ECHL Utah Grizzlies

Grizzlies Fall 3-2: Face 0-2 Deficit

Published on April 4, 2012 under ECHL (ECHL)
Utah Grizzlies News Release


West Valley City Utah - The Las Vegas Wranglers defeated the Utah Grizzlies 3-2 Tuesday night at Maverik Center to take a 2-0 series lead in the best-of-five series headed back to the Orleans Arena.

It was a game, where both sides were vocal in concerns over the officiating and Utah felt that two of Las Vegas three goals should have been blown dead by penalties.

Las Vegas took a 1-0 lead at 3:41 of the first period on an apparent trip of Utah defenseman Ryan Turek in the neutral zone as he danced around three Wranglers working up ice. The non-call led to a three-on-one rush by Las Vegas' number-one line and a goal for Judd Blackwater.

Utah tied the game at one at 9:04 of the first period on a Kory Falite power-play goal as Evan Stephens lunged to hold in the play and he ripped a shot from the slot.

The Wranglers thought they took a 2-1 lead late in the first but after lengthy deliberation, the score was waved off, which triggered an eruption from Las Vegas Head Coach Ryan Mougenel on the Wranglers bench. Las Vegas though held the puck in and scored with 42 seconds left in the frame.

Utah for their first period efforts, outshot Las Vegas 19-13 but found themselves trailing 2-1 after 20 minutes.

Las Vegas took a 3-1 lead, 3:44 into the second period on another play, that the Grizzlies felt should have been blown dead for a penalty before the rush ensued and Michael Busto finished on a pass from Eric Lampe.

The Grizzlies had several near scoring chances late in the second and outshot Las Vegas 20-3 in the third period, but were only able to get one score back on Las Vegas. Josh Burrows laced a shot from the slot home with 7:12 left in regulation, but Utah was unable to get anymore. Paul McIlveen and Cody Lampl picked up assists.

Utah outshot Las Vegas 48-32 in the contest and Wranglers goaltender Mitch O'Keefe stopped 46 of 48 Utah shots in the game. Andrew Engelage was again a tough luck loser, as he stopped 29 of 32 shots.

The series now heads to Las Vegas, with the next contest scheduled for Thursday at 8:05 p.m.

Monday, April 2: Las Vegas 2 Utah 0

Tuesday, April 3: Las Vegas 3 Utah 2

Thursday, April 5: Utah at Las Vegas, 8:05 p.m., 860 AM, Utah's Big Talker

**Friday, April 6: Utah at Las Vegas, 8:05 p.m., 860 AM, Utah's Big Talker

**Monday, April 9: Utah at Las Vegas 8:05 p.m., 860 AM, Utah's Big Talker

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