Grizzlies shut out a 10th time in tough road loss to Griffins

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — The Utah Grizzlies (19-32-4-3) were looking to gain their first points in the second game of an eight-game road trip. They couldn't even gain goals.

Goalie Joey MacDonald made 33 saves, earning his fourth shutout of the season for Grand Rapids, in a 2-0 win over Utah on Thursday, improving his record to 17-3-3. The Griffins are now without a loss in their last 15 home games (12-0-3). Utah has lost three straight on the road.

A lack of flow plagued the early going in Van Andel Arena, but Griffins tough-guy Ryan Barnes found the cure by finding a spot in front of Dan Ellis and redirecting a shot by Tomas Kopecky just past Ellis. Jeff Nelson had the second assist for the Griffins.

The Grizzlies mustered only six shots on goal with four of those coming in the final four minutes of the period. Ellis stopped 10 Griffins shots as each team failed to convert on a power play chance.

Grand Rapids added to its lead in the second period, capitalizing on its lone power-play chance of the period. Kevin Miller took a Jiri Hudler pass and swiped it past Ellis, tying him for the team lead with 21 goals.

Utah's Mathias Tjarnqvist had several opportunities during a 5-on-3 power play for Utah, but his efforts were turned aside by MacDonald or just missed. Utah outshot the Griffins 13-11 in the frame and had three total power plays but missed on all of them.

The Grizzlies pressured the Griffins in the final period, putting 14 shots against MacDonald while holding the Griffins to just one. But the Grizz were shut out for the 10th time this season.

Utah is at Manchester on Saturday.