AHL Utah Grizzlies

Grizzlies blanked by Wolf Pack, 3-0

March 9, 2005 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Utah Grizzlies News Release


WEST VALLEY CITY, UT - Special teams were the two words that did in the Grizzlies on Wednesday night as the club went 0 for 11 on the power play and gave up a shorthanded, game-winning goal en route to falling 3-0 to Hartford being shutout for the 11th time this season.

The teams picked up where they left off on Monday night with tight checking and limited scoring opportunities. Utah outshot the Wolf Pack 6-4 in the period but both David LeNeveu and Steve Valiquette were perfect in the frame. Hartford committed five minor penalties giving Utah five power plays, one of them carried over to the second period, but they were unable to convert against one of the league's best penalty killing units.

Both teams picked up the play and the scoring chances in the second period but both goaltenders picked up their play as well with each netminder making 13 saves. Utah's Martin Sonnenberg found Dana Lattery in front for an open one-timer that missed the net which created the best scoring opportunity for both clubs. Utah led 19-17 on the shot board after two periods and special teams were on display as Utah was 0 for 7 after two periods working on their eighth heading into the third period (a five-minute major against Jamie Lundmark for high sticking). Through two periods Hartford went 0 for 4 on the power play.

Hartford exploded offensively in the third period scoring three goals. The first came on another Grizzlies power play as Josef Balej scored shorthanded his 17th goal of the season at the 4:45 mark. The Wolf Pack added to their lead with Alexandre Giroux scoring his team leading 23rd goal assisted by Jamie Lundmark and Jed Ortmeyer. Jeff Hamilton put the game away with his 18th goal of the season putting the game away for the Wolf Pack.

Utah outshot the Grizzlies 26-25 but Steve Valiquette turned aside all 26 shots he faced earning his sixth shutout of the season.

Utah will host Cincinnati at the 'E' Center in the first of back-to-back games with face-off scheduled for 7:05 PM.

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American Hockey League Stories from March 9, 2005


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