Month: March 2019

Utah Grizzlies @ Tulsa Oilers: Shots Allowed

Going into their second of three games in as many days, the Grizzlies got some reinforcements in Tulsa in the form of Kevin Davis. Saturday’s game also kicked off the first of two very important games in terms of playoff standings, and a potential first round match-up as Tulsa entered the weekend four points ahead of the Grizzlies. Joe Cannata once again got the start, while Ryan Galt sat for Davis, Utah going with seven defensemen and nine forwards.

First Period

  • Tulsa’s start has been a little better than Utah’s in the first four minutes, but not by much.
  • Wingers seem to be staying consistent, though the centers appear to be rotating at the moment.
  • Please go play in the offensive zone for a while.
  • The Oilers are really skating so far.
  • Very nice shift from Utah about half-way through the first.
  • Really, pretty uneventful all around. Neither team has held onto possession for any extended time.
  • Cannata looks quite collected, so there is that.
  • This game is quite a bit different from Friday’s. No penalties, a lot of speed, not a lot of flow though, for all that.
  • Tulsa picking up on the shots again, but Cannata’s met every one so far.
  • Really nice little move from Caleb Herbert there. It wasn’t anything particularly impressive, but really, there isn’t much going on.
  • Herbert with Ty Lewis and Austin Carroll is quite a fun line.
  • Would really like some more shots though.
  • I think that scuffle started with Mike McKee shoving Herbert into the net, which no one in white appreciated. McKee and Turner Ottenbreit both cool their heels with matching minors.
  • Ah bah. Tulsa strikes first with 38 seconds to go.
  • 1-0 Oilers, shots 13-6 in their favor.

Second Period

  • Please get some more shots this period.
  • Immediately giving up two shots was not what I meant.
  • DOESN’T MATTER, TIE GAME RATELLE.

  • On the other hand, Tulsa immediately goes back to offensive zone possession, which isn’t great.
  • Wouldn’t exactly say that Cannata has had to stand on his head, but he’s had to be quite sharp, that’s for sure.
  • Tommy Mele and Michael Economos very much wanted to drop the gloves, but the refs wouldn’t let them go. Matching unsportsmanlike conducts for the pair.
  • Shots are 20-10 for Tulsa just over five into the second. Too many shots against, not enough for…
  • Mele and Economos get their fight after all, just a couple of minutes later than they originally intended!!!
  • Oof. Ty Lewis got leveled.
  • Things have heated up, and McKee is causing all sorts of issues.
  • Too. Many. Shots. Allowed.
  • Good thing Cannata is seeing the puck.
  • Tanner Nagel is not at all afraid to lay the boom!
  • BREAKAWAY SAVE BY CANNATA.
  • I think Zahn is playing forward with Economos in the box.
  • Cannata is the reason this game is still tied.
  • Six minutes left in the period, and Tulsa has 30 shots to Utah’s 11. That is not great.
  • McKee is gonna hurt someone before this is over.
  • That was a beautifully orchestrated rush from the guys, and it draws a power play!
  • If Utah does not score on this PP, it’s not through lack of effort. Four shots on it already.
  • Gage Ausmus with a really good one-on-one defensive play there, and Cannata makes the save.
  • Ok, so the bad news is Tulsa is out-shooting Utah 31-17. The good news is that they’re tied 1-1, which is what really matters.

Third Period

  • Grizz open the third with four great shots in the first minute or so.
  • Not like Devin Williams has looked anything other than cool as an irritating cucumber.
  • Unfortunately, they’re following that up with a stint in their own zone. No shots so far though.
  • Spoke too soon. Nice little glove save from Joe though.
  • Far too much zone time for Tulsa…
  • McKee and Ratelle get shown the door for Continuing Altercation. McKee has been agitating all night.
  • Too. Many. Shots.
  • At least the Grizzlies have climbed to a respectable amount as well.
  • Joe Cannata is in excellent form, which is why we’re still tied.
  • Cannata is 41/42 at the end of regulation, 1-1 headed into OT.

OT

  • Well, getting a point is good. Getting two would be better.
  • Davis, Lewis, Herbert? That’s fun. Carroll, Walters, and Richart? That is also fun.
  • Oh lord, Gabriel Verpaelst blows an edge AND CANNATA SAVES THE DAY NOT ONCE BUT TWICE.
  • Oh goody. The shootout.
  • Not.
  • (Have I mentioned I hate the shootout??)

