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 4: Grizzlies 5, Thunder 0

Wow. They finished it in 4.

So, this is how the series ends for Stockton - not with a bang, but with a whimper. (Give yourself bonus nerd points if you know that reference.)

On to Victoria!

Stars of the Game -

1. UTA - J. Lamoureux
2. UTA - P. McIlveen
3. UTA - M. Reber

Links -

post game || Grizzlies Advance With 5-0 Win Over Stockton
gamesheet || Utah at Stockton - 4/10/11
highlights || Game Highlights 4/10/11 at Stockton
interview || Samson Mahbod 4/10/11 intermission

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.

Post Game: Grizzlies 2, Condors 1 (SO)

Welcome back, J.P.!

While we really don't blame Engelage for the losing streak lately (even if you have a good goalie, you still have to play in front of him), having Lamoureux back in net definitely gave the boys a boost. J.P. stopped 44 of the 45 shots he saw with style. And his work in the shutout was perfect. With the Grizzlies tallying only 17 shots on goal in the entire contest and allowing almost 3 times as many, it's undeniable that Lamoureux saved the day.

Also, assists on Matt Clarke's goal? New guy Reber and Lamoureux. Very nice.

Thumbs up to Paul McIlveen on the only shootout goal of the contest. Sweet shot . . . and that's really all we have to say about that.

On to the playoffs.

Stars of the Game -

1. UTA - J. Lamoureux
2. UTA - M. Clarke
3. UTA - P. McIlveen

Links -
post game || J.P. Lamoureux Leads Utah To 2-1 Shootout Win
gamesheet || Bakersfield at Utah - 4/2/11
highlights || Game Highlights 4/2/11 vs Bakersfield
interview || Leigh Mendleson 4/2/11 post game
interview || Matt Reber 4/2/11 intermission

Post Game: Condors 3, Grizzlies 1

Grizzlies lose.

In some sort of sick April Fool's day twist, the Grizzlies played surprisingly well but still lost to the Condors 3-1 in front of a record high crowd. There were a few breakdowns - which of course lead to Bakersfield's goals - and some missed chances, but otherwise not much that we have to complain about.

Great job by both goalies. Engelage had some help in front of the net and only allowed 2 goals on 33 shots. However, we do have to give some respect to Condor's goalie Stewart who had a wildly successful game, stopping 39 of the 40 Grizzlies' shots he saw. Damn.

The boys played some good defense and had a much better effort on the forecheck than we've seen in their recent losing streak. While the first goal from Bakersfield came in the 1st, Utah was able to calm things down and keep the Condors at bay until the 3rd. The Grizzlies' sole goal was shorthanded from Carpentier and Carroll who were probably happy to get such an essential goal after getting their asses kicked so heinously on the road.

Nice job on the PK; would love to see the power play come together again.

Get the win tomorrow to close out the season, boys.

Stars of the Game -

1. BAK - S. Goulet
2. UTA - H. Carpentier
3. BAK - B. Stewart

Links -
post game || Record-High Crowd Sees Grizzlies Fall 3-1
gamesheet || Bakersfield at Utah - 4/1/11
highlights || Game Highlights 4/1/11 vs Bakersfield
interview || Leigh Mendleson 4/1/11 post game
interview || David Schulz 4/1/11 intermission

Weekend Preview - Utah Grizzlies vs Bakersfield Condors

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.

Post Game: Steelheads 7, Grizzlies 2

Screw you, Utah. Since you didn't bother to show up, we're reviewing the Wheeling-Reading game instead.


Royals win.

In a game that saw 3 former Grizzlies pick up a goal, the outcome came down to the goaltending. Reading goalie Dalton stopped 45 out of 47 SOG in regulation and all 4 Wheeling shooters in the SO to capture the win for the Royals. Now, that's a game. Add to that both of the Nailers' goals came on the 5-on-3, and we're even more impressed.

Of course, we also need to point out the great job that Wheeling did in their own end on defense and also on the forecheck. While the Nailers racked up 47 shots, they only allowed 27 comparatively. And like the Royals, both goals allowed came on the power play.

Both Reading goals came from former Grizzlies in Cruthers and Labelle (ah - we miss you, Labelle), and one of the two Nailers goals came from Tim Crowder (who we also miss dearly). It was Timmy's first goal in a Nailers uniform and it was on the power play. When we switched over to the Grizzlies game, Wheeling was leading 2-1 with Tim's goal as the GWG; but Labelle scored late in the 3rd to tie things up and send it past regulation. We missed it. Boo.

