Weekend Preview/Playoff Update - Utah Grizzlies vs Victoria Salmon Kings

Okay, we get it. Sometimes it takes a little to get used to playing a new team. Sometimes there is pressure playing in front of your home fans. Sometimes you're just inexperienced and you don't know exactly what to expect. But you always have a choice - you can give it your best and feel good about the result, or you can make a bunch of excuses and always wonder whether or not you could have done better.

This is that kind of moment for the Utah Grizzlies.

The team is now in what we call "Yoda Territory". They are down 3 games in a best of 7 series, and haven't left themselves a lot of wiggle room. According to Adrian Denny's game day blog, Coach Colley is going to break down the game into 12 five minute segments and emphasize winning each one. Hey, they have to try something. But as Yoda says, "Do or do not - there is no try." If they "do not," then their season is not. (Our own little philosophic touch there.)

The way the Grizzles came out in the first series, we saw what they were capable of. We already knew this, of course, because they sat at the top of the Western Conference for quite some time. But with changes to the team, some injuries, and some uninspired play down the stretch, we kind of forgot how good they were. We think maybe they did too.

The Grizzlies have had their chances in all three games, and though the series tally doesn't show it, it's been a pretty tight matchup. It could just as easily have been Victoria down 3-0. As defenseman Nick Tuzzolino said, "In any of the three games, if you didn't look at the scoreboard, you couldn't tell who won." That might be profound... But it's true, especially of the last game that Victoria won in overtime. Call it luck, bounces or whatever, but the Grizzlies have to find a way to push past it and make it less even in their favor.

As we pointed out many times this season, Utah is at their best when they play for each other. As soon as they become selfish, everything falls apart. The common goal of everyone on the team at this point (we assume) is to win a championship. But not one guy on that team can win it by himself. They need each other, and have to realize they are needed by their teammates. Besides, the achievement is that much sweeter when you celebrate it with your friends.

We know the Grizzlies can do this. It is, difficult, but not impossible - especially not for this team. But, if like young Luke Skywalker, they sit around thinking they can't believe it, Yoda has another response: "That is why you fail." Fail would be in the "do not" category, as imparted by Master Yoda. Winning every 5 minute segment of that game is a "do". We hope that Tuzzolino speaks for the team when he says, "We're still positive. We're still of the mentality that we can force this into a seven-game series."

Puck drops at 8:00 pm tonight in Victoria. Time to choose to climb out of the hole. Believe it, do it, and do it for your friends. May the Force be with you.

Western Conference Semifinals: Game 3

Utah will really need to step up their game on the road after dropping the first two in this series at home. Fortunately, the Grizzlies have at the very least two good things going for them: Matt Reber and their power play.


After joining Utah straight from his college hockey career, Reber has been a boon in every way. He currently leads rookies in scoring during the playoffs with 10 points and is part of the reason the Grizzlies power play has seen a comeback. Utah's power play sits in the top spot at 40.9%. Well hello, power play . . .

The Salmon Kings have the obnoxious and not too uncommon stat of being 5-0 when leading after 2 periods. So the Grizzlies will need to work hard to put the breaks on any Victoria leads that arise.

We were going to wait and see if Denny had anything to add in his blog, but we have shit to do. Mostly, we'd just like to see some effort from the boys before this series is swept away from them.

Here's to hoping for some playoff hockey.

Game 2: Salmon Kings 4, Grizzlies 2

Really, Utah? THIS is your playoff hockey?

To say this game was a disappointment would be a vast understatement. The Grizzlies didn't look like they knew how to pass, were looking at the bench more than they were the puck, and were fighting among each other in the 2nd. Yeah. We saw that, Utah. The whole game left us with the distinct taste of "WTF?" in our mouths.

Our two highlights? Nick Tuzzolino's goal and Shea Guthrie taking the puck to the net late in the 3rd followed by McIlveen picking up the rebound. We were mostly shocked to see anyone picking up a rebound, let alone having a beautiful SOG result from it. Actually, Carroll's goal was a thing of beauty as well. Thumbs up for these 10 seconds of the game.

Other than that, pure crap in our book. And while we're more disgusted with Utah, the Salmon Kings didn't look so hot either. How on earth do you miss a two-on-none with an empty net, Victoria? At least you made us laugh . . .

Boo to the uncalled elbow on Donovan. Like we said: a distinct taste of WTF?

Nice job staying out of the box, Grizzlies. But we really don't think anyone cared enough to commit any penalties.

