Oilers Defeat Grizz in Wild 6-5 Game

Oilers Defeat Grizz in Wild 6-5 Game

West Valley City, Utah – Mason Mannek had 2 goals and 2 assists for the Utah Grizzlies but it was not enough as Joe Garreffa scored 2 goals and 2 assists for the Tulsa Oilers as they won 6-5 on a Friday night at Maverik Center.

Tulsa scored 1:48 into the contest as Duggie Lagrone tallied his 9th of the year. The Oilers extended the lead 10:55 in as Garreffa scored his first in an Oilers uniform. Mason Mannek got the Grizz on the board 15:15 in with a power play goal. 1 minute 31 seconds later Mannek scored again to tie the game. The score was deadlocked 2-2 after 1 period.

Trey Bradley gave the Grizz a 3-2 lead 40 seconds into the 2nd period. It was Bradley’s first game since February 12 at Iowa. Tulsa tied the game 2:41 in as Alex Gilmour scored his 14th of the year. The Oilers took a 4-3 lead when Jackson Leef scored 7:25 in. Austin Crossley scored his first pro goal 11:36 into the second. Crossley became the 18th different Grizzlies skater to score their first pro goal this season. Tulsa retook the lead 15:43 in as Garreffa scored his 2nd of the game. Tulsa led 5-4 after 2 periods.

The Oilers got a big insurance goal with exactly 3 minutes left in regulation as Ethan Stewart got his first pro goal to make it a 6-4 game. Ben Tardif got Utah back on the board 19:44 in. Utah was able to get in the offensive zone for the final 5 seconds of play but ran out of time as the Oilers have taken the first 2 games of the series. Utah is 3-3-1 vs Tulsa this season.

Utah’s Peyton Jones saved 41 of 47 in the loss. Tulsa’s Daniel Mannella won his league leading 24th game of the year as he saved 22 of 27. Both teams went 1 for 5 on the power play.

The season series concludes on Saturday night with Singles Night at Maverik Center. Face-off is at 7:10 pm. Despite the Friday night loss the Grizz are still in first place with a .595 points percentage. Rapid City is 2nd with a .582 points percentage. Tickets are available at utahgrizzlies.com or by calling (801) 988-8000. The Grizz have 9 games left in the regular season and 6 of them are at home.

3 stars

1. Joe Garreffa (Tulsa) – 2 goals, 2 assists.
2. Mason Mannek (Utah) – 2 goals, 2 assists.
3. Alex Gilmour (Tulsa) – 1 goal, 2 assists.