AHL Utah Grizzlies

Grizzlies Blanked by Griffins, 2-0

Published on February 26, 2004 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Utah Grizzlies News Release


Grand Rapids, MI - The Utah Grizzlies (19-32-4-3) were looking to gain their first points on their current eight-game road trip but despite a strong offensive effort they were thwarted by Joey MacDonald who made 33 saves earning his fourth shutout of the season and seeing his record improve to 17-3-3. The Griffins are now without a loss in their last 15 home games (12-0-3). Utah has now lost three straight on the road.

A lack of flow plagued the early going in Van Andel Arena but the Griffins toughguy Ryan Barnes found the cure by finding a spot in front of Dan Ellis and redirecting a pass/shot by Tomas Kopecky just past Ellis. Jeff Nelson had the second assist for the Griffins. The Grizzlies mustered only six shots on goal with four of those coming in the final four minutes of the period. Ellis stopped 10 Griffins shots as each team failed to convert on a power play chance.

Grand Rapids would add to their lead in the second period as they capitalized on their lone power play chance of the period. Kevin Miller took a Jiri Hudler pass and swiped it past Ellis tying him for the team lead with 21 goals. Utah's Mathias Tjarnqvist had several great opportunities during a 5-on-3 power play for Utah but all his efforts were turned aside by Joey MacDonald or juts missed the net. Utah outshot the Griffins 13-11 in the frame and had three total power play chances but missed on all of them.

The Grizzlies put the pressure on the Griffins in the final period putting 14 shots against MacDonald while holding the Griffins to just one shot on goal. Despite the hard-working effort by Utah they were unable to get on the board getting shutout for the 10th time this season.

The Grizzlies finished the night outshooting the Griffins 33-23 but MacDonald earned first star honors stopping all 33 shots.

Utah will travel to Manchester to take on the Monarchs on Saturday night in the Verizon Wireless Arena. Face-off is scheduled for 5:00 PM (mst).

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American Hockey League Stories from February 26, 2004


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