TULSA, Okla. – In just his second game with the team, Anaheim Ducks prospect Roman Durny pitched a shutout for the Tulsa Oilers on Saturday night as they defeated the Utah Grizzlies 1-0 in front of 3,142 in the BOK Center.
The 22-year-old fourth-year pro showed a quick glove and great vision through 60 minutes of back-and-forth action that was similar to the tempo of Friday night’s game. Durny’s performance earned him the game’s first star and praise from Tulsa head coach Rob Murray.
“He’s very athletic for a big guy,” Murray said. “(He) plays the puck very well. He toiled in Norfolk last year as their third goalie and he’s gradually gotten better as the seasons have gone on.”
Murray indicated that Durny would get the start on Sunday.
Team captain Adam Pleskach scored the only goal in the contest, slipping the puck behind Grizzlies goaltender Parker Gahagen at 2:48 of the third period, with newcomer J.C. Brassard Danny Moynihan getting the assists. There was a threat to Durny’s shutout at the midway point of the third when the Grizzlies apparently scored a power-play goal with Ian McNulty in the box for slashing, but a review denied Utah the equalizer.
Murray said he was starting to see his team come together, but there’s always room for improvement.
“We’re getting it done, but it could be cleaner.” Murray said. “We had several opportunities where we could have salted the game away tonight, but regardless of that we had good goaltending both nights but we need to work on special teams.”
The Oilers went 0-for-4 on the power play, while the Grizzlies also failed to convert their two man-advantage situations.
“A lot of good things are happening right now, like three straight wins after three straight losses, so tonight’s win is a good way to bounce back,” Murray said.
Tulsa moved into a tie with Utah in points (9). The Oilers have a 4-3-0-1 record, while Utah fell to 4-2-1-0.
Before the game, the Oilers announced another addition to their blueline, signing former Utah Grizzlies blueliner J.C. Brassard to a contract. He appeared in 35 games for the Grizzlies last season, scoring three goals, adding nine assists (12 points) and 24 penalty minutes. His prior stops include playing in 46 games with Greenville and South Carolina, compiling 19 points (4G, 15A).
“JC has a lot of experience at our level,” Murray said. “He is an all-around defenseman, and he can contribute as well with an offensive punch. ”
Utah and Tulsa will complete their weekend three-in-three series this afternoon at 4:05 pm.
Rich Lohman covers the Tulsa Oilers for The Sin Bin. Follow and interact with him on Twitter @SinBinOilers.
