TULSA, Okla. – The atmosphere at the BOK Center was electrifying as the Tulsa Oilers, donned in special Red Out The Rink Jerseys, clashed with the Utah Grizzlies in a thrilling ice hockey showdown on Friday, February 2, 2024. The occasion was marked by Yaroslav Yevdokimov’s upcoming 400th professional game, adding an extra layer of anticipation to the matchup.
Tulsa Oilers forward Yaroslav Yevdokimov (86)
In a fiercely competitive encounter, both teams battled through a scoreless first period, with Tulsa outshooting Utah 16 to 10. The goaltenders were tested, particularly Grizzlies’ netminder Will Cranley, who put on a stellar performance.
Tulsa Oilers forward Carson Focht (19), Utah Grizzlies goalie Will Cranley (30)
The Grizzlies seized an early 1-0 lead in the second period when Nathan Burke capitalized on a precise long-range pass from Josh Wesley, scoring with a backhand shot just 25 seconds into the frame. Brett Stapley extended Utah’s lead to 2-0 at the 4:34 mark. Tulsa responded with a power-play goal from Jarod Hilderman at 15:07, narrowing the gap to 2-1 by the end of the second period.
Utah Grizzlies defenseman Josh Wesley (20)
Utah Grizzlies forward Brett Stapley (7), Tulsa Oilers goalie Gage Alexander (35)
The Oilers came out strong in the third period, leveling the score at 2-2 just 1:49 in, courtesy of Carson Focht’s sixth goal of the season. The remainder of regulation saw both teams pushing hard, but neither could break the deadlock.
Tulsa Oilers forward Eddie Matsushima (15), Utah Grizzlies forward Dakota Raabe (22)
Tulsa Oilers defenseman Anthony Constantini (10)
Overtime brought heightened excitement, with both Brandon Cutler and Brett Stapley launching early attempts for Utah. However, Tulsa goaltender Gage Alexander stood tall, denying both shots. The turning point came 3:14 into overtime when Eddie Matsushima redirected Anthony Costantini’s shot to secure a 3-2 victory for the Oilers. This marked Utah’s first overtime loss of the season, bringing their record to 18-22-1.
Tulsa Oilers goalie Gage Alexander (35), Utah Grizzlies forward Brandon Cutler (29), Tulsa Oilers forward Kyle Crnkovic (37), Tulsa Oilers defenseman Anthony Constantini (10)
Gage Alexander’s outstanding performance, saving 26 of 28 shots, earned him the win as Tulsa improved to 5-3 in games decided past regulation. The win was not only a testament to the Oilers’ resilience but also a memorable celebration of the American Heart Association’s centennial milestone with the red jerseys.
Contact the photographer: Les.Stockton@prohockeynews.com
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