Grizzlies Stun The Bulls With A Late Third Period Goal: Game Recap
San Francisco Bulls v Utah Grizzlies, December 1, 2013 – Photo Courtesy of the Utah Grizzlies web page – utahgrizzlies.com
The Bulls lose a heart breaker as the Grizzlies sneak by on a late third period goal. The Bulls struggled offensively which ultimately lead to their two to one defeat. Goalie Taylor Nelson again was good enough to win with his second straight 40 save performance. Dean Ouellet had the Bulls’ only goal on the night with Yanni Gourde earning his first point earning the assist. The Grizzlies tied the game early in the third period by converting a five on three power play and then a goal at just over two minutes left gave the Grizzlies the goal they needed for the win. The loss pushes the Bulls to 1-4 against the Grizzlies on the season.
First Period:
The first period was highlighted by outstanding defense as both goalies shut the door on both teams. Neither team could mount much offensive pressure as the two teams combined for just 17 shots on the period. Special teams was a non factor in the period as neither team took a penalty. The Grizzlies out shot the Bulls 10 to seven.
Second Period:
The Bulls would get the early advantage as they would strike first in this game. Dean Ouellet would open the scoring with his 24th goal of the season at 1:57 into the second. Yanni Gourde would earn his first point as a Bull with an assist on the Ouellet goal. Peter Sivak would also get credit for an assist as well. The Bulls would get another chance to extend their lead as the Grizzlies would take a penalty just four seconds later, but they would be unable to capitalize against the worst penalty kill in the league. The Bulls would then give the Grizzlies their first power play, but the penalty would carry over its effectiveness from last game. The two teams would get back to back coincidental minors as play turned chippy for awhile. The Bulls would draw another penalty midway through the period to earn their second power play of the game, but again they are unable to take advantage of the opportunity. The Bulls would take another penalty right before the end of the period. The penalty kill would kill off another Utah chance as they maintain the one goal lead heading into the third. The Grizzlies out shot the Bulls 17 to nine.
Third Period:
The Bulls head into the third trying to maintain their one goal, but a lack of discipline would lead to disaster. Dean Ouellet would take a penalty just two minutes into the period to give the Grizzlies another power play. During the delayed penalty the Grizzlies would just barely avoid disaster as a bad pass in the offensive zone split the men on the points and nearly scored an own goal as the puck bounced off the outside of the post. Simon Denis-Pepin would take another penalty just a minute later giving the Grizzlies the two man advantage. Gaelan Patterson would put back the Nick Tuzzolino rebound for his fourth goal of the season as the Grizzlies knotted the game up at one. With the Grizzlies turning up the pressure on home ice the Bulls were looking to fight back the onslaught and make it to overtime to at least earn a point, but the Grizzlies would finally break the deadlock with just 2:01 remaining in the game as Gaelan Patterson would score his second of the game and fifth of the season giving the Grizzlies the two to one victory. The Grizzlies out shot the Bulls 15 to nine in the period and 42 to 25 on the game.
The Bulls lack of offensive led to their loss last night. They only managed 25 shots on goal on the evening as they could never sustain constant offensive pressure and made Adam Morrison’s night an easy one. Despite their anemic offense they managed to take the first lead of the evening as Dean Ouellet netted his 24th on the year. Yanni Gourde has his first point as a member of the Bulls as he was credited with the assist along with Peter Sivak. Gaelan Patterson was a nightmare for the Bulls as he tied the game up with his power play and then had the game winner with 2:01 left in the game. Taylor Nelson was spectacular as he had his second straight 40 save night and played well enough to win, but just did not get the offensive support. The Bulls fall to 20-29-7 and now four points behind the Grizzlies, who improve to 22-27-7. The Bulls travel to Colorado as they take on the Eagles for game four of their six game road. Puck drop is at 6:05 pm.
Three Stars:
- Gaelan Patterson – Utah
- Adam Estoclet – Utah
- Adam Morrison – Utah