PREVIEW: IDAHO STEELHEADS (1-1-1) vs. UTAH GRIZZLIES (2-0-0)

FRIDAY, OCT. 19, 2018 | 7:10 PM | CENTURYLINK ARENA | BOISE, IDRADIO: 1350AM KTIK | TV: CABLEONE CHANNEL 72 | STREAM: ECHL TV

Tonight’s Game: The Steelheads open the 2018-19 home schedule and a four-game stretch against the Utah Grizzlies from CenturyLink Arena.

Head-To-Head: The Steelheads begin a 15-game schedule against the Grizzlies with the first four games coming in a two-week span. Last year, the Steelheads edged the Grizzlies in the season series, going 8-4-3 with nearly half (seven) of those games being separated by one goal and four of those wins coming at home. The geographic rivals have played 158 games in the ECHL franchise series, and the Steelheads own a 92-42-24 record overall. 

Last Game: The Steelheads came from behind to take a 5-4 shootout win over the Tulsa Oilers on Sunday evening from BOK Center. Oilers forward Peter Sivak (11:08 1st) and defenseman Kyle Rhodes (12:26 1st) opened the scoring in quick succession to take a 2-0 lead before Steelheads forward Steve McParland (12:44 1st) answered back to cut the lead in half, 2-1. Steelheads forward Justin Parizek (0:37 2nd) added a tally to tie the game, 2-2, before Sivak (8:20 2nd) and Oilers forward Ryan Tesink (PP, 10:50 2nd) doubled the lead again at 4-2. After an answer by Steelheads forward Spencer Naas (11:43 2nd), A.J. White (PP, 14:42 3rd) forced overtime in a 4-4 game late. In the shootout, Steelheads defenseman Brady Norrish (4th Round) scored the lone goal, giving Idaho the 5-4 win. Philippe Desrosiers (1-0-1) stopped 24 of 28 shots in the win, while Evan Fitpatrick (0-0-1) halted 40 of 44 shots in the shootout loss.

Close Ones: The Steelheads began the season with three one-goal games on the road, all of which started with an opposition goal. The Steelheads are the only team to play three-straight one-goal games this year and one of just three teams to play all of their games with a one-goal differential, joining Florida (1-1-0) and Manchester (1-0-1) in that category. Idaho is also one of eight teams that has yet to score the game’s opening goal.

Shoot ‘Em Out: The Steelheads have now played two of their first three games in a shootout, getting opposite results each time but both resulting in four rounds. Defenseman Brady Norrish scored the lone shootout goal in eight attempts (12.5%), but dating back to last year the Steelheads owned a 31.7% conversion rate (13-for-41) which was helped in large part from forward Justin Parizek, who went 6-for-9 (66.7%) last season. Goaltender Philippe Desrosiers saved seven of eight shots (87.5%) so far with a 1-1 record, and last season he hosted a 4-1 record with 12 saves on 13 shots (92.3%). The Steelheads owned a 7-3 shootout record last year.

Sure McClure: Steelheads forward Brad McClure extended his point streak to three games thanks to an assist in Sunday’s shootout win over Tulsa. The Stratford, Ont., native is the only Steelheads player with an active point streak following opening weekend thanks to scoring an unassisted goal on Saturday as the lone point for Idaho. McClure scored 45 goals over his collegiate career with Minnesota State University Mankato and starts his professional career with three points (2+1=3) over three games.

Can(nata) Do: Grizzlies Goaltender Joe Cannata earned CCM ECHL Goaltender of the Week to open the 2018-19 season, helping Utah get off to the right foot. The Kelly Cup Champion halted 54 of 58 shots en route to two wins against Rapid City at home. The award marks the third time that Cannata has been given the recognition and the second time on opening weekend, joining his effort in the 2014-15. Cannata finished the 2017-18 season with the best save percentage (.931) in the ECHL to go along with a 21-5-1 record and a 2.22 goals-against average.

Same But Different: The Utah Grizzlies have a mix of players from last year’s ECHL team as well as the former Colorado Eagles prior to their promotion to the AHL. Only six players return from last year, including reigning leading point-scorer Ryan Walters (29+34=63) and leading defensive scorer Taylor Richart (17+24=41). However, the Grizzlies also have some key players from last year’s Kelly Cup Champion team in goaltender Joe Cannata (21-5-1, 2.22, .931), defenseman Tiegan Zahn (3+8=11) and defenseman Gage Ausmus (4+17=21). Two familiar faces from the Steelheads join the roster including Cole Ully (‘15-’18) and Caleb Herbert (‘16-’17).

Next Game: The Steelheads continue home opening weekend on Saturday, Oct. 20 at 7:10 p.m. from CenturyLink Arena. Tickets are available by calling 208-383-0080 or going to www.IdahoSteelheads.com. Coverage begins at 6:50 p.m. on 1350-AM KTIK, CableOne Channel 72 and ECHL TV.