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AHL Utah Grizzlies

Grizzlies halt Rochester's five-game win streak, 4-3, in a shootout

December 8, 2004 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Utah Grizzlies News Release


WEST VALLEY CITY, UTAH- The Utah Grizzlies thrilled the crowd at the 'E' Center on Wednesday night with a 4-3 shootout victory over the Rochester Americans ending their five-game win streak. Jarrod Skalde has a goal and an assist and Jean-Marc Pelletier turned aside 44 shots gaining the victory.

The Grizzlies jumped out to an early two-goal lead in the first period scoring twice in the first 4:43. The first goal came off a strong cycle with Randall Gelech scoring his fifth goal of the season assisted by Jarrod Skalde and Fredrik Sjostrom.

Utah followed that up with Erik Westrum wheeling through the neutral zone and eventually finding Terry Virtue at the right point. The veteran blueliner faked the shot and delivered an outstanding pass to the backdoor where Skalde pushed it past Amerk's goaltender Tom Askey. Rochester outshot the Grizzlies 12-10 in the period but Jean-Marc Pelletier continued his recent strong play by turning aside all 12 shots.

The Amerks would get a little closer early in the second period scoring on a power play goal by Paul Gaustad at 1:42 cutting Utah's lead to 2-1. The Grizzlies would answer just over three minutes later when Jeff Taffe's blast would fool Askey re-gaining the Grizzlies two goal lead.

Rochester would take advantage of a loose puck in front of Pelletier at the 15:00 mark of the period when Gaustad notched his second goal of the night assisted by Milan Bartovic and Nathan Paetsch. Utah would take a 3-2 lead into the second intermission despite being outshot by the Amerks 19-7 in the period and 31-17 in the game. Pelletier had stopped 29 of 31 shots through two frames.

Rochester tied the game in the third period with Thomas Vanek scoring his 11th goal of the season at the 9:29 of the frame tying the game at three goals apiece. Rochester outshot the Grizzlies 10-7 in the period for a three period total lead of 41-24. The teams would stay tied through regulation and head into overtime where nothing was settled.

The teams would then decide the outcome in a shootout where Utah scored with each of the first two shooters, Taffe and Skalde, and then iced the victory with Westrum beating Askey.

Pelletier made 44 saves earning the victory for Utah, while Askey took the shootout loss.

Utah hits the road tomorrow night beginning a three-game road trip in four nights. It all starts in San Antonio at the SBC Center. Face-off is scheduled for 6:00 PM (mt).

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