Utah - knock off this bullshit. Get your heads in the game, focus on your 15 wins, and take care of business. Stop underachieving and have some damn pride.


Here's to a road sweep.

Stars of the Game -

1. VIC - C. Painchaud
2. UTA - M. Carroll
3. VIC - R. Hennigar

Links -
post game || Victoria Takes 2-0 Series Lead With 4-2 Win
gamesheet || Victoria at Utah - 4/16/11
highlights || Game Highlights 4/16/11 vs Victoria
interview || Kevin Colley 4/16/11 post game
interview || Chris Donovan 4/16/11 intermission

Game 1: Salmon Kings 4, Grizzlies 2

Zero down, four to go.

Not a bad game by Utah, but the boys just weren't on top of their opportunities in the same way Victoria was. We were hoping to see the same fire from the Grizzlies in the first game of this series as we did in the first game against Stockton, but Utah couldn't consistently pull off that same buzz. However, the Grizzlies kept at it right down to the wire and worked on coming back after each Victoria goal, which is something we'd like to see continue throughout the series. Tomorrow, we'd like to see them keep in those pucks in the Salmon Kings' end - but that's just us.

Nice to see the power play still clicking. Both Grizzlies goals tonight were on the man advantage. While Utah's special teams are doing some great work, it sounds like Victoria's goal is to stay out of the box as much as possible - so we're gonna need to see some 5-on-5 goals as well. However, if the Grizzlies can continue to capitalize on the Salmon Kings' penalties like they did tonight, they can't go wrong.

Matt Reber was at it again, picking up assists on both of Utah's goals. Talk about an asset to the power play. We have to hand it to both Reber and Tuzzolino - they've really given special teams a boost.

Pick one up tonight, boys.

Stars of the Game -

1. VIC - D. Martin
2. UTA - M. Reber
3. VIC - J. Caister

Links -
post game || Victoria Edges Out Utah: Game 2 Saturday at Maverik Center
gamesheet || Victoria at Utah - 4/15/11
highlights || Game Highlights 4/15/11 vs Victoria
interview || Kevin Colley 4/15/11 post game
interview || Matt Clarke 4/15/11 intermission

Weekend Preview - Utah Grizzlies vs Victoria Salmon Kings

Round 2. We're ready.

The #6 seeded Grizzlies drew #7 seed Victoria in the 2nd round. The two teams eliminated Stockton and Bakersfield respectively to move on. The other remaining teams? #5 seed Idaho, and #1 Alaska, who got a bye for the 1st round. Looking at who is left standing, we think it's safe to say that we can toss out those seeding numbers.

Also tossing out regular season statistics because they're not particularly relevant during the playoffs, that doesn't leave us a lot of information to form an opinion on this matchup. We have liked what we've seen from the Grizzlies so far. They seem to be getting back to where they were back in December and January, partially due to players coming back from the AHL. But also, the team added some new guys who were able to blend in and make a difference. "It's the same team, but it's a different team," Coach Colley explained. Though we sometimes need a philosophy class to decipher Colley's explanations, this one we get. The team identity hasn't changed even though the roster has. The team plays the same way regardless of who is on the ice. That stability, plus some veteran experience in returnees Tuzzolino, Lamoureux, and team captain Ferguson have helped them find their game at exactly the right time.

The biggest challenge for Utah may be adjusting to the difference in the way Stockton played and what they expect from the Salmon Kings. Against the Thunder, Utah was able to get goals by annoying them into taking penalties. (See Utah at the top of the playoff power play statistics with 35.3%.) Victoria has more playoff experience, and won't be falling for that trick. "The last series, we really outworked Stockton," forward Paul McIlveen said. "Victoria has a lot more skill. We're still going to have to play hard, but we have to be sharp as well." The team matched up well with the Salmon Kings when they were on a roll in December, but not as well down the stretch. Of course, that could be said about almost any team they played. We figure we'll just have to wait and see how everything will go down in this series. Game 1 on Friday should be a good indicator.

For Victoria, they seem to have realized what Utah was doing to Stockton, and have a plan. "When you look at Utah's power-play percentage from the first round, it's clear we need to be disciplined," said Victoria Coach Mark Morrison. "If you take nine penalties a game, like we did during stretches of the regular season, you're going to lose against a team like Utah. We have lots of short fuses and those players need to suck it up." So they're on to you, Grizzlies. Sounds like you've got the right idea playing sharp. We hope the idea translates to the game.

