AHL Utah Grizzlies

Utah Grizzlies defeat Grand Rapids Griffins

Published on December 17, 2004 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Utah Grizzlies News Release


WEST VALLEY CITY, UTAH- The Grizzlies did what most teams this season have been unable to do and that was to defeat the Grand Rapids Griffins when they were in foreign territory. The Griffins had lost just once in 10 games coming into action tonight when on the road. Jean-Marc Pelletier earned first star honors and won his third straight decision making 37 saves and Erik Westrum scored a pair of goals including the game-winner while shorthanded in the first period propelling Utah to a 3-1 victory.

Utah played one of their strongest first period in some time as they put two goals on the board against the Griffins. The Grizzlies outshot Grand Rapids 6-1 in the first five minutes but goaltender Drew MacIntyre kept them at bay making several solid saves. Utah finally found the back of the net with Jeff Taffe and Fredrik Sjostrom applying pressure on the fore check creating a turnover in the offensive zone. Terry Virtue fired a shot from the point that was deflected to the doorstep where Peter White scored his fifth goal of the season and second in two nights. Virtue and Sjostrom each extended their point streaks to four straight games with assists. Utah got into trouble late in the period scrambling in their own zone being forced to take back-to-back penalties in the final two minutes. While two-men short, Erik Westrum forced a turnover by the Griffins at the Grizzlies blueline that led to a one-man rush with Westrum finishing with a terrific move on MacIntyre for his fifth goal, second shorthanded goal, of the season. The Griffins outshot the Grizzlies 13-12 in the period but squandered three Utah minor penalties.

The Grizzlies penalty killers certainly grew quite a lather in the second period as Utah had to face six Griffins power plays including a five-minute major penalty against Keith Ballard. The Griffins only scored once in all their power play time when Matt Ellis knocked home a rebound off a Danny Groulx point shot. For Ellis, it was his fourth goal of the season. Utah would lead 2-1 after the period with Jean-Marc Pelletier turning aside 23 of 24 shots through two periods.

Utah kept control in the third period taking care of their own zone and keeping the Griffins and their 14 shots in the period at bay. The only goal came with an empty net as Westrum scored his second goal of the night unassisted as time expired in regulation for a 3-1 victory.

The Griffins outshot the Grizzlies 38-23 in the game but Pelletier made 37 saves earning the victory.

Utah will face Milwaukee tomorrow night at the 'E' Center with face-off scheduled for 7:05 PM. The Grizzlies will look to beat the defending Calder Cup champs for the first time in five chances.

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American Hockey League Stories from December 17, 2004


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