www2.sltrib.com/grizz/main/index.aspGRIZZLIES: Late Goal Lifts Grizz to a Crazy Victory
BY BRETT PRETTYMAN
THE SALT LAKE TRIBUNE
WEST VALLEY CITY -- The answer to the question on all 9,827 hockey fans' minds as they left the Utah Grizzlies' game Monday is yes there will likely be fines and suspensions handed out after a bench-clearing brawl at the end of the game.
The Philadelphia Phantoms' first trip to the E Center will probably be the most memorable. The Grizzlies (8-9-0-1) gave up a two-goal lead, then scored with 66 seconds left to beat the Phantoms 3-2 before the largest crowd since the team departed on an Olympic-induced 17-game trip last January.
The game featured its fair share of rough stuff during the 60 minutes, but it was the last seconds that set off the melee. The Grizzlies took exception to a high check by Philadelphia's Andre Savage in the face off Utah's Steve Gainey as the final buzzer sounded.
"The game was over when Gainey shot the puck down the ice. When anyone is wearing a facial protector like he is in a professional league, you know he has a serious injury," said Jim Montgomery, who scored two goals, including the game-winner with just over a minute left in the game. "Savage took liberties. I don't care if he finished the check, but he finished high, he jumped off his skates and put his elbow in the jaw right where he is obviously injured. To me, that is one of the dirtiest things. It shows a lack of respect for the opponent."
Gainey fractured his jaw on opening weekend in October and has been wearing a jaw-protector since he returned to the lineup six games ago.
The Grizzlies gathered to celebrate the win, then some headed to the locker room. "I got into that
fight at the end of the game and then I came to the room and started getting undressed," said Utah defenseman John Erskine. "I heard yelling and myself and couple of other guys ran out. I grabbed the first guy I saw. I still have no idea what was going on. I just responded and was trying to protect my teammates."
Erskine and backup goalie Mike Smith were the only Grizzlies penalized for circumstances after the whistle blew. The Phantoms had three players penalized and coach John Stevens was given a gross misconduct. He will get a one-game suspension.
"Most of our players were in the dressing room and their whole team was still out there," Montgomery said.
Jon Sim set up the game-winner by knocking a clearing attempt down with his stick and then knocking down a second attempt that went right to teammate Steve Ott.
"I jumped down the slot and Otter fed me a great pass. I let it go right away before the goalie could set up," Montgomery said.
Utah coach Don Hay was reluctant to say if there would be suspensions handed out, but he was proud of the way his players stuck together at the end.
"I saw Savage take a cheap shot at Gainey and our guys stood up to it. There was a lot of emotion there at the end," Hay said. "Things like that bring our team closer."
Wednesday's rematch at the E Center should provide another entertaining meeting.