If you're not on the bandwagon yet, now is a good time to get on. Tonight is a 2 for 1 ticket night if you have a Maverik card, so bring a friend. We've also heard they're trying a white out for Friday, so wear a white jersey, shirt, jacket, whatever. It's a really nice effect in an arena - it brings the fans all together in the stands. Also, if you're bored at work, you can go to the Salmon Kings' website and vote in their fan poll. They're asking who the fans think will win round 2 of the playoffs. We've already voted for the Grizzlies multiple times.

Round 2 starts tonight at 7:05 pm. It's on.

Game 3: Grizzlies 4, Thunder 2

Two down, one to go.

The Grizzlies we saw tonight was not the same team as in Game 1, but we'll take it. The boys were able to respond to each Stockton goal and eventually gain the lead on a power play opportunity at the top of the 3rd. Utah had two special teams goals: one shorty and one on the power play. Even though Stockton didn't completely give up after Utah's shorthanded goal, the momentum had changed. And we want to point out how back to business the boys were after that shorty. No jitters, no impatience - just ready to take care of business.

We're really liking this Mahbod kid.

Also, we'd be remiss if we didn't mention the efforts by Ferguson in this series. Simon picked up 4 points tonight, factoring in on every Utah goal. And even though he missed his empty net opportunity, he set up Carroll on his. Nicely done.

And some amazing saves by Lamoureux, who really saved Utah's collective butt once again when the boys weren't able to work the puck out of their own end. We'd liked to see a bit more from the Grizzlies on defense and in the corners. There were just too many close calls when they weren't able to get the puck out.

Finish it on Sunday, boys.

Stars of the Game -

1. UTA - S. Ferguson
2. UTA - J. Lamoureux
3. STK - R. Constant

Links -
post game || Grizzlies Take 2-1 Series Lead With 4-2 Win
gamesheet || Utah at Stockton - 4/9/11
highlights || Game Highlights 4/9/11 at Stockton
interview || Simon Ferguson 4/9/11 intermission

Weekend Preview/Playoff Update - Utah Grizzlies vs Stockton Thunder

If you're anything like us, the end of game 2 against Stockton on Wednesday left you feeling a little deflated. Not the kind of deflated where the air slowly leaks out of the balloon while making rude noises, but the kind where the balloon pops while you're blowing it up and you stand there stunned while little pieces of plastic float down around you.

After Tuesday's win, we were hoping we'd seen the last of the March Grizzlies, and were back to the December Grizzlies, but now we're a little nervous. Not that Wednesday's game was bad, but we've seen better. We've seen it recently. We know Utah is capable, but the question is how badly do they want to win, and is it more than Stockton? The Deseret News had this quote about the series from defenseman Nick Tuzzolino: “We’ve got to get our confidence back. Anytime you lose a playoff game, it hurts. You have to forget it and move past it.”

We'll try.

The Grizzlies have had a good road record this season so they have that in their favor. According to defenseman Matt Clarke on Talkin' Sports last weekend, the team tends to tighten up a little more on the road, and they don't play as free-flowing as they do at home. He also mentioned it might have something to do with "bus legs". Forward Kevin Deeth then discounted that theory a little, saying they actually fly when they go to Stockton, but did say that travel can catch up with you after a long season. Bus legs or airline food or whatever, it seems to work for them on the road. If they can get to the things that made them successful on the road before, they can win the 2 games they need to continue on in the playoffs. We're all for that, because we don't want that last game at the Maverik Center to be the last one we see until next season. We'll be disappointed and empty all summer long. Start up the busses, boys.

We know that quoting a bunch of stats from the regular season doesn't do much good once the playoffs start. All that gets tossed out the window of the bus and everyone gets a clean record. What does matter is that the team plays as a team. The Grizzlies are at their best when they stick to their team game and everyone works together. With a lot of guys starting to trickle in off the IR, we think this could help team chemistry and get them playing for each other again. The power play is clicking, and the penalty kill is outstanding according to Coach Colley. Everything is aligned for a great playoff run here if they can band together and do it.

This best of 5 series is tied at a breadstick apiece. Game 3 is tonight in Stockton at 8:30 pm. Get out the bus legs, Utah.

Game 2: Thunder 3, Grizzlies 2

Series tied.

Utah and their fans were definitely stunned in this one. The Grizzlies came out really strong in the 1st and 2nd periods, but couldn't keep the puck out of their own end in the 3rd or Overtime. Frustrating, especially considering the game we saw from the boys in Game 1.

