HOCKEY:

Wranglers’ losing skid continues

Las Vegas drops fourth straight, fall into last place in division

Saturday, Nov. 21, 2009 | 11 p.m.

At least the Las Vegas Wranglers scored this time.

Aside from that lone Las Vegas goal, however, the Utah Grizzlies once again dominated the Wranglers at the E-Center.

Utah capitalized on a four-goal effort in the second period Saturday to follow up Friday night's shutout with a 5-1 thrashing of Las Vegas in front of 3,424 fans.

The Wranglers have now lost four straight to the Grizzlies and are a paltry 1-7 against them this season. The Grizzlies have outscored the Wranglers 35-18 in those eight meetings.

More importantly, Saturday's loss drops the Wranglers (6-10) to last place in the Pacific Division thanks to Stockton's victory over Ontario Saturday night.

"Collectively, as a whole, we know we have to get better," said Wranglers head coach and General Manager Ryan Mougenel. "Guys are embarrassed; they have pride. So we'll see how we respond tomorrow. But I'm getting tired of saying the same thing over and over, and I'm sure they are sick of hearing it. It's time for them to come together as a group and step up."

Utah lit up the scoreboard first Saturday night on Vlady Nikiforov's fourth goal of the season with just 35 seconds remaining in the opening period.

The Grizzlies seized that momentum heading into the next period as Tom May notched a power play goal less than five minutes into the second period to put Utah on top 2-0 and spark a scoring binge.

Over the course of the next 14 minutes, the Grizzlies scored three more times with goals by Shea Guthrie, Bobby Hughes and a power play tally by Nikiforov to amass a 5-0 lead by the end of the second period.

"We came out strong, but it's that second nemesis period," Mougenel said. "They get one and then another and another. It's an absolute mental lapse and we have to be way more mentally strong. It's not our younger guys; it's our older guys that need to step up."

Utah's ECHL-leading power play unit went 2-for-6 on the night, while the Wranglers failed to convert on three power play chances.

The Grizzlies also out-shot the Wranglers in each period with a final tally of 37-24.

"We're not making healthy decisions when we are shorthanded," Mougenel said. "When you make mental mistakes against (Utah) it will end up in the back of your net. They are a good offensive team. If you are not detailed, which we haven't been, then we are going to get spanked every game until we understand that. It's a tough lesson to learn, but I'm not going to stop coaching and these guys won't stop working."

Adam Miller scored the only Las Vegas goal 4:08 into the third period for his fifth of the season with assists by Jeff Hazelwood and Shay Stephenson.

Wranglers goalie Michael Ouzas, who leads the ECHL in ice time, drops to 6-8 with a 3.47 goals against average and a .891 save percentage.

Stars of the game: 1. Vlady Nikiforov (2 goals); 2. Vic Bartley (3 assists); 3. A.J. Perry (2 assists)

Next up: The Wranglers close out this seven game series against the Grizzlies at the E-Center Sunday at 4:05 p.m.

Final word: "Everything is about winning," Mougenel said. "For me it's about winning. I've been through rough patches before and I know the best way to get out of them is to create your opportunities and make your own bounces."

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

Discussion: 4 comments so far…

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By lvshooter

Nov. 21, 2009

11:02 p.m.

Suggest removal

This is incredibly tough to watch...But, as a dedicated Wranglers fan from the beginning, I refer to immortal words of Christopher Moltisanti, when speaking of his loyalty to his uncle, Tony Soprano:
"I'd follow that man into hell." And so we go...I look for a change in luck to come with the change of scenery after this Sunday game is in the books.
By winthorpe

Nov. 22, 2009

12:32 a.m.

Suggest removal

It's not going well, but I'm with them through this. When they turn it around later in the season I want to be able to say I was with them even when things looked hopeless. We have not seen enough of the rest of the league to know were this team is at. We do know that Utah is better, but Alaska, Bako and Ontario have not proved themselves to be better yet head to head with the Wranglers. And if they go down, I'll go down with the ship. It's not how you start the season, it's how you finish the season that will be remembered.
By ems702

Nov. 22, 2009

7:07 a.m.

Suggest removal

I think some things have to do with how this schedule was set up. Meeting Grizzlies sooooo many times at the beginning of season can be frustrating. I played some sports and we had to meet the same team twice or three times before seeing any other team, we got down and frustrated. Like eating the same food every day. All this provided was giving utah added confidence that I hope some team soon destroys. We need to see some different scenery. This schedule is the worst I have seen in the few years I have been a fan. That being said. At which point do we stop and look at the coaching staff and not just the players. Hope everyone has a great holiday and we can come back after a rest and start the second half on a good note.
By vagman

Nov. 22, 2009

7:48 a.m.

Suggest removal

Today is another day and hope springs eternal. As Ernie Banks said about baseball I say about hockey, its a great day for a hockey game, lets play two....