Las Vegas is still in town, and so far the Grizzlies haven't made it much of a Christmas vacation for them. Utah is looking to continue their home win streak as they face the Wranglers at the Maverik Center on Friday and the Victoria Salmon Kings on Saturday Saturday. Yes, we know the streak is only one game so far, but we're optimists.The Grizzlies finally won a game at home on Wednesday when they beat Las Vegas 4-2. It was an entertaining game which saw Utah jump out ahead in the first, and Vegas catch up in the second and third. The Grizzlies were able to hold on though, and a goal from Gergen with a little more than half the period gone was enough for them to get the win.
And there was much rejoicing.
With a great game like that under their belt, and the knowledge that they are once again at the top of the Western Conference in the standings, the Grizzlies could have the confidence and motivation to start that nice home win streak we asked Santa for. Hey, it would save the big guy in the red suit some mileage.
When these two teams meet, it's all about special teams. The Wranglers have the top penalty kill in the league by a small margin, but Utah has been one of the few teams that have had success against it. According to Adrian Denny's game day blog, the Grizzlies have gone 4 for 21 on the power play against Las Vegas. They also haven't allowed a power play goal of their own in three of their last five games, so this will be a key for the Friday match up. If we were coaching, we'd tell the team to stay out of the penalty box, but try to draw penalties on Vegas. Maybe get them to punch you in the face in front of the refs or something. Needless to say it's a good thing we're not coaching.
The Wranglers have won 7 of their last 10 games, and had won 4 in a row before falling to the Grizzlies on Wednesday night, so the Grizz really have their work cut out for them on Friday. Just because their city looks like the Griswold's front yard doesn't make them all flash and no substance. They are two points behind Utah in the conference standings, but they have played four fewer games. This next game could easily put them on top if the Grizzlies don't stay focused for a full game.
Utah takes on the Salmon Kings Saturday night, who will be straight off the bus from Idaho. Hopefully this will give the Grizzlies and advantage. Victoria currently stands at 10-13-3, but is 9-0-0 when leading after two periods, so a Grizzlies' game like Wednesday's will come in handy.
Grizzlies home win streak continues Friday and Saturday. Puck drops at 7:05 pm.
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