When Stockton went up in the 3rd, we didn't know if Utah could do it. But Parnham saved the day with his tying goal late in the 3rd. Nicely done, Visa.

Special teams were still pretty strong. Utah has yet to allow Stockton a power play goal, but has been able to capitalize on 4 of their 9 power play situations. If the Grizzlies keep this kind of work with the special teams up, then we shouldn't have to worry.

Get the lead back Saturday, Utah.

Stars of the Game -

1. STK - K. Czuy
2. UTA - J. Lamoureux
3. UTA - B. Parnham

Links -
post game || Stockton Evens Series With 3-2 Overtime Win
gamesheet || Stockton at Utah - 4/6/11
highlights || Game Highlights 4/6/11 vs Stockton
interview || Brett Parnham 4/6/11 intermission
interview || Nick Tuzzolino 4/6/11 intermission

Game 1: Grizzlies 5, Thunder 2

One down, two to go.

This is the Grizzlies team we'd hoped to see come out to play tonight. After a less than appealing recent losing streak, we weren't sure what to expect from the boys tonight. But came out with absolute style, looking like the team they were during the first half of the season. Stockton looked stunned.

We truly appreciated the way Utah responded to the Stockton goals. We'd been waiting to see this kind of rebound after a momentum change for months, and it couldn't have come at a better time. Scoring was clicking with several players (Ferguson, Reber, McIlveen, Parnham) having multiple point nights, and the boys were able to keep things on the forecheck for the majority of time, only allowing 28 SOG compared to the Grizzlies' 37.

Welcome to Utah, Reber.

Also, amazing job by the Grizzlies in staying out of the box. For two teams that were penalty heavy through the season, it was nice to see Utah only pick up two minors and capitalize on two of Stockton's 5 short-handed situations.

And that's all we have to say about that.

Let's go for two, boys.

Stars of the Game -

1. UTA - M. Reber
2. UTA - K. Deeth
3. UTA - S. Ferguson

Links -
post game || Grizzlies Take 1-0 Series Lead With 5-2 Win
gamesheet || Stockton at Utah - 4/5/11
highlights || Game Highlights 4/5/11 vs Stockton
interview || Kevin Colley 4/5/11 post game
interview || Kevin Deeth 4/5/11 intermission

Quarterfinals Preview: Stockton Thunder

Ah, Stockton . . .

We had a feeling this was going to be the first round match up. But now - now, we finally get to sound off on the two teams and their meetings.

It's no secret that Utah's had trouble with the Thunder this season. The Grizzlies have only captured 4 wins from 11 games played against Stockton. If you equate that into a playoff series (albeit, a rather long one), things don't look good for Utah heading into the Quarterfinals.

However, we're hopeful, but mostly we hope that Utah can remember what made them such a force in the beginning of the season. We know it seems like a while ago, but we're sure fans can remember the rush of holding that number one spot in the Western Conference for weeks on end. Yet in the first series with Stockton on home ice, the Grizzlies lost their heads and began to lose their grip on that coveted top spot. So what happened?

Utah's game had been based around the ideal of professionalism. We heard this a lot during the first of the season - about how professional the boys were and how focused on winning the game. Does anyone else remember the December 29th game against the Condors in which the Grizzlies wouldn't square off with former teammates Gergan and Snetsinger? We do. During the era of professionalism (so to speak), it was hard to pull the Grizzlies into a head match.

But during the Stockton series, Utah stopped focusing on the professionalism of their game strategy and moved on to "team solidarity," which apparently consisted of beating the crap out of the opposition rather than playing hockey. We love a good fight as much as the next hockey fan, but not when it keeps the team from playing hockey. From playing their own game.

Stockton's strategy in this series - and throughout most of the season - reminded us of Reggie Dunlop's strategy in Slapshot: "We win because I make them crazy!" And to the Thunder's credit, they suceeded. Colley played Thomas's game by starting with a line of Kilburg, Schulz, Tuzzolino, Emmerson, and Deeth with the sole purpose of kicking the crap out of the Thunder's starting line. That's Stockton's game right there. Playing that kind of a game will make you crazy:


This totally made our rinkside seats worth it.

Play it smart, focus on hockey, play your own game. We can't imagine Colley is saying anything different. And while emotion will definitely play a part in this series, we're hoping Utah will be able to keep it professional and stay away from any circus sideshow antics.

Let's get 3, boys.

It's that time of year again!

Time for growing beards! Not that me or my fellow writers can. Yet. Ask us in many years when we are old women if our whiskers have grown in yet.

