The Utah Grizzlies' playoff schedule has been altered a bit since it was first proposed last week. Instead of the 2-2-2-1 format first announced for a possible first-round series with the ECHL regular-season champion Alaska Aces, Utah will now likely have a traditional 2-3-2 series.
Alaska clinched the top spot in the league with a 6-3 victory Friday night at Fresno while Utah, the fourth seed in the ECHL West, was winning 3-0 at Victoria. Alaska's win let the Grizzlies finally know which team would be their first-round opponent in the Kelly Cup race.
According to the new series agreement, Utah plays Monday and Tuesday at Alaska, and the teams play Games 3, 4 and possibly 5 at the E Center Thursday, Friday and Sunday nights at 7 each evening. The sixth and seventh games, if necessary, will be in Alaska, with Game 6 at the Aces' usual home, Sullivan Arena in Anchorage. Game 7 will likely be at another venue and town.