Shootout

  • Herbert scores, but Tulsa takes it 2-1 in the coin-toss.

 

Joe Cannata was in true Joe Cannata form, stopping 46/47, nearly all of which he made look easy. His performance earned him a well deserved second star of the game. Ryan Walters’s seven shots led the team, while Ty Lewis followed close behind with six. The grueling final road trip of the regular season concludes on Sunday afternoon.

 

Goals

  • First Period: None
  • Second Period: Ratelle
  • Third Period: None

UTA: 0/3 (23 PIM)
TUL: 0/2 (25 PIM)

 

 

Photo courtesy of Action Sports Photography

If you like the work I do on the blog, please consider supporting me by buying me a coffee via the button below, or consider becoming a patron!

Buy Me a Coffee at ko-fi.com

Utah Grizzlies @ Allen Americans: Bad Blood

In their final meeting of the season against the Allen Americans, the Grizzlies hoped to get the win to take the season series. Cole Ully remained out of the lineup, and with Duggie Lagrone released, Josh Anderson returned to action while Joe Cannata got the start.

First Period

  • Well, the bad blood boiled over right off the face-off! Joey Ratelle drops the gloves with Jacob Doty!
  • AAAAND now Verpaelst drops the gloves with Curt Gogol!
  • And two more penalties for Allen and Utah! There have been more penalties than shots so far.You get a penalty
  • The latest player to head to the box is Braylon Shmyr. Still scoreless with 9:30 to go.
  • Good possession on the PP, but no threat at all.
  • O CAPTAIN, OUR CAPTAIN! 1-0 Utah!!
  • There are now as many shots as penalties this period. (Utah holds the slim edge, outshooting Allen 4-3 with 3:30 to go.)
  • Another scuffle after a whistle, and another penalty for Allen!
  • 1-0 for Utah after 20, shots 6-4 in their favor!

Second Period

  • The period opens with 1:57 or so of power play time!
  • Allen’s PK looking better than Utah’s PP, but Ottenbreit has the only shot.
  • Allen has the zone, but the Utah shot-blockers are keeping them from reaching Cannata.
  • This power play would be a really, really good time to double up the lead…
  • Well, it didn’t, but they do now outshoot Allen 12-4.
  • AAAAAAAnd Allen scores. Like I said, getting a power play goal would have been kind of big…
  • Holy CANNATA. HOW did Joe save that???? Pochiro thought he scored, the fans thought he scored I thought he scored!!!
  • Ok, this would be another really good time to score that power play goal…
  • The most unfortunate thing about this whole situation is that Utah’s playing pretty well, getting all the power play opportunities, and outshooting Allen 13-5, and yet we’re tied 1-1. Because of course Allen scored on their only shot this period.
  • OTTENBREIT GETS HIS 11TH!! I think Turner heard me. Richart and Lewis get the assists on the go-ahead goal.

  • Penalty on Zahn.
  • DOESN’T MATTER. The speed of Jack Walker sets up Mitch Maxwell for a shorty!!!

  • Just like that, and Utah’s looking great.
  • Oh boy, Ryan Galt got hit and got up really slowly. The boys aren’t happy about it. Pochiro and Gogol both get ten minute misconducts, and Shmyr gets two for kneeing.
  • At the end of 40, Utah leads 3-1, shots 16-7 in their favor.

Third Period

  • Allen returns to full strength.
  • JK no they don’t. Or rather, they do but they then head straight back to the box on a cross-check on Walker.
  • Another big save by Cannata.
  • Welp, this is gonna be a very important kill.
  • Uhg. 3-2 on the advantage.
  • The Grizzlies creating chaos though!
  • …I do not know why Ty Lewis was awarded a penalty shot, BUT WHO CARES!!! HE SCORES HIS FIRST FOR UTAH!
  • Allen is very not happy about the situation.
  • And they get it back on the power play through traffic.
  • Another big kill coming up…the others haven’t gone so well, so this is concerning.
  • Excellent kill.
  • The amount of time left on the clock with a one goal lead is nerve inducing.
  • Empty net for Allen with a minute to go…
  • Allen calls their time out. It’s moments like this when I especially miss Jake Marchment…
  • It’s a really good thing I don’t bite my nails, because moments like these would cause me to completely ruin them…
  • Fun fact, Gogol spent nearly a whole period in the penalty box this game.
  • EMPTY NET GOAL FOR LEWIS!!!
  • Grizz win 5-3 thanks to power play, penalty kill, penalty shot, even strength, and empty net goals!!

