The Idaho Steelheads feature one of the premier goaltenders in the league in Philippe Desrosiers. Idaho had only lost twice in regulation with its stellar netminder between the pipes. That was until Desrosiers and the Steelheads faced a soaring Grizzlies team that had posted a 4-2- 1 record in its last seven contests. Utah ensured that Desrosiers would lose for only the third time in regulation, recording an impressive 6-3 come-from-behind win.
With the score tied at three in the third period, Utah played perhaps its best final session of the year. Back-to-back goals by John Puskar and Michael Pelech brought the crowd of 5,389 to its feet. Taylor Richart scored the final goal.
Turning Point • Utah scored back-to-back goals less than two minutes apart twice in the contest. The first occurred in the first period when, trailing 1-0, Ryan Walters and Chris Leibinger found the back of the net, sparking life into a Utah offense that had only tallied three shots on goal through the first 15 minutes of play.
First STAR • Defenseman Chris Leibinger rarely shows up in the stats sheet, but he fired from the blue line, recording his second goal of the season, and had two assists.
Second STAR • Rarely is a shot successful from center ice but Grizzlies defenseman Sam Windle launched a precision pointed laser near the red line that got past Desrossiers and for the moment gave Utah a 3-2 lead.
Third STAR • Fan favorite Jon Puskar picked a perfect time to record his third goal of the year, this one being the game winner in the third period.
Quoteworthy • “This game is all about confidence and we generated a lot of chances and it’s a recipe for success,” head coach Tim Branham said.
What’s next • Idaho Steelheads at Utah Grizzlies on Saturday at Maverik Center, 7 p.m.