RoadRunners Stymie Grizzlies 2-1
December 19, 2008 - ECHL (ECHL)
Phoenix RoadRunners News Release
PHOENIX, Ariz. - Craig Kowalski had 43 saves in his 100th career win as the Phoenix RoadRunners defeated the Utah Grizzlies 2-1 in a shootout Friday night in front of 3,348 fans at US Airways Center.
The first period was dominated by the Grizzlies (11-11-3) as they had seven power plays but were unable to capitalize on any. The score would stay 0-0 through the first intermission as Utah outshot the RoadRunners (12-11-2) 13-5. The second period ended in the same score, but Phoenix showed more spark to their offense as they outshot the Grizzlies 14-11.
"We took a lot of penalties in the first period but our penalty kill did a great job," RoadRunners' Head Coach Brad Church said, adding that Gino Guyer's game misconduct 5:50 into the first period left the team with only eight forwards that put forth a gutsy effort.
The first tally of the game would come at 2:28 of the third period when Rory Rawlyk scored off a one-timer from the right point, giving the RoadRunners a 1-0 lead on the power play. Brett Peterson and Kimbi Daniels assisted.
Utah countered at 6:49 when Evan Kotsopoulos scored to the left of Kowalski, tying the game at 1-1. James Sanford and Tim Verbeek had the assists. The rest of the period would remain scoreless as the Grizzlies outshot Phoenix 18-9 and the game went to overtime.
Overtime came and went without a goal, and then Ashton Rome scored the first and only goal in the shootout, giving the RoadRunners the 2-1 victory.
"Kowalski played excellent tonight," Church said. "It really shows his character how he steps up."
Utah out-shot Phoenix 44-31. Kowalski improved to 9-8-1 on the season. The RoadRunners went 1-5 on the power play while Utah was 0-10 with the man-advantage.
The RoadRunners travel to Citizens Business Bank Arena at 8:00 p.m. Saturday to battle the Ontario Reign. Catch all the action live on Independent 1310 KXAM beginning with "RoadRunners Countdown" at 7:45 p.m.
Phoenix returns to US Airways Center at 7:05 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 27 when they welcome the Ontario Reign.
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