ECHL: Utah Grizzlies Lose Against First Place Central Divison Cincinnati Cyclones

Wednesday 3/22/23

1st

Things started off looking good for the Grizzlies when Jordan Martel scored the first goal of the game at just 1:48 into the 1st period. Cyclones’ Zack Berzolla would tie up the game four minutes in, and Adam Berg would follow up with a 2nd goal at 4:32. The Grizzlies thought they would have their chance to tie the game back up during a power play. Patrick Polino would score a short-handed goal for the Cyclones at the 8:53 mark, and the 1st period would end with a 3-1 Cyclones lead.

2nd 

Hope was returned to Grizzlies fans as Zack Tzekos scored just 0:27 into the 2nd. Grizzlies struggled to tie the game up, but Cyclones’ Josh Passolt would be the next one to score at 7:16. Jordan Martel would create another opportunity for a Grizzlies comeback by scoring their 3rd goal at 17:17. The 2nd period ended with a Cyclones lead of 4-3.

3rd

The Grizzlies came out pushing for a win, and Connor McDonald tied the game up at 9:12. Both teams played aggressively, each eager to take the lead. Just as it seemed the game was headed into overtime, Cyclones’ Patrick Polino would break the stalemate and score at 17:41. The Grizzlies were only down by one and decided their best chance would be to get more forwards on the ice, so they pulled Parik out of goal. Unfortunately, their gamble wouldn’t pay off, and Justin Vaive would score an open net goal at 19:54 . Cyclones won the first game of the series, 6-4.

Friday 3/24/23

1st

The game started fiercely, and Victor Bartley would be the first to go into the box for a hooking penalty. The Cyclones battled to take advantage of their power play, and with just one second left, their work paid off as Jalen Smereck scored the first goal of the game at 6:11. The Grizzlies would push back, and Keaton Jameson would tie up the game 1-1 at 9:21. The Grizzlies maintained their momentum with great passing and several chances to get the puck in the net. Eventually, Keaton Jameson would get a penalty for slashing at 19:14, and Cyclones’ Patrick Polino would score a power-play goal after a fight in front of Trent Miner. The 1st period ended with a 2-1 lead for the Cyclones 

2nd

In the 2nd period, Cyclones’ Zack Andrusiak would be the first in the box for interference. Although Grizzlies had the advantage, Jalen Smereck would score a short-handed goal at 6:19 – his 2nd goal of the game. Things got intense as Dylan Fitze, Jordan Martel, and Connor McDonald received minor penalties, leaving Grizzlies with a two-person team. Grizzlies’ defense showed off their strengths and managed to shut down every play the Cyclones tried to make, denying them the chance to score any power-play goals during this period. After the Cyclones’ power play ended, Jared Power would fight to score his first professional goal at 16:03 and get the Grizzlies just one goal away from a tied game.

3rd 

2:28 into the 3rd period, Lee Lapid scored the 4th goal for the Cyclones. Despite the two-goal lead that the Cyclones took early in the period, the Grizzlies remained undaunted and pushed for a 3rd goal. Johnny Walker finally made this happen at 18:09. Despite their best efforts, the Cyclones would win the 2nd game of the series 4-3.

Sunday 3/26/23

1st

The Grizzlies were looking to come out strong and take at least one win away from this three-game series. Unfortunately, Cyclones’ Matt Berry would score the first and only goal of the period at 13:32. But this didn’t dampen the Grizzlies’ determination as they moved into the 2nd period.

2nd

The Grizzlies were looking to make a comeback, and they found their chance when Cyclones’ Zach Berzolla received a tripping penalty at the 1:35 mark. Brandon Cutler would be the one to score the power play goal at 1:55, and Jordan Martel would also score at 2:06 giving the Grizzlies a 2-1 lead. It was a short-lived lead, though. Brycen Martin would get a slashing penalty and a game misconduct giving the Cyclones the advantage they needed. Zach Berzolla would tie up the game at 6:28, and Sean Allen would win Cyclones the lead at 9:48. Seconds before the 2nd period ended, Cameron Wright received a slashing penalty that carried into the 3rd period.

3rd

Although the Cyclones started the period with a power play, the Grizzlies managed to make a short-handed goal at 1:14 and tie up the game 3-3. Cyclones would fight hard until Luka Burzan scored at 9:29 and gave them the lead again. Patrick Polino would follow up with a goal at 17:02, and it was apparent the Grizzlies had given up as Louie Caporusso scored the Cyclones’ 6th and final goal of the night at 19:19.

The Grizzlies lost their 6th game in a row, and the Cyclones swept the series with a final game score of 6-3.