Ontario Breaks Third Period Tie to Take 3-1 Series Lead
Published on May 9, 2015 under ECHL (ECHL)
Utah Grizzlies News Release
West Valley City, Utah - The Ontario Reign scored in the third period to break a 2-2 tie and added a late empty-netter to defeat the Utah Grizzlies 4-2 Friday night at Maverik Center to take a three games to one lead in the series.
"You've got to forgot about this one," said Grizzlies Head Coach/General Manager Tim Branham. "We have to learn from the mistakes, regroup and go back at it tomorrow. Make sure we have the same effort and make sure we're taking that extra split second to bear down on our passes, or catch the pass and execute."
Utah rallied back from a 2-0 deficit to tie in the second period before Ontario scored 2:04 into the third period and added the empty-netter with 22 seconds left.
It was the third time in four games in the series that the Grizzlies and Reign have gone to the third period tied at two.
"Our work ethic was there," said Branham. "It was our execution, and we weren't getting the bounces we needed. We have to fight through that."
Ontario took a 2-0 lead scoring on their first two power-plays at 12:17 of the first period and then at 1:05 of the second period before the Grizzlies came back.
The Grizzlies made it 2-1 59 seconds after Ontario made it 2-0 on a power-play goal from Ryan Hayes (7) 2:04 into the second period after Michael Pelech won a face-off and Jacob Johnston rolled the puck cross ice to Matt Pelech who fed Hayes back in the left circle.
Utah tied the game 6:26 later and 7:23 after Ontario made it 2-0 on a Patrick Wellar goal on a feed from Hayes as the Grizzlies came up ice in transition. Michael Pelech also picked up an assist on the play.
The Grizzlies killed three late penalties to keep the game 2-2 going to the third period.
Ontario scored 2:08 into the third period and killed four Utah third period power-plays, including two five-on-three bids to hold the lead before they added an empty-netter with 22 seconds left.
"It starts here tomorrow night, said Branham. "We have to make sure we get some rest tonight and come tomorrow refocused, re-energized and ready to get a win."
All games will be broadcasted live on 1320 KFAN, 1320KFAN.com, iHeart Radio and via PPV at ECHL.TV.
Round 2
Game 1: Sunday, May 3:.Ontario 3 Utah 2 (Overtime)
Game 2: Monday, May 4: Ontario 6 Utah 2
Game 3: Wednesday, May 6: Utah 4 Ontario 2
Game 4: Friday, May 8: Ontario 4 Utah 2
**Game 5: Saturday, May 9: Ontario at Utah, 7 p.m.
**Game 6: Tuesday, May 12: Utah at Ontario, 8 p.m.
**Game 7: Wednesday, May 13: Utah at Ontario, 7 p.m.
**If Necessary
ECHL Stories from May 9, 2015
- Reign Finish off Grizzlies in 4-0 Win - Ontario Reign
- Toledo Drops Fort Wayne 3-2 - Toledo Walleye
- Game Day in the Black Hills, Game 4 Tonight at 9:05 Pm - Allen Americans
- ECHL Transactions - May 9 - ECHL
- Playoff Preview - Ontario Reign at Utah Grizzlies - Game 5 - Ontario Reign
- ECHL Today - May 9 - ECHL
- Ontario Breaks Third Period Tie to Take 3-1 Series Lead - Utah Grizzlies
- Reign Grind out 4-2 Win over Grizzlies - Ontario Reign
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