The Utah Grizzlies spoiled the Wheeling Nailers first-ever trip to Utah ending Wheelings 12 game-win streak.
Utah got four assists from Mick Messner, and Cole Gallant scored the game-winner 6:50 into the third period as they ended the Wheeling Nailers 12 game winning streak with a 4-2 victory in front of a crowd of 6,506 at Maverik Center in the series opener with the next game being Saturday night.
Nathan Burke got Utah on the board with a power play goal 11:11 in. Brett Stapley extended Utah’s lead 17:34 in. Stapley has six goals in his last six games. The Grizzlies led 2-0 after 20 minutes of play. Utah is now 9-0 at home when leading after the first period.
Wheeling got goals from two different defensemen in the second period. Isaac Beliveau scored 3:24 in the frame, and later, Louie Roehl tied it up 9:50 in. The score was deadlocked 2-2 after two frames.
Cole Gallant scored the game-winner in the exact second that the Grizzlies power play ended, making it aa even strength goal. Robbie Stucker got an assist for his first point in a Grizzlies uniform. Brandon Cutler added an empty netter 19:31 in to seal the deal. Cutler has five goals in his last five games. Utah has now won seven of their last eight home games.
Dante Giannuzzi got the win in net as he stopped 29 of 31. Giannuzzi leads Utah with 11 wins on the season. Wheeling’s Taylor Gauthier stopped 39 of 42 in the loss.
Grizzlies Fight Cancer Weekend, presented by Mountainland Supply Company, continues on Saturday night at 7:10 pm, the second game of the Wheeling Series.
3 stars
- Cole Gallant (Utah) – GWG, six shots.
- Mick Messner (Utah) – four assists.
- Brett Stapley (Utah) – one goal, +2, 4 shots.
