BOISE, Idaho – The Steelheads (1-2-1) scored four goals in the third period to overcome a 5-2 deficit, but CJ Eick’s winner3:27 into overtime gave the Utah Grizzlies (3-1-0) a 6-5 win in front of 3,857 fans at CenturyLink Arena.
The Steelheads scored three goals in the final 12:40 of the third period, capped by Charlie Dodero’s point blast with 2:20 to go that tied the game 5-5. It was Dodero’s first of the season off strong forecheck work by Rob Linsmayer and Jefferson Dahl.
Linsmayer recorded his 100th career point during a three-point performance on Friday night. With the assist on Dodero’s goal, Linsmayer became the 12th player in the ECHL era to score 100 points in a Steelheads uniform.
Though the Steelheads had the momentum heading into overtime, the Grizzlies had the final answer after both teams traded odd-man rushes. The game ended on a 2-on-1 with rookies Shane Walsh and Eick driving the net. Walsh led Eick for a redirection through the pads of Landon Bow to end the game.
Bow came into the game to relieve starter Henri Kiviaho after the Grizzlies scored their fifth goal, a Walsh tally at 5:55 of the third. The rookie goaltender, who earned his first pro win on Friday, battled in net as Idaho tried to climb back in.
Zach Bell scored his first of the season on a right point drive shortly before the Walsh goal. After Kyle Jean made it a 5-3 game with a power play tally, Bell showed his offensive flash again, sending another puck towards the net that was deflected in by Jefferson Dahl to make it 5-4 at 15:24 of the third.
After a lengthy first period delay due to a broken pane of glass, the Grizzlies earned a 2-0 first period lead. Zac Larraza and Phil Pietroniro both earned their first goals of the season. Anthony Luciani would answer back for the Steelheads in the second period, swatting his first goal of the season out of mid-air to beat Faragher. Jordan Samuels-Thomas and Mathieu Aubin would come back with two more goals to send the Grizzlies to the second intermission with a 4-1 lead.
Samuels-Thomas had three goals and three assists in four games against Idaho.
The Steelheads prepare for the next leg of their home stand as the Reading Royals visit CenturyLink Arena for the first time since January of 2009 for a three-game set. The teams meet Wednesday night with puck-drop scheduled for 7:10pm MT.
With Idaho Steelheads release
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