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ECHL Idaho Steelheads

STEELHEADS: Game Day Storylines- at Utah

October 15, 2016 - ECHL (ECHL)
Idaho Steelheads News Release


Utah struck first in this four-game, home-and-home series between the Steelheads and Grizzlies to start the season. The Grizzlies scored twice within 2:29 in the second period and then added two more goals 2:24 apart in the third to defeat the Steelheads 4-1 at Maverik Center. Tonight the teams meet again in West Valley before both squads head off to Boise for the next chapter.

CJ Eick netted two goals for the Grizzlies and rookie goaltender Kevin Boyle made 29 saves. For the Steelheads, Landon Bow made 30 saves in his pro debut, while Joe Faust earned Idaho's only goal with a power play tally in the third period. Defenseman Travis Walsh earned his first professional point with an assist on the goal.

Settling In...

In terms of offensive production, the Steelheads improved as Friday night's game progressed. After generating just 12 shots through the first two periods, Idaho launched 18 shots at the Utah net in the final frame. Following the contest, Steelheads Head Coach Neil Graham said his group looked tight in the first 40 minutes but that he liked the response later in the game. Graham thought that as his team relaxed, their play improved.

Good First Looks

Though they remained off the score sheet at 5-on-5, one of the more productive units for the Steelheads on Friday night was the line of Joe Basaraba, Caleb Herbert, and Travis Ewanyk. Basaraba earned a primary assist on Idaho's power play goal, and that line arguably had the best quality possession time in the Utah zone throughout the night. Ewanyk and Herbert each had several scoring chances in the third period working off each other in with the cycle game, and they combined for six shots on goal. Herbert had one of the best chances of the first period as well, when he toe-dragged the puck around defenseman Taylor Richart on a 1-on-1 rush in the dying seconds of the period for a quality chance against Boyle.

Out of the Box...

The Steelheads penalty kill was ranked second in the ECHL last season, and it had a strong showing on Friday night killing five of six disadvantages. Still the Steelheads, as well as the Grizzlies, would certainly like to spend less time killing penalties regardless of how much success they are having. In addition to the six power plays Idaho surrendered Friday, they also faced nine short-handed situations in their two preseason games. The Grizzlies have faced 16 short-handed situations including the preseason. Saturday, both teams will look to either limit their time in the box or take better advantage of their power play opportunities.

Milestone in Sight...

Rob Linsmayer remains two points shy of 100 for his professional career. Linsmayer collected four goals and 11 assists against the Grizzlies last season.

Idaho Leaders Grizzlies Leaders

Goals: Faust (1) Goals: Eick (2)

Assists: Basaraba/Walsh (1) Assists: Banwell (2)

Points: Three tied (1) Points: Eick/Banwell (2)

Plus/Minus: Eight tied (0) Plus/Minus: Banwell (+3)

Power Play Goals: Faust (1) Power Play Goals: Samuels-Thomas (1)

Goals-Against Average: Bow (4.05) Goals-Against Average: Boyle (1.00)

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ECHL Stories from October 15, 2016


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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