Tremblay stays hot, but Condors fall in Utah, 5-3
WEST VALLEY CITY, Utah – C Nicholas Tremblay scored a shorthanded tying goal early in the third period, but the Utah Grizzlies (15-16-2-3, 35pts) responded with two straight and knocked off the Bakersfield Condors (11-27-1-2, 25pts) by a 5-3 margin on Friday night at Maverik Center.
With the Condors shorthanded five minutes into the first period. F Jacob Lagace was awarded a penalty short after an impressive breakway. However, he was denied on the ensuing attempt by Utah G Shane Owen. Bakersfield did strike first though as F Brett Perlini snapped off a wrister from the left-wing circle to make it 1-0 at 13:26. Bakersfield was outshot, 12-11.
Two goals, 25 seconds apart in the second period, gave Utah a 2-1 lead. The first came on the power play as C Bryan Cameron’s shot from the slot beat Condors G Brian Stewart at the 7:57 mark. Utah took their first lead of the game at 8:22 when a fortunate bounce of the end wall landed onto the stick of F Kory Falite who tucked a wraparound effort into the empty net to give the Grizzlies a 2-1 lead. Bakersfield knotted the game at 2-2 when F Brett Lyon found the back of the net from the bottom of the left-wing circle off a behind-the-net feed from F Evan Trupp at 13:57. The Grizzlies pulled back in front at 3-2 off a three-on-two rush when F T.J. Battani beat Stewart from the slot at 15:01. Shots were even 14-14.
C Nicholas Tremblay continued his torrid start to his Condors career with a shorthanded goal from F Francis Verreault at 1:22 of the third period to tie the game at 3-3. But, Utah would get a power-play goal of their own from F Colin Vock at 5:18 to make it 4-3 and a shorthanded goal from Falite at 10:13 to seal a 5-3 win for the Grizzlies. The Condors were outshot, 14-8.
Condors droppings:
F Francis Verreault extended his point streak to seven games (3g-6a)… C Nicholas Tremblay now has ten points (5g-5a) in four games with Bakersfield.. F Jacob Lagace’s penalty shot was the second for the Condors this season… Brett Perlini returned to the Condors lineup tonight for the first time since Oct. 27. The rookie winger has missed the last 33 games to injury and scored in his return to the lineup… F Brett Lyon has goals in consecutive games… Condors scratches: D Dale Warkentin, D Tyson Gimblett, F Scott Freeman, D Ryan Annesley (inj.) Shots on goal: BAK – 33 , UTA – 40 … Power plays: BAK- 0/7, UTA – 2/7 … Three stars: 1. Vock (UTA), 2. Falite (UTA), 3. Cameron (UTA)
The Condors take on Utah again Saturday night at 6:05 (Pacific). Their road trip continues with a Monday matinee in Ontario at 1 p.m. They play the next six all on the road, and return home to host Colorado on Feb. 1 with Youth Jersey Giveaway Night, sponsored by KGET-TV 17, Hot Hits 93.1 and Rabobank. The first 2,000 kids 12 and under will get a Condors youth jersey featuring Alternate Captain Peter Boyd.
On Saturday, Feb. 2 they play Ontario again on Cowboy Hat Giveaway Night, sponsored by the Emporium Western Store. The first 2,000 fans 5 and older will get their choice between and tan or black Condors cowboy hat (while supplies last).
Fun 4-packs are on sale now and if you purchase two 4-packs, you get a free Condors Snuggie! Check out the plan to fit your schedule and budget by clicking here or calling 324-PUCK (7825).
*main slate photo courtesy Josie Vimahi, Centerline
