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 . . .

Game 4: Grizzlies 4, Wranglers 2

The Grizzlies pulled out another stunner of a 3rd. Just when we thought things couldn't get any worse, they got better. The boys collected a 3 goal final period and pushed the series to Game 5.

Las Vegas picked up an incredibly quick goal 0:13 into the 1st. The Grizzlies answered at the halfway mark with a power play goal to tie the game, but the Wranglers responded before the end of the period, 2-1. The 2nd period was scoreless and quite lackluster for both teams as Mike Morrison held Las Vegas from advancing their lead.

Utah came alive in the 3rd, scoring 3 goals on 7 shots. Brian Kilburg tied the game at 6:47, and Tim Crowder gave the Grizzlies their first lead of the night just over 4 minutes later. Kinasewich added to his playoff total with an empty netter to end the game 4-2 in Utah's favor.

From the official post game:

The Utah Grizzlies scored three third period goals to defeat the Las Vegas Wranglers 4-2 Sunday evening at the E-Center. The Utah win ties the 2-3 ECHL best-of-five series at two games apiece with game five scheduled for Tuesday at 7:05 p.m. at the E-Center. [utahgrizzlies.com]

post game || Grizzlies Third Period Comeback Forces Deciding E-Center Game Five Tuesday
highlights || Game Highlights 4/11/10 vs Las Vegas
gamesheet || Las Vegas at Utah - 4/11/10
photos || 4/11/10 - Utah Grizzlies vs Las Vegas Wranglers
interview || Kevin Colley 4/11/10 post game
interview || Matt Sorteberg 4/11/10 intermission
blog || Adrian Denny's game day blog


Photo of the Game:


3rd period - The bench celebrates after Tim Crowder's game winning goal.
Additional Photos: [Flickr]




Scoring Summary:

LV C. Neiszner (3), 0:13 1st period (Collins); Wranglers 1, Grizzlies 0
UTA L. Galbraith (1), 9:59 1st period (Sixsmith, Perry); Wranglers 1, Grizzlies 1
LV R. Weston (2), 18:48 1st period (Goers); Wranglers 2, Grizzlies 1
UTA B. Kilburg (1), 6:47 3rd period (Sixsmith, Hunter); Wranglers 2, Grizzlies 2
UTA T. Crowder (3) 10:51 3rd period (Clarke, May); Wranglers 2, Grizzlies 3
UTA R. Kinasewich (3), 19:57 EN 3rd period (Sixsmith, Clarke); Wranglers 2, Grizzlies 4


What Worked Well: 3rd period
The final 20 minutes were an entirely different game from the first 40. At the end of the 2nd period the arena was completely dead, and we suspected that any glimmer of a Game 5 was as well. However, the Grizzlies really picked things up after Kilburg tied the game and were able to turn things around completely with 3 goals (Kilburg, Crowder, Kinasewich) in the 3rd and wake the crowd back up for their win.

What Could Have Worked Better: The first 40 minutes
The first 40 minutes of the game were lackluster at best. The boys looked like they weren't going to play, and when they did it seemed they had trouble connecting. We were sitting by the bench, and it was hard not to notice Colley during the 2nd. When the coach can't even bear to watch the game, you know things aren't going well.

Who Made the Difference: Mike Morrison
Stopping 32 of 34, Morrison practically (and at times, literally) stood on his head for this win. He definitely kept the Grizzies in the game during the first 2 periods of play and helped them finish strong in the final frame. We already count Sixsmith as a given, Crowder as an up and coming, Matt Clarke as stellar with his +7, and wanted to give a shout out for Kilburg's game-tying goal; but we can't say enough about Morrison's performance here. And if anyone saw the crazy glove catch to end the 3rd period Grizzlies penalty - could there have been a more metaphoric or cinematic moment? Bravo.


Stars of the Game:

1. UTA - T. Crowder
2. UTA - J. Sixsmith
3. UTA - B. Kilburg


Additional Notes:

> James Sixsmith picked up another 3 assists in this game and Matt Clarke had 2 assists.
> Sixer now sits at 9 points (1g, 8a) in 4 playoff games. Holy $%^#!!
> Mike Morrison stopped 32 of 34 and stood on his head for the win.
> Tim Crowder's goal gives him 3 goals in 4 playoff games, Ryan Kinasewich has 4 points (3g, 1a) in 4 playoff games, and Matt Clarke comes in with 4 assists in 4.

