Utah Defeats Rapid City 3-1 in Series Opener
West Valley City, Utah – Andrew Nielsen had 1 goal and 1 assist and Trent Miner saved 31 of 32 to lead the Utah Grizzlies to a 3-1 victory over the Rapid City Rush on Wednesday night at Maverik Center.
Rush forward Alex Aleardi scored first 11:38 into the contest shorthanded. 59 seconds later Utah’s Andrew Nielsen tied the game on the power play. The score was tied 1-1 after 1 period. Cameron Wright gave the Grizz the lead for good 16:06 in the second period on a pass from Nielsen. Utah led 2-1 after 2 periods. The Grizz are now 13-1 when leading after 2 periods this season. Brandon Cutler added an empty net goal with 15 seconds left in regulation to secure the victory as the Grizzlies are 6-2-1 in their last 9 games.
Trent Miner stopped all but 1 to earn his 7th win of the season, which ties him for the team lead in wins with Garrett Metcalf. Over his last 5 games Miner has a 4-0-1 record with a .970 save percentage and a 1.18 goals against average.
Utah was 1 for 4 on the power play and was 5 for 5 on the penalty kill. Utah is now 46 for 48 on the penalty kill over the last 11 games.
The Grizzlies homestand continues on Friday night at 7:10 pm for the middle game of the 3-game series. Tickets are available at utahgrizzlies.com or by calling (801) 988-8000.
3 stars
- Andrew Nielsen (Utah) – 1 goal, 1 assist, +1, 3 shots.
- Trent Miner (Utah) – 31 saves. 32 shots.
- Cameron Wright (Utah) – 1 goal, +2.
Adirondack Thunder
Allen Americans
Atlanta Gladiators
Bloomington Bison
Cincinnati Cyclones
Florida Everblades
Fort Wayne Komets
Greensboro Gargoyles
Greenville Swamp Rabbits
Idaho Steelheads
Indy Fuel
Iowa Heartlanders
Jacksonville Icemen
Kalamazoo Wings
Kansas City Mavericks
Maine Mariners
Norfolk Admirals
Orlando Solar Bears
Rapid City Rush
Reading Royals
Savannah Ghost Pirates
South Carolina Stingrays
Tahoe Knight Monsters
Toledo Walleye
Trois-Rivières Lions
Tulsa Oilers
Utah Grizzlies
Wheeling Nailers
Wichita Thunder
Worcester Railers