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ECHL Utah Grizzlies

Grizzlies Making Playoff Run

March 17, 2003 - ECHL (ECHL)
Utah Grizzlies News Release


UINTA BEER WHAT'S ON TAP

Wed. Mar. 19 -- Vs. Hershey Bears, E-Center - - 7:00 PM mst – ESPN Radio 1230-AM
Fri. Mar. 21 -- Vs. Hershey Bears, E-Center - - 7:00 PM mst – ESPN Radio 1230-AM, FOX Sports Net
Sat. Mar. 22 -- at San Antonio Rampage, SBC Center - - 6:00 PM mst – ESPN Radio 1230-AM

SLAP SHOTS

~The Grizzlies are 4-0-0-1 in their last five games
~Utah has outshot their opponents in each of their last three games (108-80)
~Utah ahs played 10 overtime games this season including each of the last two games (3-4-4 in OT)
~The Grizzlies power play is three for its last seven (42.6)
~The Grizzlies have killed 19 of their last 21 shorthanded chances (90.5)
~Greg Hawgood is tied for the lead among defensemen with 48 points (12-36=48) and has scored at least one point versus each Grizzlies opponent this season – he has scored three of the team's last five goals
~Eric Landry has three goals and six assists in his last six games. He leads the team with 11 PPG's
~David Oliver has three helpers with Dallas since his re-call
~Utah has given up eight goals in its last 12 periods of play but no more than one goal in any one period
~Steve Gainey has two assists and is a +2 in his last three games
~Jim Montgomery notched his team leading 18th multiple point game and his team leading 10th multiple assist game with two helpers in victory over Milwaukee on Sunday
~Dylan Gyori has three goals in his last four games; each of his five goals have been the first goal of the game for the Grizzlies
~Dan Jancevski scored his first professional goal in his 142nd professional game in victory over Milwaukee
~Jason Bacashihua is 2-0-0-2 in his last four decisions allowing 11 goals

A LOOK AT LAST WEEK (3-0-0-1)

Wednesday vs. Grand Rapids Win 4-3
Friday vs. Cincinnati Win 1-0
Saturday vs. Cincinnati OT Loss 3-2 Sunday at Milwaukee Win (OT) 3-2 The Grizzlies began a huge week last Wednesday that began with a three-game home stand and concluded with a road game in Milwaukee. The Grizzlies started the home stretch against the top team in the Western Conference, the Grand Rapids Griffins, and prevailed 4-3 behind a pair of goals from Jeff Bateman and 25 saves from Jason Bacashihua. Utah trailed 1-0 after one period but rattled off four goals in the second period marking the largest one-period outburst of the season for Utah. The Grizzlies evened up the season series with the Griffins at four wins apiece with two games remaining in the season series.

Utah then hosted Cincinnati for a pair of games in what arguably was the two most exciting games of the season for the home fans. On Friday night, the teams put on a defensive clinic reminiscent of a playoff game with Utah's Dylan Gyori scoring the game's only goal with less than three minutes remaining in the contest. Both Bacashihua and the Ducks' Ilja Bryzgalov were outstanding in goal with Bacashihua making 27 saves gaining his third shutout of the season and Bryzgalov making 34 saves taking the hard-luck loss.

The game on Saturday was almost as compelling with Cincinnati winning in overtime 3-2. Utah trailed 2-0 with some controversy mixed in. The Ducks first goal of the night in the first period was given to Brendan Yarema but the shot clearly hit the post and came rocketing out back into play. The goal judge pulled the trigger and the referee bought the goods and gave Cincinnati the goal and a 1-0 lead. Utah would come back though with a pair of Greg Hawgood goals (one in the second and one in the third) but Cincy's Tony Martensson scored in overtime marking the fourth time this season Utah has fell in OT (the first time that it wasn't against Chicago).

On Sunday, Utah did what they were only able to do once in seven previous chances and that was defeat the Milwaukee Admirals, 3-2 in overtime. Milwaukee drew first blood in the second period behind a Denny Lambert power play goal but Utah's Gyori answered with a man advantage goal of his own and later in the second period Dan Jancevski scored his first professional goal and not the garden variety either as he blasted a shot from center ice that beat Jan Lasak. Milwaukee's Alex Ryanzantsev scored late in the third period, less than two minutes remaining, tying the game and sending it to overtime for the second straight night for Utah. In overtime, Hawgood threw a shot towards Lasak and it snuck into the basket as it hit several things in front of the Admirals goaltender. The goal came on the power play as Darren Haydar took a tripping minor in the extra session. Mike Smith gained the victory for Utah after losing back-to-back games for the first time in his Grizzlies career. Smith finished the night with 23 saves. Jim Montgomery notched his first two points (2A) since returning from a knee injury expanding his team points lead to 61 total points (20-41=61).

ROSTER REPORT

Both David Oliver and Corey Hirsch remain up with the Dallas Stars. Oliver has recorded three assists in his limited duty with Dallas and Hirsch was perfect in two period of relief work in Dallas' 4-2 loss to Minnesota and took the loss in Dallas' 4-3 loss in Edmonton. Fraser Clair was re-assigned to Lexington (ECHL) on March 12th. The Grizzlies received three additions when Greg Hawgood, Jim Montgomery and Gavin Morgan all returned from injuries. Justin Cox has resumed skating and could return this week.

THIS WEEK'S OPPONENT

Hershey Bears – 31-24-12-2, 76 pts. (2nd – South Division)...Hershey is battling Norfolk for the Southern Division title trailing the Admirals by just two points. The Bears and Grizzlies have split two games this season, both at the Giant Center. The Bears will play eight of their next nine games on the road. Hershey is led by goaltender Philippe Sauve who is 22-17-11 with a 2.32 goals against average and four shutouts. Hershey's leading scorer Brian Willsie (29-28=57) is currently on re-call with Colorado. San Antonio Rampgae – 33-25-10-3, 79 pts. (3rd – West Division)...The Rampage is 21-10-5-1 since January 1st. On home ice, San Antonio is 21-7-6-1 and they are currently battling to host a first round series as they are currently in the fifth spot trailing Chicago by two points. The Rampage are led by goaltender Chris Mason's 2.28 goals against average and his 22-14-5 record. Jeff Toms is the top scorer with 52 points (24-28=52).

GRIZZLIES THREE STARS OF THE WEEK

1.) Jason Bacashihua – 2-0-0-1 with a 2.00 GAA
2.) Greg Hawgood – three goals
3.) Dan Jancevski – scored first professional goal

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