GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — The Utah Grizzlies completed the road portion of the 2000-01 IHL schedule with a loss, but it was a productive one.
The Grizz fell to the Grand Rapids Griffins 2-1, but since the loss came in a shootout they earned a critical point in the standings.
With seven games remaining — all at the E Center, beginning Friday night — Utah moved to 36-33-6 and into a tie for the final playoff spot in the Western Conference with Chicago. One key factor, though, is that the Wolves (35-30-7) have 77 points like the Grizzlies, but they have three more games remaining, giving them all the more opportunities to catapult over Utah.
David Roberts scored the key shootout goal against Utah's Mike Bales to give the Griffins the win. Chris Neil spoiled Utah's victory chances in the third with a goal. Greg Leeb put the Grizzlies up 1-0 with his 21st goal of the season earlier.