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West Valley City • For the first time in franchise history, the Utah Grizzlies squared off against the Rapid City Rush. And the home team made the most of the opportunity, posting a thrilling 5-4 overtime victory behind forward Alex Krushelnyski's hat trick.
It was the Grizzlies' fifth consecutive win en route to an 8-3-1 record and a 17-point total, which is good for first place in the Western Division.
Krushelnyski's blazing speed was on full display Friday night as the Grizzlies skater scored not one but two breakaway goals that got past the pads of Rush goaltender Dannie Battochio. But it was the shot in overtime as Krushelnyski weaved his way through the Rush defense that sent the nearly sold out crowd of 9,262 into a frenzy.
"Our team is playing really well right now and, regardless of who scores the goals, its fun when you're surrounded with good players," Krushelnyski said.
With the outcome seemingly decided and the Grizzlies ahead comfortably at 4-1 entering the third period, the Rush battled back, scoring three goals by forwards Michael Bunting, Jonathan Narbonne and Dakota Mermis to send the contest into an unexpected extra session.
Although the Grizzlies outshot the Rush 18-3 in the first period, they found themselves leveled at 1-1 to end the frame. Things changed quickly in the second period, however.
Falling to his knees and shooting at an improbable angle proved to be no problem for Grizzlies forward Torin Snyderman as his shot found its way into the back of the net just 33 seconds into the period. It was Snyderman's first goal in a Utah uniform.
Forward Erik Higby would get in on the fun soon after, scoring 42 seconds later as his slapshot gave the Grizzlies a 3-1 lead.
Utah dominated Rapid City in nearly every facet of the game. Friday was the first of five consecutive games the Grizzlies will play against the Rush over the next nine days.