Grizzlies Outlast Philadelphia in Overtime
Published on November 21, 2002 under ECHL (ECHL)
Utah Grizzlies News Release
West Valley City, Utah - The Grizzlies looked to end their eight game home stand with a victory finishing above five-hundred on the home stretch. The opponent was angry Philadelphia club whom the Grizzlies defeated Monday 3-2. Utah didn't get the offense going tonight until late in the game and eventually into overtime where they prevailed 2-1 improving their record to 9-9-0-1.
The first period went scoreless and felt like going to an ice fishing event, neither club displayed any sort of passion or drive on the ice which resulted in a scoreless first period. Both teams had chances on the power play but weren't able to get things in gear and mount any type of pressure. Utah had 9 shots on net, while Philadelphia only managed 5.
Midway through the second period, over-lapping penalties created a four on four situation; Phantoms Wade Skolney left the penalty box just as Philadelphia broke up a Grizzlies failed attempt to set up the power play. Brad Tiley sent the puck to Skolney near center ice and Skolney had a break away against rookie Mike Smith who got beat glove side putting the Phantoms up 1-0 at the 10:33 mark.
With less than three minutes to go in the third period, the Grizzlies gave the Phantoms a wave of pressure in their own zone. Eric Chouinard recorded his first goal of the season on another Jon Sim pass that found Chouinard in the slot going top shelf on Neil Little. The goal pulled the Grizzlies even sending the game to overtime earning each club a point.
In overtime, the Phantoms got in trouble as Jim Vandermeer was called for a tripping penalty on Steve Gainey. On the ensuing power play, the Grizzlies pelted Little with a barrage of shots with Sim slipping behind the net after a Jim Montgomery shot and playing the puck off the back of Little for the victory. Mike Smith had an amazing night in net, recording 37 saves for Utah in his AHL debut. Neil Little had 31 saves for Philadelphia.
3 STARS: 1. Jon Sim (Utah) 1 goal, 1 assist 2. Mike Smith (Utah) 37 saves. 3. Eric Chouinard (Utah) 1 goal.
Next Game: The Grizzlies start a seven-game road trip in Chicago on Friday. Face-off is scheduled for 6:30 pm mst.
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