saturday night for the Bakersfield Condors at home, during a resounding 7-3 win over the Calgary Wranglers.

In the Condors' previous game on Wednesday night, a 4-2 win versus the Colorado Eagles was notable for Griffith tying the team's AHL record of 188 points for a player. On Saturday night in Bakersfield, he proceeded to have his best game of the season in setting a new record.

When it was all said and done, the Condors' alternate captain had scored two goals and added two more helpers. His four points were a game-high, as he deservedly took home the First Star.

Griffith gets rolling

Griffith's first contribution came on the power play, as his primary helper set up Lane Pederson for his ninth AHL goal of the season. It gave the Condors a 2-1 lead less than 10 minutes into the game, with the assist breaking a tie with Josh Currie for the franchise AHL record of 188 points.

After the Wranglers had tied the game up for a second time, at 2-2, it was Griffith's turn to score himself. Flying down the ice, he couldn't help but finish off Drake Caggiula's defence splitting pass, to make it 3-2 to the home team at the 13:45 mark of the opening period.

The second period would see the Condors break the game open with three consecutive goals, with the first coming on another power play. And it was that man Griffith again, firing home Philip Broberg's setup to give his team a 4-2 advantage.

The record-breaker assisted on the third goal in the middle period, providing the primary helper for Max Wanner to score and make it 6-2. The Wranglers would get a small semblance of hope by pulling to within 6-3 early in the third, before Noel Hoefenmayer scored at the 11:08 mark to provide the final scoreline of 7-3.

Salute to the fans

Griffth is now tied with Caggiula on a team-leading 24 points, to go along with holding the all-time team record of 192. Speaking postgame to the media about his lap around the ice for the fans, he said:

"Obviously they're a big part of it. I love playing here, my wife loves (being here) just as much as me. Our daughter was born here, so Bakersfield has a special place in my heart. I can't say enough good things about it."

Coach Colin Chaulk was also asked about Griffith's impact on the team. Speaking to the media, Chaulk said:

"A pretty special moment. It was nice for him to go and have a little curtain call and salute to the fans. He's someone that generates offence, he's someone that has a calming effect on our group and he's the feel-good guy. He makes guys laugh, makes them feel good on and off the ice. He's definitely a special part of our team."

Aside from Griffith, Olivier Rodrigue was decent enough in goal, stopping 26 of the 29 shots he faced and remaining third among all qualifying AHL goaltenders in save percentage. Additionally, Ben Gleason scored a goal and finished with a game-high +4 plus/minus rating.

The Condors are on a hot streak of late, with 18 out of a possible 22 points in their past 11 games. They also improve to 15-1-3 on the season, when they score at least three goals.

Even with the win the Condors remain in eight place in the Pacific Division, but still have at least five games in hand on everyone above them, while also being tied for the sixth-best points percentage in the Western Conference. They return to action on Sunday afternoon in Ontario, versus the Reign.

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