The Utah Grizzlies rallied from a 2-0 third-period deficit to force overtime before falling 3-2 in a shootout Saturday night at Maverik Center before 7,351 fans for the team’s second night of Pink In The Rink.
The team’s postgame jersey auctioned raised $30,091 with all proceeds going back to local organizations fighting breast cancer.
Idaho took a 1-0 lead 1:35 into the first period as the puck bounced high in the air and was knocked in off an odd-man rush.
The 1-0 lead held until they took a 2-0 lead 21 seconds into the third period. Utah hung tough and killed two penalties to keep the contest within two in the third period.
Utah got on the board after holding the puck in for more than a minute in the Idaho zone after killing a penalty, as Michael Pelech blasted in his 13th of the year from the slot as Travis Howe and Erik Higby drew assists.
Just 6:51 later with 4:04 left in regulation, Jon Puskar blasted in a puck from left circle for his 17th goal of the year as he walked in on passes from Erik Higby and Carlos Amestoy.
“We have a lot of good character guys, and a good team,” said Tim Branham. “We are facing some tough opponents right now. We just need to continue to battle through. It's a big game on Monday, that's for sure.”
Idaho goaltender Landon Bow stopped the first 21 shots that he saw from Utah before the Grizzlies scored two goals on five shots to tie.
Grizzlies goaltender Ryan Faragher stopped 34-of-36 through overtime including a few huge stops in the final moments of regulation with Idaho on the power play.
Idaho’s Jefferson Dahl scored the only goal in the three-round shoot in the top of round two.
The Grizzlies are home Monday for their next Maverik Monday and a President’s Day game at 1:30 p.m.