Post Game: Aces 5, Grizzlies 4 (OT)

Grizzlies lose in OT, pick up a point.

Unfortunately, we called this one. Sitting in 121 with the 3rd goal just under the Grizzlies belts and half the game left to play, I leaned over to fellow blogger Joni and muttered, "These boys have a tendency to lose their lead. 4-4 going into overtime."

It is a little disheartening to watch a 3-0 lead go down the drain. We've seen it happen before, where the other team takes advantage of simple mistakes that Utah makes. One of Alaska's goals formulated on a 3-on-1, where defense was just not in position. It happens. Sometimes the Grizzlies get lucky when they take an on-ice breather. But when the opposing team pushes the advantage, it makes Utah's miscalculation that much more apparent. Assistant Coach Leigh Mendleson articulated on this in his post game, stating "We haven't learned our lesson yet. We haven't learned that once you get a lead going you don't sit back, you don't play the scoreboard, you don't feel good about things. You put your work boots on a little tighter and you finish the game."

But now for the good. The Crowder boys lit things up again, with 3 points (1g, 2a) for Tim and 2 for Paul (2a). Kevin Deeth, playing with the Crowder line, also lit up the scoreboard with 2 points (1g, 1a) of his own.

We also wanted to shine on Jason Fredricks. We'd actually been commenting on Fredricks' defense throughout the night. He was always where the puck was and from that was able to generate his first goal of the season with the Crowder line. Nicely done. Andrew Engelage made some amazing saves through the night, stopping 32 of 37. After all of his hard work, it was difficult to see the game go on such an easy goal, which we're sure he'd love to have back. And Riley Emmerson picked up his first point of the season with an assist and added another fight to his resume. Overall, it was an entertaining game for the 7,887 fans in attendance.

Rematch tonight at the Maverik Center @ 7:00pm.

Stars of the Game -

1. AK - B. Miller
2. UTA - T. Crowder
3. AK - K. Falite

Game Photos -



Links -
post game || 7,887 See Alaska Take Overtime Contest In Utah
gamesheet || Alaska at Utah - 11/19/10
highlights || Game Highlights 11/19/10 vs Alaska
photos || 11/19/10 - Utah Grizzlies vs Alaska Aces
interview || Leigh Mendleson 11/19/10 post game
interview || Kevin Deeth 11/19/10 interview