Post Game: Grizzlies 4, Steelheads 3 (SO)

We expected this game to be another low-scoring defensive show, but Utah saw its fouth comeback in their last five games.

The Steelheads started the scoring halfway through the 1st. Utah responded 5 minutes later, but Idaho dominated the period tallying 16 shots on goal to the Grizzlies' two. In the 2nd, Idaho picked up another goal. However, Utah responded with one of their own under 2 minutes later. The Steeleheads came back within 30 seconds to regain the lead and finish the period 3-2 in Idaho's favor.

Peter Aston found the back of the net for the Grizzlies to push the game past regulation and into a shootout. Brett Parnham pushed the contest to a sixth round, and Tony Romano scored the game winner in that final ahoorout round.

From the official post game:

The Utah Grizzlies (22-20-2-4) tied the game at three with 1:25 left to go in regulation and fought from behind down 3-1 in the shootout to defeat the Idaho Steelheads 4-3 Friday night at Qwest Arena.

The Grizzlies trailed from the outset and never led until the shootout game-winner. [utahgrizzlies.com]

post game || Another Utah Comeback Leads to 4-3 Shootout Win
highlights || Game Highlights 2/12/10 at Idaho (audio)
gamesheet || Utah at Idaho 2/12/10
interview || ECHL Official Mike Pearce intermission (audio)
blog || Adrian Denny's game day blog


Scoring Summary:

IDH M. Derlago (22), 10:05 1st period (Spurgeon, Lampl); Steelheads 1, Grizzlies 0
UTA L. Galbraith (8), 15:44 1st period (B. Parnham, T. Maxwell); Steelheads 1, Grizzlies 1
IDH M. McClutcheon (6), 8:08 2nd period (Huxley, Spurgeon); Steelheads 2, Grizzlies 1
UTA P. Aston (2), 9:36 2nd period (Sixsmith, Perry); Steelheads 2, Grizzlies 2
IDH J. Swanson (14), 9:57 2nd period (DeVergilio, McKnight); Steelheads 3, Grizzlies 2
UTA P. Aston (3), 3rd period (Clarke); Steelheads 3, Grizzlies 3

SO, UTA T. Romano


What Worked Well: Penalty Kill
Utah killed all 5 of their penalties beautifully. Do we need to say much more?

What Could Have Worked Better: Staying out of the box.
While the penalty kill was excellent and Utah didn't really allow chances, there were a couple of times where the Grizzlies negated their own one man advantages with a penalty of their own. However, we didn't really see a lot to improve.

Who Made the Difference: Peter Aston
2 goals, 4 SOG and he plays defense. The Grizzlies have their offensive push renewed with blueliners that can shoot. Aston's 4 SOG tied with blueliner Matt Clarke's total for the most SOG this game.


Stars of the Game:

1. IDH - J. Swanson
2. UTA - M. O'Keefe
3. IDH - A. Huxley


Additional Notes:

> Mitch O'Keefe stopped 39 out of 42 and 3 of 6 in the shootout.
> Brett Parnham improved to 4/6 on the shootout as he kept the Grizzlies in the game.