Game 3: Wranglers 6, Grizzlies 3

The only reason the Grizzlies stayed in this game is because James Sixsmith makes things happen. The boys need to pick it up if they want to stay in the playoffs past Sunday.

Las Vegas took over the 1st period of play, scoring 3 goals this round to end the period 3-0 in their favor. The Grizzlies exchanged goalies at the end of the period with Morrison taking over for Koskinen in net. The Wranglers increased their lead to 4-0 at the beginning of the 2nd period, but Utah responded with a gorgeous goal from Matt Sorteberg to get the Grizzlies on the scoreboard for the first time in the game. The Grizzlies picked up another goal with a shorthanded effort from Sixsmith and Kinasewich to decrease the deficit, 4-2. About a minute after Vegas decided to maul Sixsmith after the whistle (we missed why), and the boys dove in for a seriously awesome line brawl. However, Las Vegas responded before the end of the period on the power play to regain a 3 goal lead.

Utah struck 0:34 into the 3rd with another Kinasewich goal, but the Wranglers responded with one of their own to end the game 6-3 in their favor.

From the official post game:

The Las Vegas Wranglers defeated the Utah Grizzlies 6-3 Saturday night at the E-Center to take a two games to one lead in this best-of-five first round playoff series. Game four of the series is scheduled for 4:05 p.m. Sunday at the E-Center. [utahgrizzlies.com]

post game || Grizzlies Fall 6-3; Wranglers Take Two-One Series Lead
highlights || Game Highlights 4/10/10 vs Las Vegas
gamesheet || Las Vegas at Utah - 4/10/10
photos || 4/10/10 - Utah Grizzlies vs Las Vegas Wranglers
interview || Peter Vandermeer 4/10/10 intermission
blog || Adrian Denny's game day blog


Photo of the Game:

1st period - James Sixsmith puts on the brakes to follow the puck.
Additional Photos: [Flickr]




Scoring Summary:

LV A. Miller (1), 11:24 1st period (Lukacevic, Goers); Wranglers 1, Grizzlies 0
LV J. Prudden (2), 15:42 1st period (Lukacevic, Krischuk); Wranglers 2, Grizzlies 0
LV C. Neiszner (2), 19:16 1st period (Bourret, Lawrence); Wranglers 3, Grizzlies 0
LV N. Lukacevic (1), 4:47 2nd period; Wranglers 4, Grizzlies 0
UTA M. Sorteberg (1), 8:15 2nd period (MacMillan, Perry); Wranglers 4, Grizzlies 1
UTA R. Kinasewich (1), 10:27 2nd period (Sixsmith, Kilburg); Wranglers 4, Grizzlies 2
LV N. Lukacevic (2), 19:48 2nd period (Miller, Switzer); Wranglers 5, Grizzlies 2
UTA R. Kinasewich (2), 0:34 3rd period (Sixsmith, Galbraith); Wranglers 5, Grizzlies 3
LV A. Bourret (2), 5:15 3rd period (Madill, Lawrence); Wranglers 6, Grizzlies 3


What Worked Well: Sixsmith to Kinasewich
We've said before that Sixsmith can make just about any line work, but the two goals tonight were set up beautifully by James Sixsmith and executed perfectly by Captain Kinasewich. Vegas didn't even see it coming. We expect to see these two on the same line tomorrow as well.

What Could Have Worked Better: Goaltending
Not the greatest game for goaltending. While things were cleaned up a bit in the 3rd, Koskinen allowed 3 out of 8 before getting pulled and Morrison did slightly better, allowing 3 out of 18. The boys definitely could have used a stronger defense, but neither netminder seemed on top of their game tonight.

