Post Game: Grizzlies 3, Thunder 2 (OT)

Thank you, Utah!

The boys really rev-ed things up during the 1st. Puck control was amazing and they pulled of 20 shots on goal to Stockton's 8. There wasn't a moment where Utah looked shaky during the initial 20, which isn't quite what we expected after Saturday's game where the boys looked dead on their feet. But the boys remained on the forecheck for the most part and when they needed it, Sims stepped up to make the saves.

Going into the 3rd, we really didn't think the guys were going to pull it off. They looked exhausted; Stockton was pushing every advantage and was able to tie things up quickly. We really have to give some props to the Maverik Center for having technical difficulties with their lights. The break seemed to give Utah the push they needed to take things past regulation and get the win in OT.

Two favorites of the OT period were Nyren with his game winning goal (of course) and Parnham picking up the passes. Welcome back, Visa! Both of those guys really assisted in manufacturing the win in that crucial time, so hats off to them.

Better luck on the man advantage, boys - Utah only converted on 1 of 9 power play situations. On the upside, they only went shorthanded 3 times - nicely done.

And in case you hadn't heard: with Sunday's overtime win, the Grizzlies are in the playoffs. Couldn't have been done during a better game or a better series.

Stars of the Game -

1. UTA - G. Nyren
2. UTA - B. Parnham
3. STK - F. Clair

Links -
post game || Grizzlies Beat Stockton 3-2 In OT; Clinch Playoff Berth
gamesheet || Stockton at Utah - 3/13/11
highlights || Game Highlights 3/13/11 vs Stockton
photos || 3/13/11 - Utah Grizzlies vs Stockton Thunder
interview || Kevin Colley 3/13/11 post game
interview || Chris Donovan 3/13/11 intermission

Post Game: Wranglers 5, Grizzlies 2

Grizzlies lose.

What a crazy game. And for about 30 seconds we thought Utah was going to win it. And then . . .

We looked everywhere for a clip of that accidental shorthanded Vegas goal Rinfret allowed, but no luck. Honestly, the poor kid was hanging in there until that crappy bounce. Then he lost all confidence like the Hiphopopotamus when he's freestylin'. And that was pretty much the game. Marc allowed 3 quick goals after that point and let a frustrated Vegas team break away to claim the win. Talk about a bad day at the office . . . But a great job by the defense in getting the rebounds out.

And speaking of bad days - Um, power play? Where did you go? Four 5-on-3 situations and only one goal?

Giffen Nyren had a good game, scoring both Utah goals that COUNTED (we're still confused about the one that was waved off); but we were also delighted to hear what Colley had to say about Giffen in the post game: "He's got a nice shot . . . he just needs to pull the reigns back though. He's a bit of a riverboat gambler - he just needs to let the puck do the work, trust his teammates, and not try to do too much." Yeah, Giff - good job, but stop with the fancy.

And now for the important business: Parnham - NOO!! Not sure what got injured on the kid, but he looked like he was in some serious pain. The team is gonna feel it with Brett out of the line. Hell, we refer to him as "Visa" over here: he's just everywhere you want to be. Hope he's feeling better soon.

Stars of the Game -

1. LV - A. Power
2. UTA - G. Nyren
3. LV - M. Ouzas

Links -
post game || Las Vegas Takes Utah Late 5-2
gamesheet || Las Vegas at Utah - 2/18/11
photos || 2/18/11 - Utah Grizzlies vs Las Vegas Wranglers
interview || Kevin Colley 2/18/11 post game
interview || Brock Wilson 2/18/11 intermission

Can we make up a cool name for back to back shutouts?

With the back to back wins--sorry, let me correct myself. With the back-to-back shut outs this weekend , the Grizzlies have kept their top spot in the west, and are now 2nd overall in the ECHL. Can we start the state-wide "Let's go, Grizzlies!" chant now, or is that a little too early for the next home game? They have a tough schedule this week, with back to back games in Idaho Tuesday and Wednesday, then back to back in Ontario Friday and Saturday. They still lead the league for road games won with 12.

The Grizzlies picked up two new players from Abbotsford today: Hugo Carpentier (F) and Giffen Nyren (D). Carpentier is returning to Utah, while Nyren is a rookie. Welcome boys!

The Islanders sent goaltender Dwayne Roloson to Tampa Bay in exchange for a defenseman. What does that mean for us? They aren't the Grizzlies affiliate. It means former Grizzly goaltender, Nathan Lawson, has had a busy few weeks shuffling around. He is now listed on the Islanders' roster as the other goaltender next to Rick DiPeitro.

There was a little game played over this weekend that a few people may have heard of (no, it wasn't the Grizzlies). The Winter Classic game on January 1 between the Washington Capitals and Pittsburgh Penguins was the most watched regular season game in 36 years. Even with the start delayed by a few hours, the audience grew by 22% when compared to last year. There is hope that hockey is becoming more popular! Or the population is rapidly expanding (in numbers, not waistlines).

The most exciting rivalry game since the USA/Canada final during the Olympics in February might be played tonight. USA/Canada meet up again in the World Junior Championship. (As I write this, Canada is up 2-0 at the end of the 2nd.) The winner will play the Russian team for the championship Wednesday night.