WEST VALLEY CITY — The Utah Grizzlies hockey team loves when the Milwaukee Admirals come to play, because at least Utah doesn't lose.
The Grizzlies (14-10-2-1 and tied for first in the AHL's western division), who beat the Admirals in their three previous meetings in October and own a 28-12-3-0 record all-time against Milwaukee, finished the contest tied 2-2 in overtime Wednesday night in the E Center.
The tie was the first at home in Grizzlies franchise history and the second tie in four games.
"We had the opportunities in the power-plays, but we didn't generate as much offense," Grizzlies coach Don Hay said after the game. "But it's important to get the points and we can take the positives." The tie didn't seem to bother the players that much either.
"We want to continue our winning ways obviously," team captain Mark Wotton said. "We are working for breaks and a tie is something we can build on. We want as many points as possible in this 8-game homestand." Wotton added that the points, which are hard to come by on the road, would help the Grizzlies now before they hit the road during the Olympics
"It's tough to win on the road, and we want to get in a good position before February," he said.
Utah, who came into the game following two consecutive shutout losses against the Chicago Wolves, played solid hockey most of the night despite taking the ice without team scoring leaders Greg Haygood and John Sim, who were scratched from the line up.
Gregor Baumgartner got the Grizzlies on the board first with a nifty assist from teammate Jim Montgomery at 4:12 in the first period.
In the second period, Utah's Steve Gainey took a pass from teammate John Erskine to score point-blank and give the Grizzlies a 2-0 advantage at the 7:17 mark Milwaukee, 6-6-0-2 against the Grizz in the E Center, caught fire half way through the second period and made things interesting late in the third.
The Admirals first found the net at 15:51 in the second period on a power-play goal by Rich Brennan. Milwaukee added another power-play goal in 11:21 of the third period when Mark Mowers scored to tie the game at 2-2. The game was a dog fight after that, with both teams playing aggressively but not producing.
Utah also got a great defensive effort out of goalie Wade Flaherty, who recorded 35 saves despite giving up the two goals.
The Grizzlies will take to the ice again on Friday when the Manitoba Moose come to the E Center. The face off will be at 7 p.m.
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