Who Made the Difference: Ryan Kinasewich
We figured by now that James Sixsmith is just a given factor in the Grizzlies' success each night. However, we'd been waiting to see a game from Kinasewich. Tonight was the night. Picking up two Sixsmith assisted goals, a team leading 6 SOG, and the 3rd star of the game, Ryan boosted his playoff stats to 3 points in 3 games.


Stars of the Game:

1. LV - N. Lukacevic
2. LV - A. Bourret
3. UTA - R. Kinasewich


Additional Notes:

> Ryan Kinasewich (2g) and James Sixsmith (2a) were the only Grizzlies to have multiple point games tonight.
> Something we noticed: Kinasewich had two Wranglers on him the entire game, particularly on the power play. This means we're going to need to see something from the other lines pronto.
> We have several clips of the 2nd period line brawl, but we need to edit it together before we post it.
> Also: Thank You, Matt Sorteberg.

Game 1: Wranglers 6, Grizzlies 4

It was said last night that every goalie has a bad game, and Mikko sure picked a bad time to have his. While we agree, with this, we can't heap the loss solely on Koskinen. Outside of some random officiating, the team we saw in the 3rd period was not the same team we saw in the 1st.

The Grizzlies dominated the 1st, starting the scoring just 0:35 into the period with a goal from MacMillan. The Wranglers tied things up later to end the initial frame 1-1. Utah gained the lead in the 2nd with two quick goals to make it 3-1, but Las Vegas responded with 4 straight of their own, which ended with Mikko being replaced by Morrison in net. Morrison stopped a penalty shot and ended the period without allowing another goal, 5-3.

In the 3rd, the Grizzlies attempted to decrease the deficit with an early goal, but it was waved off for high sticking. Morrison stopped another penalty shot allotted to the Wranglers, but later Vegas increased their lead to 6-3. Utah added one more goal to stop the bleeding, but the game still ended in the Wrangler's favor, 6-4.

From the official post game:

The Grizzlies made it 3-1 just 1:23 later at 1:43 as Sixsmith fed Matt Clarke in the circle again. Clarke’s shot was redirected home by Tim Crowder and Utah had a 3-1 lead. However, starting at the 5:16 mark, Las Vegas rattled off four-straight scores to take a 5-3 lead. [utahgrizzlies.com]

post game || Las Vegas Takes Game One 6-4
highlights || Game Highlights 4/6/10 at Las Vegas
gamesheet || Utah at Las Vegas 4/6/10
interview || Dylan Hunter 4/6/10 intermission
blog || Adrian Denny's game day blog


Scoring Summary:

UTA M. MacMillan (1), 0:35 1st period (McJannet); Grizzlies 1, Wranglers 0
LV A. Bourret (1), 5:25 1st period (Lawrence, Miller); Grizzlies 1, Wranglers 1
UTA T. Maxwell (1), 0:20 2nd period (Sixsmith, Hunter); Grizzlies 2, Wranglers 1
UTA T. Crowder (1), 1:43 2nd period (Clarke, Sixsmith); Grizzlies 3, Wranglers 1
LV K. Hagel (1), 5:16 2nd period; Grizzlies 3, Wranglers 2
LV C. Neiszner (1), 5:27 2nd period (Hagel, Goers); Grizzlies 3, Wranglers 3
LV K. Hagel (2), 9:55 2nd period (Frank); Grizzlies 3, Wranglers 4
LV J. Prudden (1), 12:11 2nd period (Madill, Switzer); Grizzlies 3, Wranglers 5
LV R. Weston (1), 10:18 3rd period; Grizzlies 3, Wranglers 6
UTA T. Maxwell (2), 11:32 3rd period (May, Sixsmith); Grizzlies 4, Wranglers 6


What Worked Well: 1st period
The Grizzlies absolutely dominated the first period. The boys played strong and kept control of the puck; they were playing to win. If they could have kept up this pace for the full 60, we would have seen a very different game.

What Could Have Worked Better: Staying out of the box
Yes, we agree that the officiating was not the best, but really. The Grizzlies racked up 8 penalties to the Wranglers' 4. While the PK took care of business, the 16 minutes of of penalty time didn't help Utah when it came to adding on their lead.

