Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
West Valley City, Utah - The Utah Grizzlies defeated the Alaska Aces 3-2 in overtime Wednesday night at the E-Center. Alaska now leads the best- of-seven playoff series two games to one. Brett Beauchamp scored the game-winning goal 3:30 into the extra session. Game four is scheduled for Friday at 7:05 p.m. at the E-Center.
After the game Utah Grizzlies Head Coach Kevin Colley said, "We made a pact for the playoffs to come out and play a full 60 minutes and play every shift as hard as we can and the guys did that tonight. We have to enjoy this one and come back to work tomorrow and be ready for Friday."
Both teams went scoreless in the first with the Grizzlies outshooting Alaska 12 to four.
At 8:08 of the second period, Alaska went up 1-0 but at 8:02 later at 16:10, of the period, Vladimir Nikiforov tied it up at 1-1 to end the second period.
The third period was flying by with no penalties or goals until the 11:57 mark when the Aces went up 2-1 putting the pressure on the Grizzlies heading into the final minutes. But exactly three minutes later, at 14:57, Nikiforov added his second goal of the game to tie it up once again to end regulation. Nikiforov redirected home a Mike Walsh shot in the high-slot.
The Grizzlies got off to a shaky start in the first overtime, allowing the Aces to get some good shots on net that were gracefully deflected by Utah goaltender Mike Mole who saved 28 of 30 overall in the contest.
"I can't say enough about Mike Mole, he had some huge saves especially in the third period to keep us in it. He was unbelievable tonight," said Colley.
Talking about Alaska goaltender Jean-Philippe Lamoureux, who had held the Grizzlies scoreless through the first two games of the playoffs in Alaska, Colley said, "He is human we found out. The flood gates opened a little bit and we will go after him Friday."
Game One: Alaska 2 Utah 0 In Anchorage April 10 Game Two: Alaska 2 Utah 0 In Anchorage April 11 Game Three: Utah 3 Alaska 2 (OT) In West Valley City April 15 Game Four: Friday, April 17, Alaska at Utah; 7:05 p.m. Game Five: Saturday, April 18, Alaska at Utah; 7:05 p.m. Game Six: Tuesday, April 21, Utah at Alaska; 9:15 p.m. Game Seven: Wednesday, April 22, Utah at Alaska; 9:15 p.m.
Italics Denote If Necessary
