The Utah Grizzlies garnered a much needed split in their best-of-seven series against the Colorado Eagles in Loveland, Colo. Now, they return home for three straight games.
The Grizzlies host the Eagles Thursday in Game 3, then again Saturday and Sunday at the Maverik Center.
Utah was one goal away from taking a commanding 2-0 lead in the series before Darryl Bootland 2:31 into the third overtime. The contest proved to be the second longest in Utah's history at 102:31.
Still, even with the split, the Grizzlies have gained home ice advantage. And they now return to a building where they have won 23 games this season, good enough for the fourth-best home record in the ECHL.
Goaltending has been one of Utah's biggest assets this season and coach Tim Branham has a decision to make in regards to who will start game 3: Mark Owuya or Ryan Faragher.
Owuya got the start in both contests in Colorado but was pulled at 13:03 into the first period of Game 2 after allowing three goals on five shots. Faragher stopped 33 shots in relief of Owuya.
Both goalies have had success this season. Faragher was 10th in the ECHL in wins this season with a 2.24 goals against average and Sunday night marked his postseason debut. Owuya has a proven track record of playoff success, having posted a remarkable .930 save percentage and 1.91 goals against average.
Scoring hasn't been a problem for Utah as the Grizzlies mustered a total of six goals in the two contests in Loveland. Bryan Moore led the way with a goal and assist in the game 1 victory.
Steve Griffin | The Salt Lake Tribune The Utah Grizzlies defense crowd in front of goalie Ryan Faragher as they try to clear the puck during game against Tulsa at the Maverik Center in West Valley City, Wednesday, January 13, 2016.