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AHL Utah Grizzlies

Grizzlies Look to Gain Ground in Playoff Race

March 27, 2004 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Utah Grizzlies News Release


The Utah Grizzlies (25-38-6-5) will look to keep pace in the Western Division playoff race tonight when they host the Grand Rapids Griffins (41-23-8) in the 'E' Center with face-off scheduled for 7:05 PM. The first 2,000 fans receive a Heart of the West Ford Store Grizzlies Visor.

Utah has earned points in four straight games (2-0-2) and has been fueled by the play of defenseman Nick Naumenko who has a six-game point streak heading into action tonight. Over that stretch, Naumenko has scored two goals with six assists.

Last night, the Grizzlies rolled over the Griffins 4-0 behind two goals from David Gove, three points (1-2 *3) from Rob Valicevic and 18 saves from Dan Ellis who earned his second shutout of the season in just 15 games. The shutout for Utah against the Griffins was their third this season marking a Grizzlies franchise first that three different goaltenders have shutout the same opponent in one season (both Jason Bacashihua and Mike Smith had previously blanked Grand Rapids).

The playoff picture in the Western Division has the Grizzlies three points behind Cincinnati for the final spot and three points ahead of San Antonio. Both Cincy and San Antonio are in action tonight and play each other tomorrow afternoon.

The Griffins have lost two in a row and are 4-6 in their last 10 games. They currently trail Milwaukee by four points for the highest point total in the AHL and are 10 points away from their fourth 100-point season in the last five years.

The season series between the two clubs stands at 3-3-1 with tonight potentially representing the rubber match.

Utah will be off until next Friday following tonight's tilt, when they'll host San Antonio.

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