Wranglers’ home ice woes continue against Utah

Stephen R. Sylvanie / Special to the Sun

Las Vegas Wranglers goaltender Michael Ouzas and defenseman John Schwarz lay on the ice as Utah Grizzlies players celebrate scoring a second period goal in Utah’s 3-2 victory Tuesday night at the Orleans Arena.

By Steve Silver (contact)

Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2009 | 12:15 a.m.

Utah continues reign in Las Vegas

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The Utah Grizzlies have truly made themselves right at home at the Orleans Arena.

Utah snagged its third consecutive victory in Las Vegas on Tuesday night by edging the Wranglers 3-2 in front of 2,943 fans.

The Grizzlies are now 5-0 on the road with two more games at the Orleans Arena this week before heading back to the E-Center for four straight meetings with the Wranglers.

"I don't know what it is, but the good things is we have six more games against them and we should get them figured out," said Wranglers defenseman Craig Switzer. "We just aren't getting the bounces. The past games they have been getting the bounces. Eventually some have to go our way."

Unfortunately for the Wranglers, the puck bounced the Grizzlies' way again to start Tuesday's game as A.J. Perry squeezed a loose rebound past Michael Ouzas for a 1-0 lead with 6:49 remaining in the first period.

The Wranglers answered in the second period when Andrew Orpik tallied his fourth goal of the season off of a feed from Adam Miller and Matt Watkins at the 13:35 mark.

Less than three minutes later, Utah regained the lead thanks to a goal by Jason Dale at 16:06 of the second period.

The Grizzlies then took control of the game early in the third period when defenseman Tim Maxwell launched a shot from the point at 5:44 to extend the lead to 3-1.

Utah out-shot Las Vegas 37-29 as Ouzas drops to 5-4 with a 3.03 goals against average and a .899 save percentage.

"I thought for the most part we played decent, but giving up 40 shots is definitely not something we can do consistently, and it is something we have done consistently," said Wranglers head coach and General Manager Ryan Mougenel. "… If it's not for Michael Ouzas tonight we lose that by a lot more."

The Wranglers did ignite a comeback effort late in the third period as Switzer picked up his first goal of the season on a power play with 3:05 remaining to pull within one.

But Las Vegas could not find the tying goal as the Wranglers are now 3-5 at home.

"Some of our guys need to step up and they know who they are," Mougenel said. "I don't have to single them out. We need to get better and that's what tomorrow is for."

Stars of the game: 1. A.J. Perry (1 goal, 1 assist); 2. Adam Miller (2 assists); 3. Michael Ouzas (34 saves)

Kinasewich kept in check: Utah captain Ryan Kinasewich entered Tuesday's game leading the ECHL in goals (13) and points (20) including five goals and three assists in two previous meetings with the Wranglers.

But the top defensive pairing of Mike Madill and Craig Switzer held Kinasewich to just three shots and no points on Tuesday.

"Obviously he has been a pretty big presence out there the past few games, so Madill and I tried to keep him in front of us," Switzer said. "I guess we can be happy that we kept him off the score sheet."

Welcome to Las Vegas: Center Francis Lemieux completed a quick turnaround from the AHL's Grand Rapids Griffins to suit up against the Grizzlies.

Lemieux had two shots on goal in his first game with the Wranglers and has Mougenel expecting big things in the future.

"I like him," Mougenel said. "For a guy that hasn't been on the ice in five days, I think he is going to be a much-needed addition for our offense. He is going to be real good in this league. Tonight he had to get his feet wet, but he is going to get better and better."

Hagel healing: Injured forward Kyle Hagel's return is still unknown.

Mougenel said he plans to let Hagel rest as long as the Wranglers have extra forwards on the roster. Hagel injured both of his eyes in a fight against Bakersfield's Erick Lizon last week.

Best anthem ever: The beloved Paul Villaluz returned to the Orleans Arena in his traditional tuxedo to sing the national anthem Tuesday. I have no idea where he has been the past month, but my ears thank Villaluz for coming back.

Next up: The Wranglers host the Grizzlies again on Thursday night for LasVegasWeekly.com's Thirsty Thursday $1 beer night at 7 p.m. at the Orleans Arena.

Final word: "When I try to over-complicate things, it just complicates things," Mougenel said. "So we have to get back to simplicity, and that's what I'm here for."

Steve Silver can be reached at 948-7822 or steve.silver@lasvegassun.com.

