TOLEDO, Ohio – The Utah Grizzlies (24-14-2-0) scored three in the third period to erase a 3-2 deficit and defeated Toledo (23-11-1-3) 5-3 Saturday night at Huntington Center.
Utah took a 1-0 lead 13:16 into the first period on a power-play goal by Josh MacDonald (7) from Alex Krushelnyski and Ryan Walters.
The Grizzlies made it 2-0 in the second period on Alex Krushelnyski’s 16th of the season as Walters got him the puck in transition 8:05 into the second.
Toledo struck back 2:39 later to make it 2-1 and then tied the contest 1:17 later and it was 2-2 12:11 into the second period.
The Walleye made it 3-2 1:55 into the third period as they came back with numbers.
Utah tied the game at 3 4:23 later as Alex Krushelnyski (one goal, two assists) corralled a rebound on a Helgesen shot and got the puck to Eric Knodel who whipped it home through traffic for his sixth goal of the season.
The Grizzlies took a 4-3 lead with 4:42 remaining as Josh MacDonald won a battle in the corner and got the puck to Marc Cantin who walked in for a tough angle shot as MacDonald and Erik Higby camped in front.
Barry Almeida’s 18th goal of the season into an empty-net made it 5-3 with 36 seconds left in regulation.
Utah and Toledo wrap up their series at 3 p.m. Mountain Time Sunday.
Utah returns home Friday, January 29 to host Rapid City. For $20, fans can get a lower bowl ticket, a Gyro and a soft drink. Saturday, January 30 is Guns N Hoses night at 7 p.m.
With Utah Grizzlies release