WEST VALLEY CITY, Utah – The Utah Grizzlies (21-13-2-0) defeated the Wichita Thunder 7-3 Friday night at Maverik Center.
Utah jumped up 3-0 in the first 10:30 of the game as Barry Almeida (15,16) scored first on the power-play at 3:01, then into an empty-net as Wichita goaltender David Shantz misplayed a puck at 6:45. Utah got their third goal as Roberts Lipsbergs blasted in a shot as Erik Higby and Ryan Misiak won battles down low.
“Our game plan coming in was to use our speed and create chances,” said forward Barry Almeida. “We have a fast team and wanted to create chances off the rush; luckily we were able to do that tonight.”
In the second period, T.J. Syner (6) scored five-on-three and then Josh MacDonald (5) on the power-play again to make it 5-2 going to the second intermission.
“Everybody is on the same page right now; it’s a good thing,” said MacDonald. “Whether you’re a little injured or not, we have a great staff and everyone is helping out. They do a great job getting you back on the ice.”
MacDonald (6) added a breakaway goal 4:11 into the third period to make it 6-2 and Charles Sarault (8) made it 7-3 with 5:47 left in regulation.
“We want to keep this going,” said MacDonald. “We have guys with confidence and we have a lot of depth; hopefully we can stay healthy and keep rolling.”
Eleven Utah players scored in the game, including Ducks prospect Kenton Helgesen, who scored his first professional point.
“Whether it be putting the puck in the net or making a nice play, anytime I can contribute is always nice,” said MacDonald. “I thought we stuck with it and was nice to get a few.”
Charles Sarault (one goal, two assists), T.J. Syner (one goal, two assists) and Barry Almeida (two goals, one assist) all had three-point nights.
Josh MacDonald (two goals), Alex Krushelnyski (two assists) and Erik Higby (two assists) all had multiple-points.
Ryan Faragher improved to 16-5-1-0 by stopping 18 of 21 shots in the contest.
Utah went three for eight on the power-play and killed five-of-six penalties.
With Utah Grizzlies team release
You must be logged in to post a comment.