Discussion: 12 comments so far…

By winthorpe

11/11/09 at 1:46 a.m.

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Paul has been sick, but returned for one night. Clearly under the weather, but his passion won out. I think he has previous commitments this weekend and then will be back. He is the best!!!

And on to the game. It's a struggle all right. I can't put my finger on it. They shut down the big boys and still came up short and probably would have been blown out except for Ouzas.

I like Lemieux and the jump he brings, but he will be out of here shortly. Coach is right. Just need to stick with the basics. Very young team with a lot to learn. Growing pains may be the norm here.

Games are still a blast if kept in perspective. I struggle a lot at my job too, but hey, that's life.
By Decoy

11/11/09 at 7:41 a.m.

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Actually Paul has been performing in a stage production of "The King and I"
By vagman

11/11/09 at 8:50 a.m.

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I saw alot of improvement last night, but there is still a long way to go. They are having trouble getting out of their zone, loads of bad passes either intercepted, on the wrong side of the intended player, or to the wrong player. The offense is just stuck in neutral.

Still lots of good entertainment for a reasonable price. I am meeting great people and having fun, what could be better? Ok, maybe winning, but that will come.
By BlackCat

11/11/09 at 9:48 a.m.

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Vagman has it right regarding his analysis of the team. Lets hope the upcoming road games after this weekend helps the team gel. I wonder if all the early home games has not been in the best interest of the team coming together as a unit. And lets hope Lemieux is here for the long term, but I'm afraid he may not be.

Winthorpe: I was not able to stop by 106 last night, I'll try again Thursday. Do you normally where a Sabres shirt or something like that?
By winthorpe

11/11/09 at 11:19 a.m.

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Uusally yes, but not always BlackCat. If you click on the link next to my name on here and go to the bottom, there are pics I put up so you can see who you're looking for.

The team will come around. It's like my golf game, can't put all of the pieces together at once.
By BillyRay

11/11/09 at 1:46 p.m.

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Only the mayor of Wranglerville would keep up on the health of the National Anthem singer, or is it really "The King and I" that's been keeping him from us?

My next game will be Friday, and since I also buy my beers from Drew at Section 106, I will be seeing you there.
By SteveSilver

11/11/09 at 1:49 p.m.

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Either way, it was good to have Paul back.

Also, somebody on Youtube has been posting all of my intermission interviews and some other cool Wranglers videos.

Check them out here:

http://www.youtube.com/user/WedgyGirl

Click on "see all" on the right column and you can even go back to old Josh Fisher interviews.
By winthorpe

11/11/09 at 2:53 p.m.

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I take my oath very seriously BillRay.

BillyRay - ha,ha, very good.

Yes Paul has been doing "The King And I" and yes he was sick last nigth and gutted it out.

Can't wait to have you back full time Paul.
By RollinReb

11/11/09 at 11:09 p.m.

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Steve - thank you for the mention in the article. It was a pleasant surprise to read this morning.

I am also grateful to Winthorpe and the diehard Wranglers fans for supporting me over the last six plus seasons. I am enjoying my stint with the "King and I"; but am saddened that it came at the expense of the first part of the season. Billy Johnson and Michael Delay have been wonderful to me since our first home game; and it truly is a pleasure to sing on their behalf for our hometown fans.

I will return in earnest on December 1 for the Salmon King series. Please check out www.paulsings.com for my other anthem dates.

With all the shameless plugs aside, things will gel once the team is used to breaking to open ice for sharp short passes to get out of the zone. Establishing a solid attack is impossible until that time. Those of you who remember the 2004-2005 team that missed the playoffs will agree - that team couldn't consistently put together three solid passes before coughing it up.

For what it's worth, this is just my $0.02 based from my years in roller hockey and playing EA NHL games (lol).
By SteveSilver

11/12/09 at 12:28 a.m.

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Keep up the good work Paul. We all can't wait to have you back permanently.

I just watched the clip of you doing the Blues Brothers with the Duke. We need more performances like that... and of course victories on the ice.
By TheDuke

11/12/09 at 7:32 a.m.

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Steve & Paul, I'm sooooo in for that. Paul let's get together & work something out when you have time. See you all tonight for Thirsty Thursday.
By SteveSilver

11/12/09 at 12:57 p.m.

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YES!!! The old videos of Youtube of the Duke doing Grease with a hot chick, Blues Brothes with Paul and many other great performances are priceless. Bring it back Duke! Love it!