GRIZZLIES VS. HOUSTON AEROS
Game 1 (best of seven)Season series: 4-4-2
Where: E Center
When: Tuesday, 7 p.m.
Radio: ESPN, 1230-AM
TV: None
For the Grizz . . . The Grizzlies have the advantage on offense and defense with more fire power at forward and more depth on defense. Utah's goaltending has been inconsistent, but when it's good, it's easily as good as Houston's. Grizz coach Bob Bourne never tells who'll be in the net for Utah until game time, but Rick Tabaracci has never faced Houston. Corey Hirsch has two wins, one of which was a shutout, and two losses against the Aeros. In the regular season it was center Jarrod Skalde who scored the most goals against Houston with four.
For the Aeros . . . Goalie Frederic Chabot is the best weapon the defending Turner Cup Champions have in their battle against Utah. Dave Hymovitz and Greg Pankewicz (who had a hat trick against Utah) pose the biggest offensive threats, although neither were in the top 20 IHL scorers. Houston ranked 11th among 13 teams in the number of goals scored. Both teams have pathetic power play records gainst each other, but they also have relatively low penalty minutes in their meetings. Paul Dyck and Dave Wilkie are the best for Houston defensively.