 

Goals

  • First Period: Zahn (Maxwell, Ausmus)
  • Second Period: Ottenbreit (Richart, Lewis) (PP), Maxwell (Walker, Anderson) (SH)
  • Third Period: Lewis (PS), Lewis (Walters) (EN)

 

 

 

Photo courtesy of Action Sports Photography.

If you like the work I do on the blog, please consider supporting me by buying me a coffee via the button below, or consider becoming a patron!

Buy Me a Coffee at ko-fi.com

Utah Grizzlies @ Wichita Thunder: Under the Weather

With Gabriel Verpaelst and Nolan de Jong facing off against their former teams for the first time, the Grizzlies also dressed a couple of new additions. Forward Ty Lewis made his first appearance after being sent down from Colorado, and defenseman Duggie Lagrone made his pro debut as well. Joe Cannata got the start, while Cole Ully and Josh Anderson all sat out to make room for the new guys.

First Period

  • TURNER OTTENBREIT SCORES EIGHTEEN SECONDS IN!

  • Cannata makes a number of really good saves as Wichita’s got all the shots since the goal.
  • DOESN’T MATTER THOUGH, AS CARROLL MAKES IT 2-0. Lewis and Ryan Walters picked up the assists. That line is doing pretttty good!
  • Walters with a really nice play short-handed.
  • Rebound goal on the power play for Wichita.
  • Aaaaaand Cannata gives up another on a rebound, so we’re tied.
  • That’s not ideal. The Grizz came out so hot, and then this.
  • End of the first, we’re tied up 2-2, shots 16-10 for Wichita.

Second Period

  • Thunder come out with a lot of pep to their step…
  • Well, that was bad. Richart was the only one back, and Wichita had numbers.
  • Far too many shots being allowed, and turnovers. Too much space being allowed too.
  • Shots are 21-10 just five into the second. That’s not good.
  • Jack Walker had a nice chance there, but also took a penalty. However, the kill was excellent this time, allowing zero shots.
  • Walker showing off those wheels.
  • Well, this shift was much better from Caleb Herbert and company.
  • Utah allowing a lot of zone time, but haven’t allowed a shot since before the penalty kill.
  • Nice shot from Richart led to a fight for the puck in front of the net, but Stuart Skinner snags it.
  • The back half of this period definitely was better than the front half.
  • Spoke too soon. De Jong makes it 4-2 with two to go. because of course.
  • Utah looking really inconsistent. They have moments where they collect themselves, and then things go wrong again.
  • Grizz end the second trailing 4-2, and out-shot 26-16.

Third Period

  • Just need to get one…then the other one is, well not easy, but much easier. I’d settle for some consistent puck possession, however.
  • A lot of rebounds tonight, but Cannata had a couple of big saves there.
  • When I said consistent puck possession, I didn’t mean by Wichita…
  • Another series of big saves from Cannata.
  • Carroll sprints in and draws a power play. This is a big one.
  • Orrr not. Not a very inspiring advantage so far.
  • Cannata with another big save two-on-one on the advantage. He’s giving the Grizzlies the chance to get back into it, but they’re gonna have to spend some more time in the offensive zone to help him out.
  • That’s not helping. Good kill though!
  • Ooof. That was almost disastrous. Good move from Gage Ausmus, and good support from Gabriel Verpaelst.
  • Utah definitely running out of time here, especially since they can’t seem to hold on to the puck for any length of time.
  • On the other hand, we’ve seen them score multiple goals in a very short amount of time.
  • Aaaaand an empty netter for Wichita.

 

The Grizzlies now head back to Allen for a game on Friday before two games in Tulsa.

 

Goals

  • First Period: Ottenbreit (Lewis, Richart), Carroll (Walters, Lewis)
  • Second Period: None
  • Third Period: None

UTA: 0/2 (14 PIM)
WIC: 1/4 (10 PIM)

 

 

Photo courtesy of Josh Pinnau.

If you like the work I do on the blog, please consider supporting me by buying me a coffee via the button below, or consider becoming a patron!

