Grizzlies Lose 5-4 Heartbreaker
West Valley City, Utah – Toledo Walleye defenseman Chris Martenet scored the game winning goal 5:01 into overtime as the Walleye overcame a 4-0 first period deficit to defeat the Utah Grizzlies 5-4 to take a 3 games to 1 series lead in front of a crowd of 6629 at Maverik Center.
Utah scored 4 goals in the final half of the first period. Trey Bradley got Utah on the board 10:05 in. 23 seconds later Tarun Fizer made it 2-0. Tyler Penner scored on a centering pass from Dakota Raabe 14:14 in. Zach Tsekos gave Utah a 4-0 lead with 1:13 left in the first. Utah led 4-0 after 1 period, outshooting Toledo 12 to 7.
The Walleye got on the board 8:21 into the second period as Brandon Hawkins scored 4 seconds into a power play. Blake Hillman closed the gap as he scored 17:04 in. Utah led 4-2 after 2 periods.
Dylan Fitze was awarded a penalty shot 6:37 into the third period but hit the post as it stayed a 4-3 game. Toledo’s Patrick Curry scored a power play goal with 5:06 left in regulation. The Walleye tied the game with 1:30 left as Cam Clarke fed a pass in front to Brett McKenzie, who scored his 4th goal of the series.
In overtime Martenet won the game on a shot from the right point as Toledo has won 3 in a row after Utah won 5-4 in overtime in game 1. The winning team in each game of the series has scored exactly 5 goals. Toledo has 19 goals in the first 4 games of the series. Utah has 15 goals in the series.
Game 5 is an elimination game for the Grizzlies on Saturday night at Maverik Center. Face-off is at 7:10 pm and tickets are available at utahgrizzlies.com or by calling (801) 988-8000.
3 stars
- Chris Martenet (Toledo) – Game Winning Goal.
- Brett McKenzie (Toledo) – Game Tying Goal with 1:30 left.
- TJ Hensick (Toledo) – 2 assists.
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