Grizzlies Can't Overcome Four Goal First Period; Fall 5-2
Published on April 10, 2003 under ECHL (ECHL)
Utah Grizzlies News Release
Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania - The Utah Grizzlies opened their quest fir the Calder Cup in Wilkes-Barre where the Penguins used a big first period that saw them score four goals en route to a 5-2 victory. Five different players scored goals for the Penguins, while Dylan Gyori and Greg Hawgood score for Utah who gave up 52 shots on net.
Wilkes-Barre started the scoring at the 8:23 mark when Eric Meloche banged a shot past Corey Hirsch giving the Penguins a 1-0 lead. Then the power play became a huge factor as Utah took two minors and a major allowing Wilkes-Barre four power play chances and two power play goals. Tomas Surovy and Toby Petersen scored the man advantage goals for the Penguins. Just after John Erskine's major penalty had expired, the Penguins would add another goal as Michel Sivek scored for the Penguins making it 4-0 after on period. Wilkes-Barre outshot the Grizzlies 26-10 in the first frame.
The Grizzlies battled back in the second period despite not taking care of the discipline problem as they gave Wilkes-Barre a five-on-three, an additional power play and a penalty shot (Konstantin Koltsov) all of which were denied by Hirsch and his defense. Utah took advantage of their power plays in the second period going two for two with Dylan Gyori scoring against his former team )his ninth goal in 10 games with Utah) and Greg Hawgood adding a late power play goals in the period's final minute cutting the lead in half to 4-2. Each team mustered 12 shots on net in the second frame as Hirsch was perfect stopping all 12.
Utah failed to get anything going in the final period as Wilkes-Barre scored the lone goal when Tom Kostopoulos scored on a great individual effort after being blocked by Dan Jancevski he continued on and scored on a wrap-around shot that beat Hirsch down low. Utah could only muster five shots on net in the third compared to allowing four power plays.
In the game, Wilkes-Barre had 11 power play chances opposed to Utah's six. Each teams cored two power play goals. The Penguins outshot the Grizzlies 52-27 in the game. Hirsch was busy making 47 saves.
Tom Kostopoulos finished with a goal and an assist, while Shane Endicott and Matt Murley added two assists. Jean-Sebastien Aubin made 25 saves earning the victory.
ECHL Stories from April 10, 2003
- Grizzlies Can't Overcome Four Goal First Period; Fall 5-2 - Utah Grizzlies
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- Aces Bulk up Front Office Staff - Alaska Aces
- Schneekloth Heads Back to Grand Rapids - South Carolina Stingrays
- All-Star Defenseman assigned to 'Clones - Cincinnati Cyclones
- Blades Host Jersey Auction Tuesday - Florida Everblades
- St. Pierre Named WCHL MVP - Bakersfield Condors
- Express Season Ends with Playoff Loss, Season Tickets on Sale Now - Roanoke Express
- Utah Ready For Game One In Wilkes-Barre - Utah Grizzlies
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