Overall, great effort from both teams. It's hard to make any sort of comparative statements regarding the game as we haven't been following these teams closely, but it was a fun one to watch. Much more entertaining to watch than Utah's non-effort.

Go Eastern Conference.


**If you want to read about Utah getting slaughtered, go read the official post game. We're opting to ignore it.

Game Day: Idaho Steelheads

Last road game of the season.

We're hoping to see some of that Utah road magic that we were so fond of at the start of the season. From a stats point of view, it looks like Utah needs to grab, then hold on to their lead as they are 23-0-1 when leading after two periods . . . yeah, that's pretty much textbook.

Kevin Deeth leads the Grizzlies against Idaho in points, so we hope to see him working his usual skills. Deeth has been held off the points sheet for the last 7 games. Engelage will be in net tonight and should also be a bonus for the Grizzlies against the Steelheads; Andrew is 4-1 against Idaho this season. Not a bad place to start. Let's make it 5-1, Andy.

Utah still has a few injuries in the mix, but Kilburg will be returning - woot! And it looks like Idaho has picked up some fresh blood in terms of a goalie and a forward. No real idea of how this may affect things, but we figure it's worth a mention.

Of most importance, we hope Utah decides to stay out of the box as much as possible. Idaho is 1st on the power play at 24.5%. The Grizzlies need to keep their heads and not allow the Steelheads to go on the man advantage . . . please?

Looking forward to something a little better than Sunday, boys.

Post Game: Aces 6, Grizzlies 0

No eff-ing comment.

Post Game: Aces 4, Grizzlies 1

Grizzlies lose, but don't get shut out.

The boys 1st period looked much better than what we saw from them last night. Utah seemed to keep up with the Aces on the Olympic-sized ice and push the advantages they had. Also, the Grizzlies were playing a lot better in front of their own net during the initial 20, which allowed them to end the period with a 1 goal lead. However, Alaska rallied quick in the 2nd to add 3 goals in 4 minutes.

We have to give some coaching propers to Colley who utilized his 30 second time out to calm the boys down and stop the bleeding. Utah played better after this point, but weren't able to come back. The game seemed more psychological tonight than yesterday, as we saw some genuine effort before the crash and burn. Tough luck, boys.

Even when the Grizzlies were getting chances, they weren't getting past Alaska's goalie Coleman. We really can't say much more about that - the guy is on his game.

Let's go for Sunday, boys.

Stars of the Game -

1. AK - W. Goldie
2. AK - A. Dzielski
3. UTA - R. Grantham

Links -
post game || Alaska Rallies By Utah
gamesheet || Utah at Alaska - 3/26/11
highlights || Game Highlights 3/26/11 vs Alaska
interview || 3/26/11 intermission

Post Game: Aces 4, Grizzlies 0

Grizzlies get shut out.

A great game by the Aces. We were hoping Utah would try to make it tough for Alaska, but they didn't really bother to show up. The Grizzlies did go into this one shorthanded with McIlveen, May, and Kilburg out of the line up; however, they still had Ferguson, Carpentier, and Carroll (to name a few) who we expected to produce.

We tried to watch for the new defensemen, but they were mostly nondescript. We're wondering if they're still getting used to the Utah system.

Sorteberg seemed to stand out on defense; we were amazed he ended the game with a -2. Parnham was great on the back end as well, making some decent blocks, and Guthrie had several runs at the net which were noteworthy. Otherwise, the team looked lackadaisical.

For the most part, the Grizzlies stayed out of the box, but the few penalties they had hurt them. Two back to back penalties in the 1st allowed Alaska to grab the lead, and a double minor late in the 3rd put Utah shorthanded for the remainder of the game, guarenteeing the Aces the shutout. while we can't really bitch about the amount of shorthanded situations, the penalties the boys took were not necessary or smart. Disappointed.

We need to give some major love to Tyler Sims, who did a great job finishing up the game and allowed only one goal on the 15 shots he saw from Alaska. Some of those saves were spectacular, as the Grizzlies play in front of the net became increasingly sloppy in the final 20. Nicely done.

Do better tonight, Utah. We don't even care if you win - just play.

Links -

post game || Grizzlies Fall In Alaska
gamesheet || Utah at Alaska - 3/25/11