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Utah Grizzlies

Grizzlies Even up Series with 3-2 Win at Home

April 18, 2015 - ECHL (ECHL)
Utah Grizzlies News Release


West Valley City, Utah - The Utah Grizzlies defeated the Idaho Steelheads 3-2 Friday night at Maverik Center to even up the best-of-seven first round series at one.

"We were relentless in front of a great crowd," said Head Coach/General Manager Tim Branham. "Our fans are just awesome and our boys never gave up." 4,471 fans were on hand at Maverik Center; the second largest crowd of the ECHL playoffs so far.

For the second-straight game in the series, Utah battled back from a 2-0 deficit to tie, but after Wednesday's 3-2 overtime loss in Boise, this time they won.

"We just had a couple of unlucky bounces that ended up in the back of our net," said Branham. "They did a great job of coming back. Hayes to Syner to take the first lead of the series was great. We did a great job of hanging on."

Ryan Hayes slid the puck to T.J. Syner 8:16 into the third period for the game-winning goal and the Grizzlies killed the final 1:11 of the game shorthanded six-on-four to even the series as Idaho pulled their goalie for an extra-attacker.

"They have a lot of fire power over there," said Branham. "They can really get after it. Testament to our guys for sticking to the game plan and finding ways to get the puck back down the ice and kill more time. Bobkov made some big saves. All around, we did a good job. We have to enjoy this one. That's one win. We gotta get three more and that starts tomorrow."

Goaltender Igor Bobkov stopped 28 of 30 shots for the win.

"Bobkov wasn't tested early on," said Branham. "Sometimes you can get kind of cold but Idaho brought it on late and he was there to make some big saves."

25 seconds after Idaho took a 2-0 lead 4:14 into the second period, the Grizzlies started the rally. Danick Paquette's second goal of the series and first of the night made it 2-1 4:39 into the period. Paquette tied the game 2:39 after his first goal on a second effort in the left wing circle.

"I have to bring a lot to my team," said Paquette. "I'm doing it for my teammates in the playoffs. I want to win."

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