Post Game: Thunder 6, Grizzlies 4

Utah was looking to sweep this series and pad their drooping win column which has been suffering due to a recent slump. Unfortunately, Stockton proved just how essential scoring the first goal can be by capturing the lead 1:24 into the 1st and never letting go. Despite an amazing power play and some beautiful offense, the Grizzlies weren't able to get the win.

Stockton drew first blood when the Grizzlies were unable to clear the puck in the initial minutes of the game. The Grizzlies tied things up, answering Thunder goals twice with separate power play goals before Stockton took a two goal lead in the 2nd. After a lull in momentum, Utah battled back at the end of the 2nd period to tie the game once again, only to drop another goal to Stockton early in the 3rd.

The Grizzlies battled through the 3rd period, but were unable to push the game past regulation. Stockton topped off the win getting an empty net goal with 0:46 left in the 3rd.

From the official post game:

The Grizzlies fell behind 1-0 1:24 into the game and would never lead though they battled back to tie at one in the first and 2-2 and 4-4 in the second period. [utahgrizzlies.com]

post game || Road Weary Grizzlies Complete Trip
gamesheet || Utah at Stockton 1/16/10
highlights || Game Highlights 1/16/09
blog || Adrian Denny's game day blog

Scoring Summary:

STK J. Cauldron (9), 1:24 1st period (Gongalsky, Hemingway); Thunder 1, Grizzlies 0
UTA J. Sixsmith (9), 10:16 1st period (Perry, Kinasewich); Thunder 1, Grizzlies 1
STK J. Bates (9), 15:26 1st period (Pitton, Young); Thunder 2, Grizzlies 1
UTA A. Perry (14), 4:21 2nd period (Crowder, Kinasewich); Thunder 2, Grizzlies 2
STK J. Bates (10), 4:52 2nd period; Thunder 3, Grizzlies 2
STK M. Robinson (10), 9:54 2nd period (Dacosta, Bates); Thunder 4, Grizzlies 2
UTA P. Asselin (3), 10:40 2nd period (Crowder, Radke); Thunder 4, Grizzlies 3
UTA T. Crowder (5), 15:32 2nd period (Kinasewich, Perry); Thunder 4, Grizzlies 4
STK J. Bates (11), 0:41 3rd period (D'Alvise); Thunder 5, Grizzlies 4
STK J. Bates (12), EN 19:14 3rd period; Thunder 6, Grizzlies 4

What We Think Worked Well: Power Play
The Grizzlies were able to generate goals on 3 of their 5 power play opportunites, and had only one 5-on-5 goal. The combination of Kinasewich-Perry-Sixsmith-Crowder proved to be lethal against Stockton and vital in keeping Utah in the game.

What Could Have Worked Better: Top Line Defense
The Grizzlies offensive top line finished the game in the minus column (Kinasewich -3, Perry -4, Galbraith -1). While defense is not the offensive line's main priority, we noticed that Utah had a tough time clearing the puck out of their own end when this line was on the ice. This included a solid 1:30+ shift defending the net in the 2nd.

Who Made the Difference: Tim Crowder
While the work of the Pavli-Parnham-Hand line brought some tough dedication and amazing shifts, Tim Crowder can't escape our attention. Crowder was instrumental in all 3 Utah power play goals, scoring the final PPG. Tim also tallied 2 assists and led the Grizzlies with 7 SOG, which earned him the 3rd Star of the Game in the 6-4 loss.


Stars of the Game:

1. STK J. Bates
2. STK M. Robinson
3. UTA T. Crowder

Additional Notes:

> Ryan Kinasewich added 3 points to his total with power play assists.

> AJ Perry scored a power play goal and 2 assists for his multipoint night.

> Former Steelheads Asselin (goal) and Radke (assist) tallied a point a piece in this match.

> James Sixsmith continued his scoring streak with another first period goal.

> Three Grizzlies (Kinasewich, Perry, Crowder) had multipoint nights.

> Utah and Stockton matched shot for shot tallying 38 SOG a piece in the contest.