Utah Grizzlies: Kelly Cup playoff series shifts to Utah

WEST VALLEY CITY — In Games 1 and 2 of its best-of-seven opening-round Kelly Cup playoff series, Alaska held serve at home against the Utah Grizzlies to take a 2-0 lead.

Alaska goaltender J.P. Lamoureux recorded back-to-back shutouts, and the Aces took care of business inside of intimidating Sullivan Arena to assume control of their first-round playoff series.

Now, it's Utah's turn to try and hold serve.

The series shifts back to Utah for potentially three games, beginning tonight with Game 3 at 7 inside the E Center.

Tonight's contest isn't an elimination game for the Grizzlies, but coach Kevin Colley isn't trying to downplay its importance.

"Now, the ball's in our court," he said. "This is the biggest game of the season on Wednesday. We've got a chance to slowly get back into the series.

"I told the guys (after practice on Tuesday), 'This is the biggest game of their careers,' " added Colley. "We've gotta go out and compete. But having said that, we've got nothing to lose. We're the underdogs."

Though they are down 2-0, Colley and company will take encouragement from the way they played in Alaska last weekend, as the Grizzlies had a chance to win each game before falling, 2-0, in both contests.

Utah goaltender Mike Mole saved 73-of-77 shots (.948 save percentage) in Games 1 and 2, and the Grizzlies killed 10-of-11 Alaska power-plays to stay close to the Aces.

"I liked the way the guys went out and competed and battled," said Colley. "But we fell a little short."

To have a chance to win tonight, Colley suggested his guys simply need to settle down offensively. He said the Grizzlies missed several breakaways and didn't take advantage of other opportunities offensively in Games 1 and 2, something they'll obviously need to do at home.

Game 4 of the playoff series will be Friday, with Game 5 to follow on Saturday, if necessary.

Kelly Cup playoffs

Utah vs. Alaska

First round

(Best-of-seven)

Game 1: Alaska 2, Utah 0

Game 2: Alaska 2, Utah 0

Game 3: Alaska at Utah, today, 7 p.m.

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

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

*Game 6: Utah at Alaska, Tues., April 21, 9:15 p.m.

*Game 7: Utah at Alaska, Wed., April 22, 9:15 p.m.

*If necessary

E-MAIL: drasmussen@desnews.com