Utah Grizzlies drop Fresno shootout
The story of the game, however, was that the Grizzlies had to finish the game with their emergency backup goaltender Ryan Lowe.
The Grizzlies got things going late in the first period when Rob Sirianni fed Ryan Kinasewich for his 16th goal of the season. Ian Forbes was also credited with an assist.
The Grizzlies continued their scoring into the second, taking a 2-0 lead when Olivier Labelle knocked home a rebound off a Garett Bembridge wrist shot. It was Labelle's 23rd of the year. Jeff Dwyer got the assist.
Fresno closed the gap with just under five minutes left in the second period when Matt Stefanishion scored to make it 2-1.
Just before the third period began, Utah goalie Nathan Lawson did not return to the ice, so the Grizzlies had to put in Lowe. Fresno came out and tied the score in just over seven minutes when Pierre-Olivier Beaulieu scored through a screen.
The Grizzlies answered as Sirianni scored on a power-play from Andrew MacDonald. Utah couldn't hold on, however, as Brady Leisenring batted a puck out of midair and into the net to tie the score with three minutes left in regulation.
Lawson stopped 17 of 18 shots through two periods, and Lowe finished with 13 saves on 15 shots.
Utah returns to the E Center Wednesday, Friday and Sunday, hosting Fresno. Wednesday's and Friday's games will start at 7:05 p.m., with a special 4:05 p.m. start scheduled for Sunday.
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