Post Game: Grizzlies 2, Thunder 1 (SO)

The Grizzlies entered this match looking to extend their unbeaten streak and pick up a win after a shoot out loss to Idaho on Wednesday. Tenacity from Utah and another game winning performance by Mitch O'Keefe allowed the boys to win in a shootout after a waved off Grizzlies goal in the 3rd.

Utah struck first, scoring late in the 1st period and were able to hold their one goal lead until Stockton tied the game halfway through the 2nd. The Grizzlies regained their lead with 4 minutes left in an intense 3rd period, but the goal was waved off for a high stick on the puck. The boys battled past a shorthanded overtime start to win the game in a shootout. This is the Grizzlies first shootout win out of three this season.

Utah was outshot during the match but was still able to end regulation at a tie before winning in a shootout.


From the official post game:

Stockton, California – Utah goaltender Mitch O’Keefe (12-5-1-1) stopped another season-high 42 of 43 shots as the Utah Grizzlies (17-15-2-2) battled for a 2-1 shootout win over the Stockton Thunder.

Utah fell behind 1-0 in the shootout but got goals from AJ Perry and Brett Parnham to take a 2-1 lead as Mitch O’Keefe shut the door on the final three Stockton shots. [utahgrizzlies.com]


post game || Grizzlies Hammer out 2-1 Shootout Win
gamesheet || Utah at Stockton 1/15/10
highlights || Game Highlights 1/15/10 (audio)
interview || Matt Sorteberg 1/15/10 Interview (audio)
blog || Adrian Denny's official game day blog

Scoring Summary:

UTA J. Sixsmith (8), 17:21 1st period (T. Crowder); Grizzlies 1, Thunder 0
STK C. D'Alvise (13), 10:18 2nd period (J. Pitton, J. Bates); Grizzlies 1, Thunder 1

SO (B. Parnham); Grizzlies 2, Thunder 1

What We Think Worked Well: Penalty Kill

While Utah stayed out of the box for the most part (the exception being the 2nd period), they went 6 for 6 on the penalty kill, including killing a 4-on-3 at the beginning of overtime.

What Could Have Worked Better: Passing
Overall this was a much better game for the Grizzlies than we've seen over the past month, so it was hard to single out something to improve. However, Utah still has some work to do on their passing game, and we hope to see it fine-tuned as the team improves on the win column.


Who Made the Difference: Mitch O'Keefe

O'Keefe pulled out all the stops for another record breaking performance, saving 43 of 44 SOG and 4 of 5 for the shootout win. We really cannot say enough about O'Keefe's performance over the last two games; the guy is amazing. He's definitely what has been keeping Utah in these last few games.


Stars of Game:

1. UTA M. O'Keefe
2. UTA B. Parnham
3. STK C. D'Alvise