Welcome back to our Grizzly world, Nick Tuzzolino! You're just in time for the play-offs. Does that make you happy? It sure makes us happy. Nick returning is a great thing. He's been with the AHL's Portland Pirates since February 15. Before that he was second in the league for shots on goal, tied for the lead in power play points, and the team was 23-17-3-1 with him in the line-up. Here's hoping he'll quickly find his groove with the team again.

A lot is happening this week, namely the start of the playoffs. Tomorrow. Yes. Really, they start tomorrow. For the first round we are playing Stockton, starting at home. This is the first time in 10 years the Grizzlies have started the play-offs at home. Another first: this is the first time the Grizzlies and Stockton have ever played each other in the post-season.

So what's the situation? Well, with a combined 728 penalty minutes in 11 games this year, the teams show they are a feisty bunch. That's an average of 66.1 minutes per game, if you were wondering. Stockton led the series this year 7-3-1, but Utah is 2-0 versus Pacific Division opponents in the first round of the playoffs in the ECHL. Kevin Deeth is the top scorer this year against Stockton. In his recent three starts at home, Lamoureaux went 3-0. He won one, lost one against Stockton in the 11 game series.

ECHL.com put out a nice sheet of information about this round of the play-offs. Some highlights:
-Both teams have appeared 5 times in the play-offs
-It's a best of 5 series, not 7 like some are accustomed to from the NHL
-The stats are stacked against the Grizzlies, it's going to be a tough road

That said, the games at home are tomorrow April 5, and Wednesday April 6. Hate to say it, but this could be the last time we get to see the Grizzlies at home this season. Go get tickets! Tomorrow select tickets in the lower-bowl are 2 for 1.

Congratulations to Justin Donati for winning the EHCL scoring title this season with 94 points. Andrew Engelage finished as the #11 goaltender in the league.

A little something to look forward to.

The Grizzlies released their 2010-11 schedule today, which in turn made us itchy for some hockey. But really anything does that. The first home game is October 22, so we're already counting down the days (148.5 left to go). You can find the full schedule at UtahGrizzlies.com.


And to wrap up the 2009-10 season, the Cincinnati Cylcones took their second Kelly Cup in 3 years after making ECHL history in their previous seriesby coming back from a 3-0 game deficit. While it might have been nice to see the Cup passed to the hands of a National Conference team, the Cyclones really worked for this one. Nicely done, Cincinnati.

And if you haven't already watched them, the Grizzlies have their video highlights from the 2009-10 season up on their website. Enjoy!

Game 4: Steelheads 4, Grizzlies 1

We did warn everyone that we would be spending the weekend moping about in our bathrobes if the Grizzlies lost. And we did. Here is your belated and final post game of the season.

The Steelheads scored 3 times in the 1st, the last of the 3 goals coming in the final minute of the period. Utah thought they had scored the first goal of the game, but the puck was not seen to cross the red line. In the 2nd Idaho tacked another goal to their total, ending the period 4-0.

The Grizzlies tallied their only goal during the 3rd as they kept the Steelheads to a scoreless period, ending the game 4-1 in Idaho's favor.

From the official post game:

The Idaho Steelheads defeated the Utah Grizzlies 4-1 Friday night at the E-Center to defeat Utah four games to none in the ECHL’s National Conference Semifinals. The Grizzlies season ends in the second round of the postseason. [utahgrizzlies.com]

post game || Grizzlies Season Ends In Second Round
highlights || Game Highlights 4/23/10 vs Idaho
gamesheet || Idaho at Utah - 4/23/10
photos || 4/23/10 - Utah Grizzlies vs Idaho Steelheads
interview || Tim Maxwell 4/23/10 intermission
blog || Adrian Denny's game day blog


Photo of the Game:


1st period - Ryan Kinasewich, Malcolm MacMillan listen to why their first goal was not a goal.

Additional Photos: [Flickr]



Scoring Summary:

IDH M. McCutcheon (3), 9:50 1st period (Derlago, Flichel); Steelheads 1, Grizzlies 0
IDH E. Barlow (3), 11:51 1st period (McCutcheon, Flichel); Steelheads 2, Grizzlies 0
IDH B. Kushniruk (1), 19:52 1st period (McCutcheon); Steelheads 3, Grizzlies 0
IDH M. McKnight (3), 5:02 2nd period (DeVergilio, Friesen); Steelheads 4, Grizzlies 0
UTA T. May (3), 11:15 3rd period (Sixsmith, Crowder); Steelheads 4, Grizzlies 1


Stars of the Game:

1. IDH - R. Bachman
2. IDH - M. McCutcheon
3. UTA - T. May

Additional Notes:

> James Sixsmith lead the team with 6 SOG and also tallied an assist.
> Mike Morrison stopped 23 of 27 of in the match.
> Thanks for an awesome season, Grizzlies!

