ROUND 1, GAME 3 -- Analysis:FORWARDS: Utah coach Bob Bourne thought his team played with more intensity than they did in Tuesday's win. But they were unable to capitalize on some great scoring chances, especially in the second period. Houston was solid, but it was a defenseman who put them on top in the game's first power play.
DEFENSEMEN: The Grizz made some crucial mistakes, including letting Dave Wilkie poke the puck away from the Aeros' end in the third, which led to David Oliver scoring a break away goal. The Aeros did a great job of clearing the puck from in front of the goal on rebounds, so Utah didn't get a lot of second chances.
GOALIES: Frederic Chabot certainly proved he deserved the league's MVP award Friday night. He stopped what he had to and a couple that should have gone in the net. Utah's Rick Tabaracci didn't have a bad game, but his offense didn't help him by only shooting 20 times on Chabot.
SPECIAL TEAMS: Again, this is where the game was decided. Like Tuesday, both teams had an equal number of power play opportunties, but Houston found a way to score on their first. Neither team was very effective shorthanded.
COACHING: Ron Low gets the nod for making line-up changes that made the difference in the game and keeping his team in check for the most part. They met the Grizzlies' challenge to play physical hockey head on. Now the challenge will be to keep it up for at least three more games.
THE EDGE
GOALIES: HOUSTON.
FORWARDS: EVEN.
DEFENSE: HOUSTON.
SPECIAL TEAMS: HOUSTON.
PHYSICAL PLAY: EVEN. The Aeros stepped up their physical presence to match the Grizz. It got out of hand at the end of the game, but made for one of the better games Utah fans have seen in the first two periods.
COACHING: HOUSTON.