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AHL Utah Grizzlies

Early lead doesn't stand up

March 16, 2005 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Utah Grizzlies News Release


WEST VALLEY CITY, UT - The Grizzlies scored the games first goal but fell apart as the Houston Aeros bounced back from a shutout Monday night to score five unanswered goals to defeat Utah 5-1. Kyle Wanvig scored two goals and had an assist and Mike Smith made 27 saves pushing the Aeros to 4-2 versus Utah this season.

The Grizzlies got on the board first and early as they took advantage of the game's first power play with Erik Westrum blasting a shot by former Grizzly mike Smith for his team-leading 14th goal of the season assisted by Aaron Gavey and Kiel McLeod at the 5:44 mark of the first period. Houston answered with a power play of their own scored by Junior Lessard on a great feed to the back door from Raymond Giroux. Pierre-Marc Bouchard also added an assist. At the 20-minute mark of the period, newcomer Eric Labelle made his presence felt dropping the gloves with John Erskine giving the Grizzlies a lift heading into the second period. Utah outshot the Aeros 10-9 in the frame with David LeNeveu making nine saves and Smith making eight saves.

The Aeros power play stayed hot in the second period connecting twice on three chances. The first came just 21 seconds into the second period when Kyle Wanvig banged home a rebound off a Bouchard shot for his ninth goal of the season. Bouchard and Zbynek Michalek earned the assists. Houston tacked on another goal at the 15:04 mark of the period on a great pass from Rickard Wallin to Patrick Traverse who snuck in along the right wing circle and buried a one-timer by LeNeveu for his fifth goal of the season assisted by Wallin and Kirby Law. Houston outshot the Grizzlies 12-9 in the period and through two frames were 3 for 5 on the power play.

In the third period, the Aeros scored two more goals (both even strength) with Wanvig and Mikko Koivu scoring for the Aeros making a comeback for Utah tough to come by.

The Aeros finished the game with a 31-28 shot advantage as Mike Smith won his 16th game making 27 saves.

Houston finished the night 3 for 5 on the power play and Utah went 1 for 7.

Utah will host Houston again on Friday night at the 'E' Center with face-off scheduled for 7:05 PM.

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