Weekend Preview - Utah Grizzlies vs Idaho Steelheads

Well, not much to preview here. The Grizzlies face Idaho Friday night for the chance to play again on Saturday. This is game four of a seven game series in which the Grizz are down 3-0. No team in the ECHL has ever come back to win a series after being down 3-0.

Someone's got to do it eventually - may as well be the Grizzlies.

After watching this team all season long, we know a few things about them, not the least of which is that they can be really frustrating. But we also know they can really play hockey when they put their minds to it.

They can beat the Idaho Steelheads.

Jake Gannon will be back from Bridgeport and in the lineup for Friday's game. We're excited to see him back. In the one playoff game he's played with Utah, he had two assists, four shots on goal, and was a +2. No doubt the Grizzlies can use that kind of play if they're going to do this thing. They could probably also use a good, swift kick in the pants, but we're not going there.

The bottom line is that whether or not the season ends Friday, Saturday, or anytime after that is really up to the team. We believe in them, and we believe that they'll play the way we know they can. We believe they can beat the Steelheads. Four times, even.

Game 4 Friday at the E Center. Start time is 7:05 pm. Game 5 Saturday, same time, same place.

We'll be there.

Game 3: Steelheads 6, Grizzlies 1

So after moping around in our bathrobes after Tuesday's debacle, we opted not to do a regular post game writeup.

If you missed it, the game went something like this: Idaho scored a lot of goals, while the Grizzlies sat around discussing their summer plans. Tom May showed up to play but when he figured out he was in it mainly by himself, he picked a fight with the Steelheads in a bout of utter frustration; we consider this to be the highlight of the game. Oh, and Sorteberg scored a goal for Utah somewhere in there, so at least Utah didn't get shut out.

However, we know what you really want to see are our pictures, so without further ado . . .


Photo of the Game:


2nd period - Because this is what WE were thinking . . .

Additional Photos: [Flickr]




Come on, boys - we know you can do this. Just one more, just for us.

Go Grizzlies!

Home Sweet Home

The Grizzlies are back on home ice tonight after a rough couple of games up in Idaho. But we know the guys are tough, and they're ready to really show those spud-muttering jackanapes what's what. (Yes, that was a potato joke. And we like the word "jackanape".)

After what mostly amounted to a third period blow out in game one, and what shouldn't have been a loss in game two, things are looking up for game three. Yes, there were some mistakes, questionable calls, and other things, but tonight is a brand new game.

We know this isn't a team that gives up easily. We've seen that through the season. When they keep playing a full 60 minutes, they do great things.

So tonight, no coasting. Not through a two goal lead. Or a three goal lead. Or a four goal lead. Or even a five goal lead. These guys owe Idaho at least six goals for the last two games.

Then tack on a few more for good measure.

And one for the officials too.

And one for us, the fans.

Tonight, the Grizzlies are home, among their home fans. And nobody is giving up anything.

All seats at the E Center are $10 tonight. Get out there and support the team.

Game 2: Steelheads 4, Grizzlies 3

This was a hard one to lose in the last few minutes of the final period, especially when we thought the Grizzlies had the go ahead. But it is nice to know that Utah's power play is alive and kicking and the boys can put up a respectable game against the Steelheads.

The Grizzlies struck first at 7:21 of the initial period on the power play. Idaho responded 4 minutes later, tying the game before the end of the 1st. The 2nd remained tied until Tom May tipped in a Ryan Kinasewich slapshot on the power play in the final minute of the period, and Utah took the lead once again, 2-1.

Idaho tied things again early in the 3rd, but Tom May regained the lead for Utah again at the halfway point of the period, 3-2. The Steelheads were quick to respond during a 4-on-3 situation, then took the lead for the first time of the night at 18:19 of the final frame to end the game 4-3 in Idaho's favor.

