Idaho's power play too tough for Grizz

BOISE, Idaho — The Idaho Steelheads capitalized on three power-play chances and outworked the Utah Grizzlies in a 5-1 victory on Saturday night in Boise.

Garrett Bembridge started the scoring for the Steelheads at 13:42 of the first period when he tipped the puck past Utah netminder Alfie Michaud for a power-play goal, his 13th of the season. It was the Idaho power play again, when, with Ryan Kinesawich in the box serving a double minor, Kevin Gardner put one past Michaud for his first professional goal to give Idaho a 2-0 lead.

In the second period, Marty Flichel found former Grizzly Justin Cox for a goal at the 10:16 mark. Utah got on the scoreboard when Matt Craig picked up a pass from Barret Ehgoetz and sent a one-timer from the slot, beating Idaho goaltender Steve Silverthorn for a power-play goal with three minutes remaining in the period. Chad Starling also picked up an assist on that goal, which made it 3-1 Idaho going into the second intermission.

But the Steelheads didn't waste much time increasing their lead; Brad Thomspon capitalized on a Grizzlies turnover and found the back of the net less than five minutes into the final frame. David Bararuk rounded out the scoring for Idaho, beating three Utah players and driving to the net for an unassisted goal to make the score 5-1.

The win kept Idaho in first place in the ECHL's West Division, three points ahead of Utah, who fell to 11-5 with the loss.

The Grizzlies are off until Tuesday, November 29, when they travel to Alaska for the first of two games. The puck drops at 9:15 p.m.