Salmon Kings Edged By Grizzlies In Shootout

Published on February 17, 2010 under ECHL (ECHL)
Victoria Salmon Kings News Release


West Valley City, UT - In a Wednesday night contest, the Victoria Salmon Kings and Utah Grizzlies met in the opening of a three-game set at the E Center in West Valley City, Utah. Victoria started Leland Irving between the pipes, while the Grizzlies countered with Beau Erickson.

Utah jumped out to an early 1-0 lead just 1:59 into the contest. James Sixsmith moved the puck down the right wing into the offensive zone and dropped a pass for Vladimir Nikoforov who put a quick shot across Irving's body and into the net. Victoria quickly responded to tie the game just 32 seconds later. Adam Taylor and Andy Brandt broke into the offensive zone on a two-on-one advantage, with Taylor keeping the puck and firing his ninth goal of the season past Erickson. After the quick start, both goalies shut the door the remainder of the period as the teams took to the first intermission dead-locked at 1-1.

The second period was highlighted by a goal off the stick of Nikiforov who netted his second goal of the game and 12th of the campaign. The Grizzlies' forward let a slow shot go from the slot that eluded Irving. Utah headed into the third period with a 2-1 advantage.

The Salmon Kings evened the score at 2-2 just 2:30 into the final frame on the power play. Jimmy Sharrow controlled the puck along the right point and blasted a shot that found its way through traffic in front of the net and past Erickson. Sharrow's 11th tally of the season proved to be the only marker of the third, as the teams headed to overtime.

Neither team could bank the winner in the extra frame, as the Salmon Kings outshot the Grizzlies 4-3 in overtime. For the fifth straight game between the two clubs the contest would be decided in a shootout. After the first three rounds, both teams had scored once (Wes Goldie for Victoria, James Sixsmith for Utah). A.J Perry slid the puck past a diving Irving as the Grizzlies' fourth shooter. Matt Siddall ended up as the final chance for Victoria to extend the shootout. The Victoria forward beat Erickson with a quick shot but the puck found the crossbar behind the goaltender. Grizzlies 3 Salmon Kings 2 in a shootout.

Victoria went 1/2=50.0% on the power play while Utah was 1/4=25.0%. The Salmon Kings outshot the Grizzlies 36-35.

The Salmon Kings continue their series against the Grizzlies and eight-game road trip this Friday, February 19th, and Saturday, February 20th. Victoria returns home to host the National Conference leading Idaho Steelheads for a three-game set with matches on Wednesday, March 10th, Friday, March 12th, and Saturday, March 13th. Puck drop for all three games at the Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre is 7:05 p.m. For tickets, call 250-220-7777 or visit www.selectyourtickets.com

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ECHL Stories from February 17, 2010


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