Grizzlies Hold Off Griffins, 4-3
Published on March 27, 2004 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Utah Grizzlies News Release
West Valley City¾The Utah Grizzlies got a dramatic win Saturday over the Grand Rapids Griffins when Mike Siklenka scored a late game winner to give Utah the 4-3 decision at the 'E' Center in front of 7,198. The win pulled Utah within two points of the fifth and final playoff spot that is currently held by Cincinnati.
Utah (26-38-6-5) fought through the scoreless first period outshooting the Griffins 14-10. It wasn't until 9:31 of the second period that the offensive fireworks began. Griffin Ryan Barnes put up the first goal getting past Dan Ellis in traffic. The Grizzlies were quick to strike back with three consecutive goals. David Gove put in his 14th of the season and third of the two-game series only 24 seconds after the Barnes goal. Mathias Tjarnqvist gave the Grizzlies a 2-1 lead at the 11:58 mark and Rob Valicevic put Utah up by two at 13:31 of the second.
Grand Rapids (41-24-8-0) would make up the deficit with two big goals. Nathan Robinson forced one past Ellis at 17:31 of the second. Jiri Hudler had the man advantage when he tied the score at 11:41 of the third. Ellis would finish with 24 saves in a game that the Grizzlies oushot the Griffins 36-27. It was at the 14:20 mark that Mike Siklenka gave Utah the goal and the victory by flipping one by Joey MacDonald. MacDonald, who finished with 32 saves exited the game with 40 seconds remaining. Utah finishes the season series with Grand Rapids with a 4-3-1-0 record.
The Grizzlies will host a two-game series against the San Antonio Rampage next Friday and Saturday.
American Hockey League Stories from March 27, 2004
- Grizzlies Hold Off Griffins, 4-3 - Utah Grizzlies
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- Ducks, Barons settle for tie - Cincinnati RailRaiders
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- Phantoms clinch playoff berth with 1-0 overtime win in Binghamton - Adirondack Phantoms
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- Sound Tigers Announce Three More Transactions - Bridgeport Islanders
- Aeros recall G Cloutier, D Storey, C McGrane from ECHL Louisiana - Houston Aeros
- Dan Cavanaugh Bobblehead Night is tonight at Toyota Center - Houston Aeros
- Cincinnati Mighty Ducks Preview - Cincinnati RailRaiders
- Grizzlies Look to Gain Ground in Playoff Race - Utah Grizzlies
- Brigley assigned on conditioning, Arsene up from Reading - Hershey Bears
- Perrin earns first NHL recall, will play tonight in Tampa - Hershey Bears
- Griffins add defenseman Nic Bilotto - Grand Rapids Griffins
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