Utah Grizzlies: Hungry to erase 0-2 deficit

WEST VALLEY CITY — The Utah Grizzlies came oh-so-close to stealing a road win in Game 2 of their second round Kelly Cup playoff series with Idaho last Saturday in Boise.

On three separate occasions, they took a one-goal lead, only to have the Steelheads find a way to come back every single time. Idaho then scored the game-winner with 1:41 remaining, and the Grizzlies — despite playing really well — suddenly found themselves walking out of Qwest Arena down 2-0 in the best-of-seven series.

The series now shifts back to the E Center for potentially three games, starting tonight with pivotal Game 3 at 7 p.m. Heading into that contest, Utah coach Kevin Colley hopes his guys will play like they did in Game 2.

"The guys played, I thought, the best hockey I've seen in quite some time — just the way everyone battled," said Colley. "We didn't get the result we wanted, and there are some obvious question marks with a goal being allowed that shouldn't have been (and) some soft penalties.

"But," Colley added, "we gotta move forward now. We know we can beat this club. Our back's up against the wall now, but the good news is we're back at the E Center."

The Grizzlies played with their backs up against the wall in back-to-back elimination games against Las Vegas in their first round playoff series, and on both occasions, they came roaring back.

"We've got skill, we've got grit, we've got confidence — we've got it all," said Colley. "You saw it in Game 5 when we clinched. Our backs were up against the wall, and we came out and dominated the game. Nothing against Last Vegas — they had a real solid team — but our guys, with their character and their leadership (were really tough.) We're lookin' for them to take over next game and then we'll worry about Game 4."

Both Game 3 tonight and Game 4 on Friday will be at the E Center, with Game 5 to follow on Saturday at home should the Grizzlies find a way to win at least one of the next two contests.

Colley couldn't be happier to be back home.

"That Game 5 (against Las Vegas), that's the loudest I've heard that building for the time that we've had," said Colley. "It was a good crowd, they were loud, they were probably on their feet at least 10 times during that game and they're a sixth person."

2nd-round playoff series for ECHL Kelly Cup

Utah vs. Idaho, best-of-seven

Game 1: Idaho 7, Utah 2

Game 2: Idaho 4, Utah 3

Game 3, Today: at Utah, 7 p.m.

Game 4, Friday: at Utah, 7 p.m.

*Game 5, Saturday: at Utah, 7 p.m.

*Game 6, April 27: at Idaho, 7:10 p.m.

*Game 7, April 28: at Idaho, 7:10 p.m.

* if necessary

e-mail: drasmussen@desnews.com