Who Made the Difference: James Sixsmith
While we do want to comment on the the great game that Tim Maxwell had, James Sixsmith showed up to win all three periods. Setting up some great goals, Sixer ended the game with 3 assists and looked alive out there for the full 60 minutes. Nicely done.


Stars of the Game:

1. LV - K. Hagel
2. LV - R. Weston
3. UTA - T. Maxwell


Additional Notes:

> Two Grizzlies had multiple point games tonight: Tim Maxwell (2g) and James Sixsmith (3a).
> Dylan Hunter continues his scoring streak from the regular season.
> Mike Morrison stopped 8 of 9 shots as well as both penalty shots that he saw.
> While we don't mean to pick on anyone in particular, we just have to say: Kinasewich, the next time you have 0:26 left in a power play, please don't waste 0:10 of that dilly-dallying in your own end. You had open ice and you have the speed (not to mention a wicked shot), please use it.

Utah Grizzlies news and updates.

Since the effort from the boys last night was so dismal, we thought we'd take a moment to review all the news that's been going on over the last week for a refreshing change of pace.

Grizzlies Awards Banquet

The Grizzlies held their annual Awards Banquet on Monday, March 29. Captain Kinasewich picked up 3 of the awards: Leading Scorer, MVP, and Fan Favorite. You can check out the full list of awards at the Utah Grizzlies website. Congratulations to all award winners!


Adventures in Canada

It sounds like the boys had quite the time getting to Victoria on Tuesday, March 30. After some scheduling issues and delays with getting to the island, the Grizzlies ended up taking the short bus for the last leg of the trip. This story gave us a good chuckle.


YAY for the Playoffs

Old news by now, but the Grizzlies clinched a playoff spot with their 2-1 win over Victoria on Wednesday. This was actually one of the better games we've seen from the boys this season, and they deserved every bit of that playoff spot. Nicely done.


New Goalies Galore

Mike Morrison joined the team this week to complete the Shea Guthrie trade with Florida from earlier in the season. The poor kid had a rough first day on the ice as he made his debut in the Grizzlies 9-2 barfjob loss to Victoria. Sorry about that, Mike.


Captain Kinasewich Rocks the 2009-2010 Season

Last but certainly not least, Ryan Kinasewich was selected for the ECHL 1st Team. Snatch has had a stellar season and this is a nice little cap to the end of 2009-2010. Way to go, Captain! It's well deserved.

Post Game: Salmon Kings 9, Grizzlies 2

Adrian Denny had it right: this was a game to forget. The Grizzlies made the playoffs then abruptly forgot how to play.

Utah started the scoring with a power play goal from Hunter early in the 1st. However, the Grizzlies wouldn't see the back of the net again until the end of the 2nd. Victoria tacked on 7 goals (2 in the 1st, 5 in the 2nd) before Utah responded at 19:06 of the 2nd with Kinasewich's 47th of the year. The captain's goal also broke the team record for most goals scored in a season.

During the 3rd, Victoria tallied two more goals to end the game wildly in their favor, 9-2. Barfjob.

From the official post game:

The Victoria Salmon Kings defeated the Utah Grizzlies (33-29-4-5) 9-2 Friday night in Victoria. [utahgrizzlies.com]

post game Grizzlies Fall 9-2 In Victoria
highlights Game Highlights 4/2/10 at Victoria
gamesheet Utah at Victoria - 4/2/10
interview Ryan Kinasewich 4/2/10 intermission
blog Adrian Denny's game day blog


Scoring Summary:

