Steelheads Battle to 3-2 Overtime Win Over Utah, Take Series Lead

WEST VALLEY CITY, Utah – The Idaho Steelheads (2-1-0) battled through adversity and, for the second-straight game, take a 3-2 overtime win over  the Utah Grizzlies (1-0-2) on Wednesday night from Maverik Center in Game 3 of the Mountain Division Semifinal. The Steelheads now lead the Mountain Division Semifinal two games to one.

The Grizzlies took the early advantage, 1-0, for the second time in the series at 6:39 on the first shorthanded goal of the series netted by forward Josh Dickinson. At the end of a fast-paced period at 19:55, Steelheads forward Brad McClure was set up in the right circle by captain A.J. White and flipped a shot top-shelf to level the score at 1-1 heading into the intermission.

The Steelheads outpaced the Grizzlies 17-6 in shots during a scoreless second period, but it was the Grizzlies to gain the edge in the third period. At 2:52, Grizzlies forward Tim McGauley scored off a face-off to edge back ahead, 2-1. The back-and-forth continued at 5:50 with a deflection by Steelheads forward Henrik Samuelsson and some help from the left post to squirt the puck across the line and eventually send the game to overtime for the second-straight game, 2-2.

After fighting off an early penalty, the Steelheads found the game-winner. At 11:38, defenseman Colton Saucerman had a right point shot tipped by forward Kyle Schempp that just slid across the line, resulting in the 3-2 overtime victory.

Steelheads goaltender Tomas Sholl (2-1-0) halted 38 of 40 shots in the win, while Grizzlies netminder Kevin Carr (1-0-2) turned away 45 of 48 shots in the overtime loss.

The Steelheads and Grizzlies head into Game 4 of the Mountain Division Semifinal on Friday, Apr. 17 at 7:05 p.m. from Maverik Center. Coverage begins at 6:45 p.m. on 1350 KTIK-AM and ECHL.TV.

Follow along as the Steelheads hunt for their third Kelly Cup Championship at IdahoSteelheads.com and follow the Steelheads on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.