By Mason White
Looking back
The Utah Grizzlies visited the Tulsa Oilers for a three-game road trip last weekend. They came out of the weekend with an overall record of 0-2-1. While it wasn’t there best performance of the season, they did come out with at least point in the OT loss and they still sit at 4-2-1-1 on the season.
Each game was decided by one goal with two of the games being decided after regulation showing how competitive these series will be this season as each team fights for a playoff spot based on winning percentage. The Utah Grizzlies still sit at 6 overall in the ECHL with a winning percentage of .625 so the hunt is definitely still on. They look to climb even closer with two games this weekend against fellow Mountain division rival Kansas City Mavericks.
Charlie Gerard scored two goals on the weekend and is currently tied for the the team lead with four on the season. Diego Cuglietta saw his seven-game point streak come to an end but still leads the team in points with nine (1G, 8A).
The Maverick Center fan capacity is still sitting at 1,800 so be sure to get your tickets early at utahgrizzlies.com.
This weekend’s Schedule
Friday, January 15, 2021 – Kansas City at Utah. 7:10 pm.
Saturday, January 16, 2021 – Kansas City at Utah. 7:10 pm.
Monday, January 18, 2021 – Kansas City at Utah. 5:10 pm.
What to Look for
The Grizzlies swept the KC Mavericks the last time they visited KC with two decided victories of 4-1 and 5-1. However, the Mavericks won two out of three during their final meeting in February of last year. With they way the 2021 season is playing out, this should be another competitive and fun series to watch for Grizzly fans.
Utah is 3-2 when scoring first and has done so in five of eight games this season. Look for them to strike first tomorrow night. The Mavericks sit 6 spots behind the Grizzlies at 12 with a winning percentage of .333 and an overall record of 2-5-1-1. With how much every game counts, this season the Grizzlies will have to respect the Mavericks as who are fighting to stay alive.
Fun Fact
The Florida Everblades who sit one spot ahead of the Grizzlies in league standings are leading the league in both goals for (50) and penalty minutes (221). The Grizzlies won’t face off against these Eastern Conference foes in the regular season but could see them in the 2021 playoffs.
Where to find the action
As always, Grizzly tickets are on sale at utahgrizzlies.com or by calling (801) 988-8000. Their games are available to watch on Flohockey.TV and listen on Mixlr.com. Moving forward be sure to follow the Grizzlies on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram as well as the ECHL website for more updates. You can also read our articles and listen to our upcoming Grizzlies podcast episodes on Apple, Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts.
Photo © Utah Grizzlies