Buy Me a Coffee at ko-fi.com

Utah Grizzlies @ Allen Americans: Weekend Split

With their playoff spot assured, the Grizzlies looked to keep the wins coming against the Americans. The roster remained the same, though some of the wingers switched spots, and Kevin Carr once again got the start.

First Period

  • Good pace from the Grizzlies to start the game.
  • So of course Allen strikes first through a heavily screened Carr.
  • Ryan Walters with a point blank shot on C.J. Motte, rather like the play Jack Walker made to Michael Economos last game. No dice though.
  • Great pace from both teams throughout the first so far.
  • They’ve picked up right where they left off last night, two crowds by the time the game has hit the eight minute mark.
  • Turner Ottenbreit draws the first power play of the night.
  • Aaaaaand it’s negated.
  • Uhg. Breakaway goal for Braylon Shmyr four-on-four.
  • Carroll rings iron.
  • Jacob Doty and Teigan Zahn drop the gloves!
  • Walters has had a couple of really good looks, but Motte appears to have his number at the moment.
  • Utah coughs up the puck in their own zone, and Shmyr scores again.
  • Carroll causes chaos!
  • Ully gets shoved into the goalie, and yet gets a penalty for it. Go figure.
  • ….And Ausmus gets a ten minute misconduct.
  • That was not the first period anyone wanted…At least, not goal wise.

Second Period

  • Ok. Put that period behind us, there’s plenty of time…right???
  • Herbert gets a look in alone, but is stopped by Motte. Ully gets a good one as well.
  • Oooh Carr was NOT happy after that. Took a whack at Miller, and then that drew a crowd. Carr and Miller both get penalties.
  • Walters has had some really good games lately, and he’s already up to four shots.
  • HE SCORES.
  • Aaaaaaaand Allen comes right back with a goal.
  • And Carr takes a whack at Miller. Both get penalties.
  • Dalton Thrower to the box.
  • Another scrum breaks out after a whistle at Allen’s net. Austin Carroll and Gary Steffes head to the box for roughing. Moose is loose.
  • Zahn had a couple of strong moves there. And then he takes a penalty.
  • Allen cuts away from the game at the worst possible moments.
  • Anyone else think those horns in Allen’s noise-o-meter piece look like Solo cups??
  • Walker always making things interesting with his speed.
  • Verpaelst takes a penalty with 40 seconds left, and Allen scores.
  • Ew.

Third Period

  • Nagel to the box, not how we wanted this period to start…
  • Lots of penalties…
  • All of the penalties…
  • Come on…anyone in white…just get a goal…
  • This power play would be a great time to get a goal with ten to go…
  • Well, they certainly made an effort there!
  • Ully gets hit and that draws a crowd and a power play. Five-on-three here, and this is BIG.
  • HERBERT!!!! Caleb gets his 31st following some sweet, sweet passing from Ully and Walker.
  • CARROLL ON THE SECOND HALF OF THE POWER PLAY!!
  • Way to deliver on that five-on-three, then five-on-four!!
  • Empty net for Utah.
  • Empty net goal for Salituro.
  • Ew.
  • Well, the good news is the power play was quite effective, and the goals came from Walters, Carroll, and Herbert.
  • The bad news is…well, points to the score.
  • Grizzlies fall 6-3.

Herbert became the first Utah player since Ryan Kinasewich to surpass 30 goals (he’s got a long way to go to catch him though), while the Utah power play remained hot.

The road trip continues in Wichita on on Wednesday.

Goals

  • First Period: None
  • Second Period: Walters (Ottenbreit, Richart) (PP)
  • Third Period: Herbert (Walker, Ully) (PP), Carroll (Herbert, Walker) (PP)

UTA: 3/7 (35 PIM)
ALN: 1/7 (25 PIM)

 

Photo courtesy of Action Sports Photography.

If you like the work I do on the blog, please consider supporting me by buying me a coffee via the button below, or consider becoming a patron!

Buy Me a Coffee at ko-fi.com

Utah Grizzlies @ Allen Americans: X Marks the Spot

In the first game of the lengthy and final road trip of the regular season, the Grizzlies faced off against the Allen Americans. Kevin Carr got the start, while Ryan Galt made his Utah debut. J.T. Henke and Will Smith sat this one out, while Jake Marchment, Grayson Downing, Joey Raats, and Josh Winquist all remained out of the lineup as well.