UTA D. Hunter (17), 2:55 1st period (Perry, Galbraith); Grizzlies 1, Salmon Kings 0
VIC W. Goldie (42), 9:01 1st period (Filion, Siddall); Grizzlies 1, Salmon Kings 1
VIC W. Goldie (43), 19:47 1st period (Sharrow, Fisher); Grizzlies 1, Salmon Kings 2
VIC C. Painchaud (30), 7:44 2nd period (Siddall, Roach); Grizzlies 1, Salmon Kings 3
VIC A. Brandt (13), 8:02 2nd period (Gelech, Taylor); Grizzlies 1, Salmon Kings 4
VIC W. Goldie (44), 13:42 2nd period (Sharrow); Grizzlies 1, Salmon Kings 5
VIC D. Southern (9), 15:33 2nd period (Siddall, Wedderburn); Grizzlies 1, Salmon Kings 6
VIC D. Southern (10), 18:06 2nd period (Walsky, Painchaud); Grizzlies 1, Salmon Kings 7
UTA R. Kinasewich (47), 19:06 2nd period (Vandermeer, Hunter); Grizzlies 2, Salmon Kings 7
VIC M. Siddall (20), 3:40 3rd period (Morrison, Roach); Grizzlies 2, Salmon Kings 8
VIC O. Filion (11), 9:55 3rd period (Goldie, Siddall); Grizzlies 2, Salmon Kings 9


What Worked Well: Erm . . .
Unlike Wednesday's game where we had a hard time finding anything that went wrong, with this game we had a hard time figuring out anything that went right. It was a little depressing that Kinasewich picked up the season high record for goals during such a sad display.

What Could Have Worked Better: Everything
Where do we begin? The boys simply fell apart on the ice and didn't bother to try to get it back together. We expect a better effort tomorrow, Grizzlies, and we hope you're adequately ashamed of yourselves.

Who Made the Difference: Dylan Hunter . . . we guess
Dylan was the only Grizzly to have a multipoint game tonight, so we selected him by default. Um . . . yeah. Woo, Dylan.


Stars of the Game:

1. VIC - W. Goldie
2. VIC - M. Siddall
3. VIC - C. Painchaud


Additional Notes:

> Dylan Hunter (1g, 1a) was the only Grizzly to have a multiple point game.
> Ryan Kinasewich broke the team season record for goals during the match. Congrats, Snatch!
> We think this is probably how Colley felt for most of the game (it's how WE felt, anyway):

Weekend Preview - Utah Grizzlies vs Victoria Salmon Kings

With their win over the Salmon Kings on Wednesday, the Grizzlies secured a spot in the playoffs. And there was much rejoicing. (Yaaaay...) The thing is, they still have two more games to go before they can start the playoffs, so they're hanging out in Victoria for the weekend.

The Salmon Kings are one of two teams that are still fighting for a playoff spot in the National Conference. We personally find it sad that only one team in the conference won't make it. It's kind of like when we were in elementary school and they started the dodge ball game without us, even though we were still waiting in line by ourselves to be picked. The other last kid picked is Ontario, so they'll be eyeing each other from the out of bounds line hoping not to be odd man out.

Here's how it looks for Victoria as of Friday:

The Salmon Kings can clinch a playoff spot if...

• They win. Or...


• Ontario loses in regulation. Or...


• Victoria loses in overtime/shootout and Ontario loses.

How long with this battle be dragged out? Only the Grizzlies know.

Maybe.

Anyway, according to Adrian Denny's game day blog, the Grizzlies can earn home ice advantage in the first round of the playoffs with a win tonight. But that's only if Alaska wins and Las Vegas loses. This stuff is so complicated it makes our brain hurt. Since there are only a few more games, we're going to just wait around and see how it ends. We're kind of lazy that way.

The Grizzlies have found yet another goaltender to stick in their lineup at the last minute. We don't know where all these guys come from. There must be a goalie farm somewhere, and they're all finally getting ripe. Today's special is Mike Morrison, and he comes to the Grizzlies fresh from the Albany River Rats in the AHL. This means O'Keefe is odd man out, however, and has been put on waivers. We thought O'Keefe did a great job for the team this season, and wish him the best of luck. Thanks a ton, Mitch! Morrison will join the team for the last two games. He is expected to start on Friday.

The challenge for the Grizzlies this weekend will be to not look past the last two games of the season and focus on the playoffs. They can still improve their position in the standings, and we're all for home ice advantage because we're selfish and want more games at the E Center.

Tonight's game starts at 8:05 pm, and can be heard on 1230AM. You can also watch at Legends Pub and Grill. Ryan Kinasewich's next point gives him 100 for the season. There are only two games left this season, and the Grizz can use them to get a running start into the playoffs.

We're psyched.