WEST VALLEY CITY -- It's officially do or don't go to the playoffs time for the Utah Grizzlies.
If the Grizz hope to avoid missing out on postseason play for the first time in franchise history, they almost have to have a victory tonight against the Kansas City Blades.Granted, Utah has a total of 13 games remaining in the IHL season, so a loss wouldn't mathematically put them out of the playoff chase. But the Grizzlies (31-30-8) now trail the Blades (36-28-6) by eight points (78-70) for the final playoff spot in the Western Conference. So, each game, especially head-to-head matchups, is critical now.
Utah is fortunate, though, because it has a chance to make up six points in three games against K.C. in the next two weeks, beginning tonight at 7:05 at the E Center. The two teams will tangle again at Kemper Arena on April 9-10.
The Grizzlies have posted a 6-2-1 record against the Blades so far this season, including a 4-1 win in their last encounter on March 3.
Utah comes into this contest well-rested, having last played on Sunday. Originally, they were supposed to play Las Vegas on Wednesday at home, but the game was played a month ago to solve a scheduling conflict.
Tonight's contest kicks off a brutal weekend for the Grizzlies. They play at Las Vegas on Saturday night and at Long Beach on Sunday. Utah then has a four-game homestand before finishing the season on the road for five of its final six games.