Logan, UT (10/11/14) – James Livingston, Kyle Gibbons and Wade MacLeod netted goals Saturday night for the Idaho Steelheads and Maxime Lagace turned in a solid relief appearance in net, but the Utah Grizzlies were able to escape with a 4-3, shootout victory at Eccles Ice Arena in Logan, Utah.
The game was marred by whistles all night as the two teams were called for a combined 24 infractions and awarded a combined 16 power plays in the game.
Livingston started the scoring at 3:11 of the first period on the power play, assisted by Steve Quailer and Clinton Atkinson. After Utah tied the game, Idaho re-took the lead in the opening moments of the second period when Kyle Gibbons banged home a rebound just 37 seconds into the second frame. Utah would answer with a pair of goals to take a 3-2 lead into the third period.
Lagace, who came in midway through the second period, made a series of big saves in the third period to keep Idaho close before MacLeod snapped home a shot from the left circle at the 9:44 mark of the final frame on the power play. MacLeod's first of the postseason was assisted by Jesse Root and Mike Dalhuisen.
Neither team scored in overtime, setting up a game-ending shootout. Utah was credited with two goals on four shots, though one puck clearly appeared to bang off the post and never cross the goal line.
Lagace took the loss despite stopping all 13 shots he faced in live action. Henrik Kiviaho got the start and stopped 16 of 19 shots before giving way to Lagace midway through the second period. Idaho out-shot Utah in the game, 34-33, and converted two of its ten power plays into goals. Utah scored on one of six opportunities on the man advantage.
The two teams will meet again next week to open the ECHL regular season, beginning in Utah on Friday, October 17, before returning to CenturyLink Arena on Saturday, October 18, for the home opener.
COORS OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE GAME – Wade MacLeod
Group outings at a Steelheads game are a great way to gather friends, colleagues, or co-workers for a fun night out in downtown Boise. Ticket prices are discounted and you can get a Pepsi, Double-R Ranch Hot Dog, and bag of Tim’s Cascade Chips with each ticket. Contact the Steelheads front office at 208.383.0080 or log on to www.idahosteelheads.com for more information.
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