Post Game: Salmon Kings 3, Grizzlies 2 (SO)

The Grizzlies looked to gain 5 of 6 points going into this final match with Victoria. Capturing a win last night, Utah's strategy was to build on the win and increase their current unbeaten streak.

Victoria opened the scoring with under 5 minutes gone in the 1st for the second night in a row. Despite a few power play chances, the Grizzlies had trouble keeping out of the box and tying things up in the initial period. However, AJ Perry was able to light the lamp for Utah nearing the bottom of the 2nd, and Lance Galbraith found the back of the net for his 7th of the season to end the period 2-1 in Utah's favor. Unfortunately, that lead didn't last long as the Salmon Kings scored just 2:06 into the 3rd period to even things up, 2-2. Both teams battled for the lead, but their goaltenders kept them afloat and neither the Grizzlies or the Salmon Kings were able to end the game in regulation.

After another scoreless overtime, the teams went to their third shootout of the series. Utah went 3/5 in the shootout, but Victoria beat O'Keefe in each round to gain the extra point and secure the win.

From the official post game:

The Victoria Salmon Kings (27-17-4-1) defeated the Utah Grizzlies (21-19-2-4) 3-2 in a shootout Saturday night at Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre. The Grizzlies, collected four of a possible six points in the standings on the weekend jaunt to Vancouver Island; going 1-0-0-2 in the three-game series that saw all contests go to shootouts. [utahgrizzlies.com]

post game || Grizzlies Run Unbeaten Streak to Five
highlights || Game Highlights 2/6/10 at Victoria
gamesheet || Utah at Victoria 2/6/10
interview || Brett Parnham 2/6/10 intermission
blog || Adrian Denny's game day blog


Scoring Summary:

VIC J. Sharrow (9), 4:53 1st period (Fillon, Gelech); Salmon Kings 1, Grizzlies 0
UTA A. Perry (19), 15:02 2nd period (Kinasewich, Aston); Salmon Kings 1, Grizzlies 1
UTA L. Galbraith (7), 19:53 2nd period (Kinasewich, Hunter); Salmon Kings 1, Grizzlies 2
VIC W. Goldie (32), 2:06 3rd period (Gladue, Fillon); Salmon Kings 2, Grizzlies 2

SO VIC C. Painchaud


What Worked Well: Defense joining the rush
We expect this from Maxwell by now, but having Clarke, Aston, Radke and Wilson able to join in or lead the rush is very reminiscent of blueliners from earlier this season. When the defense can do their job and also tally shots on goal, they add an extra push to the offensive unit on the ice. And when you get the offense to step up and help out the defense, we'd have to say the team is starting to look pretty well rounded again.

What Could Have Worked Better: Staying out of the box
22 PIM total for the team, including a Radke triple minor, the Grizzlies racked up an entire period's worth of penalty time. While Victoria matched them infraction for infraction, the Grizzlies managed to negate a couple of those chances with penalties of their own. Add to that the fact that both of Victoria's goals were power play goals and well, what more needs to be said?

Who Made the Difference: Matt Clarke
Not only stellar on defense, Clarke consistantly drove toward the net, leading rush after rush against the Victoria goalie which included a short handed breakaway. Tallying 4 SOG in this contest and ending the game with a +1, we pick Clarke for our difference maker.


Stars of the Game:

1. VIC - L. Irving
2. UTA - M. O'Keefe
3. VIC - J. Sharrow


Additional Notes:

> Captain Kinasewich is the only Grizzly to tally a multipoint game with 2 assists.
> Four Grizzlies extend their scoring streaks: AJ Perry, Ryan Kinasewich, Peter Aston, and Lance Galbraith.
> Utah picks up 4 of 6 points in the series.
> Salmon King's Wes Goldie ties Ryan Kinasewich for the league leader in goals.
> Mitch O'Keefe saves 31 out of 33 in the shootout loss.