From the official post game:

The Idaho Steelheads broke a 3-3 tie with 1:41 left in regulation to defeat the Utah Grizzlies 4-3 Saturday night in Boise. Idaho takes a 2-0 series lead with games three, four and five if necessary headed back to the E-Center starting Tuesday at 7:05 p.m. [utahgrizzlies.com]

post game || Idaho Takes Game Two 4-3 With Late Goal
highlights || Game Highlights 4/17/10 at Idaho
gamesheet || Utah at Idaho - 4/17/10
interview || Commissoner Brian McKenna 4/17/10 intermission
blog || Adrian Denny's game day blog


Scoring Summary:

UTA L. Galbraith (2), 7:21 1st period (Kinasewich, Hunter); Grizzlies 1, Steelheads 0
IDH J. Swanson (2), 10:52 1st period; Grizzlies 1, Steelheads 1
UTA T. May (1), 19:07 2nd period (Kinasewich, MacMillan); Grizzlies 2, Steelheads 1
IDH M. McKnight (3), 2:22 3rd period; Grizzlies 2, Steelheads 2
UTA T. May (2), 10:53 3rd period (McJannet, MacMillan); Grizzlies 3, Steelheads 2
IDH E. Barlow (2), 12:25 3rd period (Milnamow, Friesen); Grizzlies 3, Steelheads 3
IDH J. Dickson (2), 18:19 3rd period (Barlow); Grizzlies 3, Steelheads 4


What Worked Well: Power Play
Two of Utah's goals came out of their 5 power play situations. Special teams can either make or break a game, and we think the boys did pretty well on the power play tonight. It was nice to see the boys able to set up on the man advantage and move in for the kill. Nicely done.

What Could Have Worked Better: Staying out of the box
Come on, boys. You're costing yourselves games.

Who Made the Difference: Ryan Kinasewich
While we do want to point out Tom May's work on two of the Utah goals (his first pro playoff goals, btw), we were excited to see the Captain's work on the power play. His slapshot that was tipped in by May on Utah's second goal was a thing of beauty with excellent timing. It really reminded us of the firepower Utah has going for it and what they can do on the man advantage.


Stars of the Game:

1. IDH - J. Dickson
2. UTA - T. May
3. IDH - E. Barlow


Additional Notes:

> Three Grizzlies had multiple point games: Ryan Kinasewich (2a), Malcolm MacMillan (2a), and Tom May (2g).
> Mike Morrison stopped 30 of 34 in the contest.
> Steven Tarasuk made his debut in a Grizzlies jersey. Welcome, Steve!
> James Sixsmith has 12 points (2g, 10a), a +6, and 18 SOG in the playoffs. Captain Kinasewich has 9 points (6g, 3a) and 34 SOG.
> We apologize for the delay; we went to Legends for the game, so it's slightly muddy in our recollection.

Game 1: Steelheads 7, Grizzlies 2

Against a team like Idaho, the Grizzlies just can't bank on that miracle 3rd period we've become accustomed to in the last half of the season.

The Steelheads picked up the first two goals of the game at 13:02 and 13:55 in the 1st. Utah responded before the end of the period with a goal of their own, 2-1. In the 2nd, Idaho struck at 13:02 again with another goal, then increased the deficit on the power play before the Grizzlies scored a power play goal of their own to make it 4-2 heading into the 3rd period.

In the 3rd period, Idaho scored 3 goals in approximately 1 1/2 minutes, which resulted in Morrison being replaced in net with Stehrenberger who stopped all 10 shots he saw. Utah struggled to close the 5 goal gap but to no avail. The game ended 7-2 in Idaho's favor.

From the official post game:

The Idaho Steelheads broke open a 4-2 third period score and defeated the Utah Grizzlies 7-2 Friday night in Boise in game one of the National Conference semifinals. [utahgrizzlies.com]

post game || Grizzlies Drop Game One In Boise
highlights || Game Highlights 4/16/10 at Idaho
gamesheet || Utah at Idaho - 04/16/10
interview || Brock Wilson 4/16/10 intermission
blog || Adrian Denny's game day blog


Scoring Summary:

IDH M. McKnight (1), 13:02 1st period (Tousignant); Steelheads 1, Grizzlies 0
IDH M. McCutcheon (1), 13:55 1st period (Flichel, Milnamow); Steelheads 2, Grizzlies 0
UTA M. MacMillan (2), 18:06 1st period (Clarke, May); Steelheads 2, Grizzlies 1
IDH J. Swanson (1), 13:02 2nd period (Dickson); Steelheads 3, Grizzlies 1
IDH M. McCutcheon (2), 15:29 2nd period (Barlow); Steelheads 4, Grizzlies 1
UTA R. Kinasewich (6), 19:31 2nd period (Hunter, Sixsmith); Steelheads 4, Grizzlies 2
IDH E. Barlow (1), 5:54 3rd period (Dawson); Steelheads 5, Grizzlies 2
IDH M. McKnight (2), 6:35 3rd period (DeVergilio); Steelheads 6, Grizzlies 2
IDH J. Dickson (1), 7:27 3rd period (Flichel); Steelheads 7, Grizzlies 2


