ECHL Idaho Steelheads

Idaho Drops 2-1 Decision in Shootout

January 15, 2015 - ECHL (ECHL)
Idaho Steelheads News Release


Boise, ID (1/143/15) - Utah scored off a loose puck late in regulation and Idaho could not find the back of the net with any of its five shots in a game-ending shootout as the visiting Grizzlies rallied to defeat the Steelheads, 2-1, in front of 3,099 fans at CenturyLink Arena on Wednesday.

The loss ended the winning streak for Idaho (23-10-4, 50 points) at six consecutive games but Idaho maintained its eight-game streak of not losing in regulation, going 6-0-2 in that stretch. At 50 points, Idaho leads the ECHL's Pacific Division with Ontario (48) and Colorado (46) close behind.

Starting goaltender Henri Kiviaho was tested early by the visitors but turned aside all 12 shots he faced in the opening period, including four at close range. With the success, the rookie from Finland's first-period save percentage jumped to .965 (83/86) in his ten appearances this season. Idaho gave him a one-goal lead at the 6:30 mark when David deKastrozza led a rush up the right-wing side. Near the top of the circle, he delivered a pass on to the tape of Gaelan Patterson, who had a virtually empty net to shoot at for his seventh goal of the season to give Idaho a 1-0 lead.

The teams traded successful penalty kills early in the second frame before a sequence at the 9:12 mark of the stanza where Idaho's Mike Dalhuisen and Utah's Howard Lenz were each issued penalties on a scrum behind the Idaho net. As the officials sorted it out, Kiviaho left the Idaho net and was replaced by Olivier Roy, who finished the game in goal for the Steelheads.

Idaho's slim, one-goal lead held into the third in part thanks to Roy, who denied Michael Pelech on a short break from the blue line and also made a nice pad save on a Utah shot from the slot in the third period. With the Steelheads continuing to hold that lead, Utah's Connor Hardowa was able to cut off a clearing attempt with just over a minute left in regulation. From the center point, Roy fought off his blast through traffic but Pelech was on the doorstep for the rebound goal at 18:45, tying the game, 1-1, and sending it beyond regulation again. Three of Idaho's five games against Utah have now extended beyond regulation.

Neither team scored in the overtime session, setting up the game-ending shootout. Idaho couldn't connect on any of its first four shots before Utah scored in the fourth round of the shootout. Idaho's last shot, off the stick of Charlie Dodero, missed the net and Utah picked up the second point in the standings.

Roy took the tough-luck loss despite stopping 16 of 17 in relief of Kiviaho, who was a perfect 16-for-16 in saves for Idaho. Ryan Faragher picked up the win, stopping 24 of 25 during live play and not allowing Idaho to score on any of its five shots in the shootout.

Both teams were strong on the penalty kill. Utah was 5-5 and Idaho was 6-6. Since December 1, Idaho's penalty-killing unit is now 73 for 79, a 92.4 percent success rate.

The second-place Ontario Reign come to town for games on Friday and Saturday to conclude Idaho's season-long six-game homestand. Saturday night is Idaho Beef Council Night and the team will also retire jersey no. 16 in honor of long-time forward Marty Flichel during the first intermission. Tickets are available online at www.idahosteelheads.com or by calling 208-331-8497.

COORS OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE GAME - Gaelan Patterson (G)

CENTURYLINK THREE STARS:

1) Olivier Roy (ID)

2) Ryan Faragher (UT)

3) Gaelan Patterson (ID)

Group outings at a Steelheads game are a great way to gather friends, colleagues, or co-workers for a fun night out in downtown Boise. Ticket prices are discounted and you can get a Pepsi, Double-R Ranch Hot Dog, and bag of chips with each ticket. Contact the Steelheads front office at 208.383.0080 or log on to www.idahosteelheads.com for more information.

Check out the Idaho Steelheads Statistics



ECHL Stories from January 15, 2015


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