Utah Grizzlies: Grizzlies drop 3-2 duel in Alaska

ANCHORAGE, Alaska — The Alaska Aces defeated the Utah Grizzlies 3-2 on Thursday night at the Sullivan Arena.

Utah (26-25-2-5) never led in the game after falling behind just 11 seconds into the first period on the first of two Brock McBride goals. Utah battled back to tie with 1:23 left in the first period as James Sixsmith extended his scoring streak to 11 games, firing a slapshot as he crossed the blueline for his 17th goal of the year to tie the game at 1-1.

Alaska took a 2-1 lead at 13:28 of the second period as McBride hacked in his own rebound after the Grizzlies struggled to clear the puck in their own end. Utah, though, again tied it up late in the period, as James Sixsmith moved in shorthanded on a breakaway for his second goal of the night to make it 2-2 with 1:26 left in the second period.

The Aces, however, answered with a Nick Mazzolini goal 55 seconds later, that one coming with just 31 seconds left to go in the period, to make it 3-2 at the second intermission. And that would be the final goal of the night.

Utah outshot Alaska 12-10 in the third period but was unable to get the equalizer, as the Grizzlies finished their road trip.

Mitch O'Keefe stopped 33-of-36 Alaska shots in the loss, as he was outdueled by Alaska's Scott Reid, who stopped 37-of-39 shots.

The Grizzlies are now off until Friday, March 12, when they will host Stockton at the E-Center. Face-off is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.