Weekend Preview - Utah Grizzlies vs Victoria Salmon Kings

Round 2. We're ready.

The #6 seeded Grizzlies drew #7 seed Victoria in the 2nd round. The two teams eliminated Stockton and Bakersfield respectively to move on. The other remaining teams? #5 seed Idaho, and #1 Alaska, who got a bye for the 1st round. Looking at who is left standing, we think it's safe to say that we can toss out those seeding numbers.

Also tossing out regular season statistics because they're not particularly relevant during the playoffs, that doesn't leave us a lot of information to form an opinion on this matchup. We have liked what we've seen from the Grizzlies so far. They seem to be getting back to where they were back in December and January, partially due to players coming back from the AHL. But also, the team added some new guys who were able to blend in and make a difference. "It's the same team, but it's a different team," Coach Colley explained. Though we sometimes need a philosophy class to decipher Colley's explanations, this one we get. The team identity hasn't changed even though the roster has. The team plays the same way regardless of who is on the ice. That stability, plus some veteran experience in returnees Tuzzolino, Lamoureux, and team captain Ferguson have helped them find their game at exactly the right time.

The biggest challenge for Utah may be adjusting to the difference in the way Stockton played and what they expect from the Salmon Kings. Against the Thunder, Utah was able to get goals by annoying them into taking penalties. (See Utah at the top of the playoff power play statistics with 35.3%.) Victoria has more playoff experience, and won't be falling for that trick. "The last series, we really outworked Stockton," forward Paul McIlveen said. "Victoria has a lot more skill. We're still going to have to play hard, but we have to be sharp as well." The team matched up well with the Salmon Kings when they were on a roll in December, but not as well down the stretch. Of course, that could be said about almost any team they played. We figure we'll just have to wait and see how everything will go down in this series. Game 1 on Friday should be a good indicator.

For Victoria, they seem to have realized what Utah was doing to Stockton, and have a plan. "When you look at Utah's power-play percentage from the first round, it's clear we need to be disciplined," said Victoria Coach Mark Morrison. "If you take nine penalties a game, like we did during stretches of the regular season, you're going to lose against a team like Utah. We have lots of short fuses and those players need to suck it up." So they're on to you, Grizzlies. Sounds like you've got the right idea playing sharp. We hope the idea translates to the game.

If you're not on the bandwagon yet, now is a good time to get on. Tonight is a 2 for 1 ticket night if you have a Maverik card, so bring a friend. We've also heard they're trying a white out for Friday, so wear a white jersey, shirt, jacket, whatever. It's a really nice effect in an arena - it brings the fans all together in the stands. Also, if you're bored at work, you can go to the Salmon Kings' website and vote in their fan poll. They're asking who the fans think will win round 2 of the playoffs. We've already voted for the Grizzlies multiple times.

Round 2 starts tonight at 7:05 pm. It's on.