FORWARDS: Once again, the Grizzlies' best offensive threat, Jarrod Skalde, went scoreless and had more penalty minutes than he did shots (four PIMs, three shots). The Aeros have done a great job of spreading out the offensive glory. Nine different players have scored in the series. Edge: Houston.
DEFENSEMEN: Not only did the Aeros help wreck the Grizzlies' offensive scheme, but the Houston blueline squad had a hand on all three goals. Steve Bancroft might have made the biggest difference in the series, though, as he's maneuvered his way into the Grizzlies' heads.Edge: Houston.GOALIES: The compliments and superlatives just don't do enough justice to the superb showing Houston's Frederic Chabot has put on this series. He made 22 saves Monday, brining his total to 84 of 87 for an amazing .966 save percentage. Don't count on this brick wall to crumble, either.Edge: Houston.
SPECIAL TEAMS: Ted Crowley finally snapped Utah out of its powerless play skid. The Grizz hadn't scored in 58 straight man advantages, including 19 in a row in the playoffs. Yikes. Houston made good on two PPs and has to be credited for its stingy penalty killing unit, although Chabot helps make up for breakdowns.Edge: Houston.
COACHING: Coaches: Utah's Bob Bourne said he can't blame the Grizzlies for being emotional and he claims they aren't going out of their way to be extra physical. It just seems that way. The problem is Utah isn't getting away with instigating or retaliating, and all the penalties just magnify the physical play.Edge: Houston.