Post Game: Aces 3, Grizzlies 2

In his post game commentary, Adrian Denny refered to this game as "the James Sixsmith Show." We couldn't agree more.

The Aces scored 0:11 into the 1st to take the lead, which they held until James Sixsmith tied things up at 18:37 to end the period 1-1. Utah was able to hold Alaska off until 13:28 of the 2nd, when the Aces found the back of the net and regained their lead. However, during an Alaska power play, Sixsmith rushed the Aces' net and picked up a short-handed goal to tie the game once again. Less than a minute later, Alaska scored 5-on-5 to end the 2nd period 3-2.

The 3rd period remained scoreless as Utah attempted to tie the game and force things past regulation. While the Grizzlies tallied 12 SOG to Alaska's 10, Utah wasn't able to light the lamp in the final frame and the game ended in the Aces' favor, 3-2.

From the official post game:

The Alaska Aces defeated the Utah Grizzlies (26-25-2-5) 3-2 in regulation Thursday night at the Sullivan Arena.

Utah never led in the game after falling behind just 11 seconds into the first period on the first of two Brock McBride goals in the game. [utahgrizzlies.com]

post game || Grizzlies drop tough one in Alaska
highlights || Game Highlights 3/4/10 at Alaska
gamesheet || Utah at Alaska 3/4/10
interview || Tim Crowder 3/4/10 intermission
blog || Adrian Denny's game day blog


Scoring Summary:

AK B. McBride (7), 0:11 1st period (Marsh); Aces 1, Grizzlies 0
UTA J. Sixsmith (17), 18:37 1st period (Kinasewich, Wilson); Aces 1, Grizzlies 1
AK B. McBride (8), 13:28 2nd period (Blackwater, Peluso); Aces 2, Grizzlies 1
UTA J. Sixsmith (18), 18:34 2nd period; Aces 2, Grizzlies 2
AK N. Mazzolini (22), 19:29 2nd period (Boguniecki, Blackwater); Aces 3, Grizzlies 2


What Worked Well: Staying out of the box
Utah only allowed 3 shorthanded situations during this contest. However, 2 of the 3 still occured in the 3rd period. Whatevs. That's still reduced by 50% from the previous night's 3rd period penalties, so we say good job.

What Could Have Been Better: Clearing the puck
All three of the Alaska goals resulted from the Grizzlies having issues with clearing the puck. Between misdirected passes and the inability to pressure the Aces for the puck, Utah was just not on their game when it came to getting the puck out of their own end.

Who Made the Difference: James Sixsmith
James Sixsmith was responsible for both Utah goals, one of which was an unassisted shorty. Need we say more? Not only was Sixer on fire this game, but he WAS the game. Nicely done, James.


Stars of the Game:

1. AK - B. McBride
2. UTA - J. Sixsmith
3. AK - S. Reid


Additional Notes:

> James Sixsmith scored both Utah goals to extend his winning streak to 11 games.
> Mitch O'Keefe stopped 33 of 36 shots in the loss.