First Period

  • Both teams trade penalties in the first six minutes or so.
  • A lot of twos on that particular penalty kill, 21-12, 20-27.
  • Half a period to go, shots 6-3 for Allen.
  • Carr’s made some nice saves.
  • Tentative is the word I would use to describe this game so far.
  • Also, uneventful. Though that was a nice shift from Austin Carroll, Ryan Walters, and Cole Ully.
  • Huh. I thought Tanner Nagel beat out that icing.
  • It’s been a pretty quite game, but boy it sure is nice to be watching them play someone other than the Rush…
  • Allen with a lot of possession here with under four to go. Not that they’re doing much with said possession, but they’ve had it.
  • Fourth best power play, second best PK in the league? Nice.
  • Goal light went off behind Carr, but the puck appears to have hit the post and gone out. The ref was pretty adamant in waiving it off immediately.
  • That was a really, really nice back-check from Josh Anderson with two to go.
  • Carroll splits the D, gets a shot, and draws a power play.
  • Turner Ottenbreit with the BLAST just seven seconds into the advantage!
  • After 20 Utah leads 1-0, shots 10-7 for Allen.

Second Period

  • Allen getting all the shots in the first three minutes. Not ideal.
  • Carr’s been seeing them comfortably though.
  • Jack Walker to Michael Economos from behind the net and it’s 2-0 for Utah!
  • And on the very next shift, Allen makes it 2-1.
  • Economos and Ottenbreit both looking to get goal number two on this advantage.
  • A bit of a crowd gathers as Allen returns to full strength. Would seem like the feeling out process is over.
  • Nifty mitts from Eco there.
  • Ully draws a power play, Ottenbreit and Taylor Richart with a couple of cannons. Good movement from the Grizzlies in general, really.
  • The pace in the second period has been far quicker, both teams having to scramble in spots.
  • Zach Pochiro and Nagel collide, and Pochiro is pretty mad that nothing was called.
  • They’ve been calling offsides really tightly tonight. Not sure Allen was actually offside there though.
  • RATELLE SCORES HIS FIRST!! The puck somehow trickled past C.J. Motte. Not sure exactly how, but WHO CARES!
  • Walters racking up the points again.
  • Carrsy tells Pochiro YOU SHALL NOT PASS.
  • Allen pressuring with about two to go.
  • Some big shot blocking, and after 40, Utah leads 3-1, shots 24-19 for Allen.

Third Period

  • SECOND GOAL FOR RATELLE!!! Nagel gets his first pro point on that!
  • Adam Miller gets a penalty shot, and Kevin shuts him down.
  • It’s been an eventful two minutes!
  • Really nice shift from Richart, followed by a really nice stretch from Carr.
  • Utah, please go play on the other side of the ice for a while…
  • First pro game, first pro goal for Galt!! Walker has HIS second point of the game, and Gage Ausmus picks up the secondary. Looks like Verpaelst may have grabbed the puck for Galt as well!
  • Atkinson goes after Herbert, Ratelle responds, and there are lots of penalties coming.
  • Ok, after all that, Teigan Zahn and Curt Gogol get thrown out, Pochiro, Economos, and Ratelle all get two, so it is a power play for Allen.
  • That was the saddest celebration on that Allen power play goal.
  • This is probably the longest final two minutes I’ve ever witnessed.
  • One final penalty for Allen.
  • GAME WON, PLAYOFF SPOT CLINCHED.
  • 5-2 Utah.

Ratelle’s two goals earned him first star, while Carr took second star with 37/39 saves, and Ottenbreit snagged third star with a goal and an assist. Walker and Walters both picked up two assists each.

This was exactly the kind of win the Grizzlies needed to kick off the road trip, now they just need to keep their foot on the gas and keep going.

Goals

  • First Period: Ottenbreit (Richart, Walters) (PP)
  • Second Period: Economos (Walker, Maxwell), Ratelle (Walters, Carroll)
  • Third Period: Ratelle (Nagel, Ottenbreit), Galt (Walker)

UTA: 1/6 (23 PIM)
ALN: 1/3 (34 PIM)

 

Photo courtesy of Action Sports Photography.

If you like the work I do on the blog, please consider supporting me by buying me a coffee via the button below, or consider becoming a patron!

Buy Me a Coffee at ko-fi.com