The Utah Grizzlies (22-13-2-0) defeated the Wichita Thunder, 3-2, in overtime Saturday at Maverik Center.
“We’re playing solid hockey,” head coach and General Manager Tim Branham said. “We stayed positive and there was no panic on the bench even though it was a tight game. At the end of the day, we got the job done.”
Utah took its first lead of the night 2:02 into the overtime as Barry Almeida (17) tipped in a Marc Cantin blast as Charles Sarault worked the puck around in the three-on-three situation.
The Grizzlies erased 1-0 and 2-1 deficits in the second period. Jon Puskar scored on a breakaway pass from Erik Higby 9:55 into the second period to tie the contest. Ryan Misiak picked up an assist on the score as Puskar scored Utah’s first goal for the second time in three games and extended his scoring streak to four.
“Right now, Puskar is the heart and soul of our hockey team,” Branham said. “He’s a leader on the bench, off the ice, scores big goals, blocks shots, plays key minutes in the middle and is a true teammate. I can’t say enough about how he’s played and they way he is off the ice. We’re lucky to have him.”
Wichita took a 2-1 lead on the power-play at 15:53 of the second period before Utah tied the contest 2:39 later as Charlie Sarault blasted in a slapshot from the high-slot. Jason Binkley picked up an assist on the play as he kept the shift alive and got some great chances on the Wichita goal before the score.
Matt Hackett stopped 23-of-25 shots in his Utah debut after being assigned to Utah by the Anaheim Ducks.
“Hackett has been a real professional,” Branham said. “He’s been a good teammate and worked hard today to get the win. I thought the boys battled hard in front of him. You can’t say enough about a guy like that. But it’s easy to come into this locker room and be that way. All of our guys from top to bottom are real professionals and stand up gentlemen on and off the ice.”