WEST VALLEY CITY, UT – The Utah Grizzlies defeated the Worcester Railers 5-4 in overtime Friday night at Maverik Center to win their third-straight game.
“Definitely another character win,” Utah Head Coach Tim Branham said. “We did a good job of taking advantage of our opportunities. Worcester can really scoot. Their first line did a good job.”
After leading 2-1 going to the third period, the Grizzlies were forced to rally to tie twice in the third period to force overtime.
Taylor Richart’s fourth goal (one goal, one assist) of the season 1:08 into overtime went in from the point with Michael Pelech (one goal, one assist) jockeying in front to give Utah the win. Peter Sivak picked up his first assist in a Utah uniform as well.
“For Taylor to play the way he did last year was phenomenal before he got hurt,” Branham said. “He skates pretty well. He has a good shot, as we saw with the game-winner. He’s a leader, along with Watson. Those two really shoulder the load for us defensively.”
Richart assisted Ryan Olsen’s tying goal with 4:05 left in regulation to tie the game at four and force overtime after Worcester went up 4-3 25 seconds after Utah tied the contest at three on a Charley Graaskamp (2nd goal of season) power-play goal that was assisted by Olsen and Ryan Misiak 4:45 into the period.
“The character on this team, we have trusted the process and the system throughout the year and we are now putting up some goals,” Branham said.
Utah’s Cliff Watson broke a 1-1 tie as the buzzer sounded to end the second period to give Utah a lead after 40 minutes on assists from Pelech and Kyle Thomas after Rob Mann started the play up ice with 13 seconds left.
Worcester tied the game at two 28 seconds into the third period and took the lead on a power-play goal 2:08 into the frame.
The Grizzlies took a 1-0 lead 14:04 into the first period as Michael Pelech (4th of season) scored as he joined linemates Thomas and Greger Hanson up ice after Brad Navin sent the puck ahead before changing for Pelech.
Kevin Carr earned the win in goal for Utah.
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