Weekend Preview - Utah Grizzlies vs Bakersfield Condors

First of all, we apologize for not having a write-up from the last game on the 24th. No one from our staff actually saw or heard the game. Okay, so there are only two of us, and one of us has a night job during the week. The other one of us was scratched from the lineup due to flu-like symptoms. We have no affiliates so we couldn't call anyone up to fill in for the night. And one of us got suspended a game for hitting ourselves in the head while getting in the car this morning, and will probably be out a couple of games with a concussion. (We're not telling you which one that was.) Grizzblog staff is not making the playoffs.





Anyway, on Wednesday night the Grizzlies beat Bakersfield 7-4 with Coach Colley in the press box. Apparently Colley got slapped with a one-game suspension. When we first heard about that, we were hoping it was for something like an elbow to the head, but it was only because of a paperwork mix-up. Not quite as exciting. He'll be back behind the bench this weekend.

Moving on to the weekend, the Grizzlies play their last two regular season games at the E Center on Friday and Saturday against the Bakersfield Condors. These two teams have met six times this season, and the Condors have won four of those six. With the last two games, the Grizzlies can even the season. Bakersfield is three points ahead of the Grizzlies in the playoff race, so if Utah can beat them twice in regulation this weekend, they can pass them. Utah has mostly looked good lately - they've won nine of their last eleven games at home - and we're hoping they are finally coming together (with five games left) after a revolving door of a season.

As far as the playoff race goes, only Idaho is guaranteed a spot in the National Conference... still. For the rest of the teams, it's a toss-up. We may not know who is in until the last game of the season. It's almost like musical chairs, only nobody is taking any chairs away. We're not sure how that works, but musical chairs was always one of our least favorite party games, so the idea kind of makes us want to put on Rod Stewart, Minnie Riperton, or the chicken dance song just to torture whoever is in charge of the party.

The Grizz will be missing forward Simon Ferguson - he's been loaned to the Hershey Bears of the AHL. Malcom MacMillan has been activated from the IR, and is expected to be in the lineup.

Also, this weekend is Fan Appreciation Weekend, and if you're totally into Slap Shot, you can go have your picture taken with the Hanson brothers at the E Center on Saturday. We heard there are no guarantees, however, that they won't try to fight you. There will also be a post-game party at Chili's across from the E Center on Saturday where you can get posters signed by the entire team. And maybe even Adrian Denny. On Friday, there will be a post-game skate with the team, so bring your skates. For more information on this weekend's activities, see the Grizzlies official website.

Both Friday's and Saturday's games will start at 7:05 pm at the E Center. Come cheer the Grizzlies on in their final two home games of the season!