Well, this is it. The Grizzlies' last two games of the regular season will be played this weekend at the Maverik Center. Two more games for the team to convince us that the playoffs will be something to look forward to, and not a volcanic meltdown. We're hoping by Saturday night we're partying like it's 1999 as opposed to the last days of Pompeii.
Let's face it, the Grizzlies have been less than stellar in their last few games. In fact, they've only won 2 of their last 10, which isn't exactly ideal going into the post season. That's not to say they couldn't come out and blow away their first round opponent, but it helps to be on a little bit of a streak that isn't losing. We have faith, however, that they can take care of these last two games and get a better streak started. We'd hate to see them just give up after everything they've accomplished this season.
Utah does have a lot of injuries right now, and has been playing somewhat shorthanded. Last weekend there were 6 players that were not able to go to Anchorage with the team, and they were again without 5 of those players on Wednesday in Idaho. As of writing this post, we have no information on whether or not any of those players will be back this weekend, but we do know that JP Lamoureux has returned from Abbotsford to help out. That will be a welcome reinforcement for the team. Also, the Grizzlies have signed forward Matt Reber of Dartmouth to an amateur tryout. If we had to guess, we'd say that means Utah is still shorthanded. Welcome, Matt. (Pun intended.)
The Condors are at the top of their division, and have won 8 of their last 10 games, but they lost their last two. The last time Utah and Bakersfield squared off was in December - a win for Utah - so it's been a while. (That sounded... not how we meant it. Whatev.) After looking at some weird stats, our advice to Utah would be to not let Bakersfield score first, and to be ahead at the end of the 2nd period. Bakersfield's record when scoring first is 26-8-2. When the Grizzlies are ahead at the end of the 2nd, their record is 23-0-1. Pretty solid as weird statistics go. Utah has beaten Bakersfield 6 times this season out of 8. Also pretty solid. We're pretty sure they can get two more wins.
We're not going through the standings again this week. The Grizzlies are in, and that's all that matters at this point. Win or lose, once Saturday's game is done the slate is clean. No wins, no losses, no streaks - just a shot at the championship, just like everyone else who made it this far. We're just hoping for some entertaining hockey this weekend, a solid effort, and a couple of good warm-up games for the playoffs.
We heard a rumor that the playoffs could start as early as Monday, but to be honest, we're not even sure where we heard it, so don't hold us to that. We also heard that there will be an open skate after the game on Friday night. That was from the Grizzlies on twitter, so we're pretty sure that one is legit. $2 skate rental if you want to participate.
Two games left in the regular season - we can't believe it. Games Friday and Saturday at 7:00 pm at the Maverik Center. Time to get serious.
2 comments:
Grizzlies picked up Matt Stefanishion. Wha-?
Also, according to Denny's game day blog, McIlveen and Schulz are expected back tonight.
Guess it was so nobody else could. :D Tricky, tricky, tricky . . .
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