Utah Grizzlies extend hockey winning streak to four

Men's American ice hockey stadium. Photo: Klim Musalimov

WEST VALLEY CITY, Utah – Brian Bowen and Andrew Nielsen had one goal and one assist each. Peyton Jones saved 31 of 33 as the Utah Grizzlies defeated the Wichita Thunder 4-2 on Friday night at Maverick Center.

Utah outshot Wichita 14 to 10 in the first period as the score tied after one. Wichita’s Logan Fredericks scored his 3rd of the year 10:15 into the contest. The Grizzlies tied the game as Brian Bowen scored unassisted at 16:29.

Utah led 3-1 after two periods. Kyle Pouncy scored a four-on-four goal 8:14 into the second period from Luka Burzan and Andrew Nielsen. The Grizz extended the lead two seconds after a power play ended as Quinn Ryan scored from the right circle for his seventh of the year, 16:41 into the second.

With four minutes left in regulation, Michal Stinil scored from the slot to make it a 3-2 game. It was Stinil’s first pro goal. Andrew Nielsen scored an empty net goal with three seconds left to ice the game for Utah. Matthew Boucher got an assist on the empty netter to extend his point streak to six games. Brandon Cutler also got an assist as he has now scored a point in 14 of his last 15 games.

Nielsen, Bowen, and Pouncy were each a +2 for Utah, whose record goes to 15-8-1 on the year. Utah is 8-4 at home this season. Utah is now 11-0 when leading after two periods.

Peyton Jones had 31 saves as he picked up his 6th win, which matches last season’s win total. Wichita goaltender Evan Buitenhuis saved 24 of 27 in the loss as Wichita fell to 10-11-1 on the year.

Utah is now 3-0 vs. Wichita this season. The 3rd game of the four-game set is on Saturday night at Maverik Center. Face-off is at 7:10 pm on Ugly Sweater Night. Tickets are available at utahgrizzlies.com or by calling (801) 988-8000.

Three stars: