Grizzlies still looking for a win

WEST VALLEY CITY — Coming ever closer, the Utah Grizzlies hope to get their first victory of the season tonight at 7 in the E Center when they host a team that's handed them two losses and a tie already, the San Antonio Rampage.

At 4-0-1-1, San Antonio has nine standings points and is among the league's leaders. At 0-3-1-1, Utah has two standings points and is tied with several other teams for last in the AHL.

In its past three games, Utah has managed an overtime loss, gaining one point, and on Monday, a 1-1 overtime tie with San Antonio that maybe provided an idea of what it will take to win. "The guys kept working. I'm really proud of the guys. They kept battling," said coach Don Hay.

Holding a club like the Rampage to just 16 shots on goal seems quite an accomplishment and should be something on which to build, especially since Utah had just played three games in three nights. "I thought they brought energy and enthusiasm and had a real solid effort," Hay said.

Following tonight's game, the Grizzlies head to Grand Rapids, where they could face long-time NHL standout goaltender Curtis Joseph, who was just sent there by the parent Detroit Red Wings on Tuesday.