What Worked Well: Penalty Kill
The penalty kill was one of the only times the Grizzlies looked alive on the ice during this match. Killing a 5-on-3 and only dropping 1 out of 8, the PK put up some amazing defense to kill off the shorthanded situations Utah continually found themselves in. If Utah had this sort of determination during 5-on-5 situations, this would have been a different game.

What Could Have Worked Better: Staying out of the box
The high penalty count seems to be happening on a pretty regular basis. We don't like it. It takes the boys away from the business of scoring goals and leaves them - for the most part - stuck in their own end. Clean it up, please.

Who Made the Difference: Mike Morrison
While Mike did get pulled in the 3rd, we're guessing it was not soley because of the 7 goals, but to give the poor kid a rest. Morrison stood on his head in the match and made plenty of amazing saves. He's the reason the score was only 4-2 going into the 3rd and considering some of those saves, we're honestly surprised there were only 7 goals allowed rather than 14.


Stars of the Game:

1. IDH - M. McCutcheon
2. IDH - M. McKnight
3. IDH - M. Tousignant


Additional Notes:

> Mike Morrison stopped 35 out or 42 in the match. Stehrenberger stopped 10 of 10 that he saw.
> We really can't think of any additional notes here . . .

Weekend Preview - Utah Grizzlies vs Idaho Steelheads

Part two of the Kelly Cup saga begins tonight for the Grizzlies in Idaho and continues Saturday. We're not usually into sequels, but we can't wait for the next installment on this one. We're also pretty excited about the opportunity to make more potato jokes.

The Grizzlies put down the Las Vegas Wranglers in an impressive game five on Tuesday, and we're hoping they've stayed riled up as they go into the second round. The Potatoheads have been resting up for 13 days, so we're hoping they'll be a little rusty to start. Of course, they just got some players back from the AHL (Friesen, DerVergilio, Bachman) who have been playing and expect to be sharp.

Now, we all know that the Grizz can't do anything the easy way. To stir things up a bit, Jake Gannon, who was only in town for game 5, and Mikko Koskinen were both called up to Bridgeport again. That leaves Utah down a goalie, and Morrison has not faced Idaho yet. We're not worried so much about the not playing Idaho thing, but with no backup, we're hoping he doesn't get hurt. As much as we'd pay to see Colley in goal, we just don't think it's a good idea. Grizzbee would take up more space anyway, and he's already got the padding.

Idaho has a 10-3-0-1 record against the Grizzlies in the regular season, but come playoff time, all that doesn't matter. It's like the points on Whose Line Is It Anyway. As of right now, Idaho's win record against the Grizzlies is a big, fat zero. The Grizzlies' win record against Idaho is also zero, but theirs has awesomesauce on top.

Coach Colley had this to say about playing Idaho:

"Obviously, we are the underdog. We finished 30 points back of (Idaho). In our minds, we're not, but everyone sees us as the underdog."

"We just have to take out all the positives from Game 5 and build on it. We can't look back at Game 4 or Game 1. We build on Game 5; that was our best game of the series, and that was our last game of the series."

We're kind of hoping by building on game 5, he means that Malcom MacMillan will add to his post-game dance when they win.

The next step on the road to the Kelly Cup starts tonight in Idaho. Puck drops at 7:10 pm.

Second round playoff schedule released

The Utah Grizzlies released their playoff schedule for Round 2 against the Idaho Steelheads yesterday.

Game 1 - Friday: Utah at Idaho, 7:10 p.m.
Game 2 - Saturday: Utah at Idaho, 7:10 p.m.
Game 3 - Tuesday, April 20: Idaho at Utah, 7:05 p.m.
Game 4 - Friday, April 23: Idaho at Utah, 7:05 p.m.
Game 5 - Saturday, April 24: Idaho at Utah, 7:05 p.m.
Game 6 - Tuesday, April 27: Utah at Idaho, 7:10 p.m.
Game 7 - Wednesday, April 28: Utah at Idaho, 7:10 p.m

As usual, you can watch the away games on the B2 or listen online.



Best of luck, boys.