Utah Grizzlies: Open season with victory over Wranglers

LAS VEGAS — Season-openers haven't been all that good to the Utah Grizzlies. Since 2001, they've only prevailed in one — edging Idaho in a shootout last year.

Utah's bid for a second straight successful start came Friday at the Orleans Arena against the Las Vegas Wranglers.

And thanks to veteran Ryan Kinasewich, the Grizz continued their reversal of season-opening fortune with a 5-3 win over the Wranglers.

"It's a big confidence boost for our team," said Utah coach Kevin Colley, whose team shook off a slow start. "I thought we got better every shift as the game went on."

Kinasewich, in his fifth year with Utah, recorded a hat trick and assist to lead the way. His goals at 2:03 and 11:07 of the third period proved to be the difference in the ECHL opener for both teams.

The final one moved Kinasewich into a tie with Chris Taylor for the franchise record in career goals scored with 111.

"That's great for Ryan," Colley said. "Obviously he's our leader and he just stepped up. He did a great job tonight."

Vlady Nikiforov assisted on Kinasewich's first third-period goal, while Dylan Hunter and A.J. Perry teamed on the other.

Las Vegas scored twice in a 30-second span to take a 2-0 lead in the first period. Matt Watkins scored on a power play at 6:51 before Ned Lucacevic followed with an unassisted goal in an even situation.

Utah's first score of the season came on a power play at 12:44 of the opening period. The Grizz capitalized on a two-man advantage when Shea Guthrie scored. Nikiforov and Kinasewich were credited with assists.

It brightened an otherwise gloomy period for Utah. Las Vegas held a 14-7 advantage in shots.

The Wranglers' 15th attempt produced a goal by Kyle Hagel at 5:35 of the second period.

It wasn't enough, though, to put the Grizz away. In fact, things got rather tight after that.

Utah erased the deficit less than five minutes later after a two-goal flurry.

Kinasewich got things started — off assists by Perry and Vic Bartley.

Tom May added an unassisted score 1:11 later to tie the game at 3-3.

The Grizzlies return to action Friday at the E Center. They'll face Idaho in their home opener. Faceoff is set for 7:05 p.m.

SLAP SHOTS: Utah opened on the road for the fourth consecutive season. ... The Grizzlies will take on the Wranglers nine times over the first 15 games. ... Rookie defenseman Jake Gannon was a late addition to Utah's roster. He was assigned to Utah from Bridgeport of the AHL.

e-mail: dirk@desnews.com