The Tahoe Knight Monsters took the ice for game forty-four of the season to face the Utah Grizzlies in an important Mountain Division matchup, with both teams entering the night in very different positions. Tahoe came in sitting third in the division with a 23-16-4 record and some momentum after a strong win over the Kansas City Mavericks. As the ECHL affiliate of the Vegas Golden Knights, the Knight Monsters remained firmly in the playoff conversation and were looking to build on recent success. Utah, on the other hand, entered the contest seventh in the division at 15-23-4 and searching for answers. Affiliated with the Colorado Avalanche, the Grizzlies were attempting to halt a four-game losing streak after being swept in a three-game series by the Greenville Swamp Rabbits, a stretch that added urgency to an already difficult situation.
Tahoe’s confidence was evident as they continued to show balance throughout their lineup and consistency in their approach. When playing with a lead, the Knight Monsters had proven difficult to contain, making a fast start and early control of the pace a key focus in this divisional showdown. Utah arrived with a clear need for a response, as defensive struggles and inconsistent goaltending had plagued them during their recent skid. Divisional matchups often carry added intensity, and the Grizzlies were motivated to use this game as a reset point for their season. With Tahoe aiming to solidify its playoff footing and Utah fighting to stay within reach, early momentum, discipline, and special teams were set to play a major role in determining which team would take control of the night.
Forty-nine seconds into the game, the Utah Grizzlies scored. The goal was scored by #3 Luke Antonacci and assisted by #12 Reilly Connors and #26 Danny Dzhaniyev. Three minutes into the game, the Utah Grizzlies scored again. #23 Reed Lebster scored the goal and was assisted by #59 Tyler Gratton. The Grizzlies had a 2-0 lead after the first period.
A minute into the second period, the Tahoe Knight Monsters scored. #65 Devon Paliani scored the goal and was assisted by #5 Kaelan Taylor and #10 Mike O’Leary. Six minutes into the second period, the Knight Monsters tied the game. #16 Jake Durflinger scored the goal and was assisted by #15 Jake McGrew and #95 Samuel Mayer. Eight minutes into the second period, the Utah Grizzlies regained the lead with a goal from #91 Mike Gelatt. With under nine minutes left in the second period, #26 Danny Dzhaniyev scored for the Grizzlies. With under six minutes left in the second period, #94 Kevin Wall scored for the Knight Monsters. His goal was assisted by #26 Nate Kallen and #76 Trent Swick. With under five minutes left in the second period, Linden Alger of the Tahoe Knight Monsters was called for Interference. On the power play, #11 Evan Friesen scored for the Grizzlies. His goal was assisted by #26 Danny Dzhaniyev and #59 Tyler Gratton. The Grizzlies had a 5-3 lead going into the third period.
A minute into the third period, #12 Reilly Connors scored for the Utah Grizzlies. His goal was assisted by #26 Danny Dzhaniyev and #77 Yaroslav Yevdokimov. Three minutes into the third period, #76 Trent Swick scored for the Tahoe Knight Monsters. His goal was assisted by #94 Kevin Wall and #25 Casey Bailey. Then Luke Adam of Tahoe was called for cross-checking. On the power play the Grizzlies scored. The goal was scored by #12 Reilly Connors and assisted by #21 Noah Ganske. Tahoe switched goalies after this goal. Seven minutes into the third period, #21 Noah Ganske scored for the Grizzlies. His goal was assisted by #26 Danny Dzhaniyev. With under nine minutes left Luc Salem of Utah was called for tripping. On the power play, #15 Jake McGrew scored for Tahoe assisted by #76 Trent Swick and #21 Adam Pitters. With under five minutes left in the game, Reed Lebster of Utah was called for hooking. On the power play, #76 Trent Swick scored for the Knight Monsters.His goal was assisted by #19 Luke Adam and #65 Devon Paliani. With under two minutes left, #21 Noah Ganske scored an empty net goal for the Grizzlies. The final score was 9-6, Utah Grizzlies.
The Tahoe Knight Monsters did more than enough offensively on Wednesday, but a rough night in their own end led to a frustrating loss to the Utah Grizzlies. Simply put, scoring six goals should be a winning formula at this level, especially in a divisional matchup. Instead, defensive lapses and subpar goaltending overshadowed what was otherwise a productive night for Tahoe’s offense. Every time the Knight Monsters seemed to grab momentum, Utah found a way to answer back, turning the game into a track meet that Tahoe could never fully control. Goaltending was the difference, and not in a positive way for Tahoe. Too many goals came off looks that need to be stopped at this stage of the season, whether it was rebounds left in dangerous areas or shots beating the goalie clean. When a team commits to scoring six times, it sends a clear message that the effort up front was there. Unfortunately, the lack of timely saves erased that advantage and forced Tahoe to chase the game for long stretches, something that rarely ends well. This loss also fits into a concerning recent trend. Tahoe has now allowed 21 goals over its last five games, a stretch that highlights ongoing issues in defensive structure and consistency in net. While the Knight Monsters remain competitive and dangerous offensively, this rough patch is starting to chip away at their ability to close out games they should be winning. If Tahoe wants to stay firmly in the playoff picture, tightening things up defensively and getting steadier goaltending has to be a priority. The offense is doing its job. Now the rest of the lineup needs to match that level.
The Tahoe Knight Monsters are set to face the Utah Grizzlies in their forty-fifth game of the season. The puck is dropping on Friday, February 6th, 2026, at 7:00 PM.
Zac Electrifly 
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