Hollis helps Thunder past Utah, 4-3

Tuesday, March 9, 1999 | 10:01 a.m.

WEST VALLEY CITY, Utah -- Scott Hollis scored twice, including the game-winner at 14:29 of the third period, to help the Las Vegas Thunder defeat the Utah Grizzlies 4-3 Monday in an International Hockey League game.

The loss slowed the surging Grizzlies' charge at the final Western Conference playoff spot, leaving Utah eight points behind current playoff hopeful Kansas City, and only six points up on the Thunder.

Russ Romaniuk opened the Las Vegas scoring with a shorthanded goal at 4:38 of the first period, and the Thunder never trailed.

Goals by Sami Helenius at 8:21 and Hollis on a power play at 7:18 of the second left Las Vegas with a 3-1 lead.

Jeff Sharples paced the Grizzlies, setting up John Byce's goal at 17:02 of the second period and scoring to tie the score at 19:44.

Rob Bonneau, who assisted on Sharples' goal, has at least one point in every game since he joined the Grizzlies from Orlando early last week.

Winning goalie Konstantin Simchuk faced 31 shots and made 28 saves. Utah starter Steve Vezina lasted only 8:21, allowing goals on two of the Thunder's first three shots.

Scott Langkow finished the game with 25 saves on 27 chances.

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