The Grand Rapids Griffins erupted for five unanswered goals, including four in the first period, to defeat the Manitoba Moose 5-1 Sunday at MTS Bell Place in Winnipeg, Manitoba, and even their first-round AHL playoff series at 1-1.

The best-of-five Central Division semifinals series returns to Grand Rapids on Wednesday. Faceoff is 7 p.m. at Van Andel Arena.

After Francis Beauvillier scored at 2:43 into the game to stake the Moose to a 1-0 lead, the Griffins reeled off four straight goals.

Matt Ford scored at 6:40 followed by Eric Tangradi (11:33), Turner Elson (13:08) and Ben Street (18:56). Ford and Tangradi's goals came on the power play.

Evgeny Svechnikov added Grand Rapids' fifth goal at 12:24 of the second period. Tom McCollum turned back 21 of 22 shots in the Grand Rapids net.

Street also had two assists, bringing his postseason production to four points (2 goals and 2 assists) in two games.

CALDER CUP PLAYOFFS

CENTRAL DIVISION SEMIFINALS

Grand Rapids Griffins vs. Manitoba Moose

Saturday: Manitoba 3, Grand Rapids 2

Sunday: Grand Rapids 5, Manitoba 1

Wednesday: at Grand Rapids, 7 p.m.

Thursday: at Grand Rapids, 7 p.m.

x-Monday, April 30: at Grand Rapids, 7 p.m.

x-If necessary