Aces advance to Round Two with 5-2 win over Victoria
April 17, 2007 - ECHL (ECHL)
Alaska Aces News Release
ANCHORAGE, Alaska - Olivier Filion scored the tie-breaking goal and assisted on two others while Derek Gustafson stopped 30 shots as Alaska beat Victoria 5-2 to close out their first round series before 4,937 at Sullivan Arena.
The Aces have advanced to the ECHL Final Eight for the fourth year in a row, defeating the Salmon Kings four games to two. Next up for Alaska will be one of three opponents; Bakersfield, Idaho, or Stockton, with Game One of the best-of-seven National Conference semi-finals scheduled for Monday, April 23, at 7:15 p.m. Tickets are on sale at the Aces office as well as online at www.alaskaaces.com, Ticketmaster, or at participating Fred Meyer locations. All 2007 Kelly Cup playoff games will be broadcast live on the flagship home of Aces hockey, KFQD 750 AM, with Monday night's coverage getting underway at 6:55 p.m.
Alaska struck first in Game Six against Victoria, as Matt Shasby flicked in a backhander just 1:35 into the game. Ryan Wade tied the contest three minutes later, converting a breakaway with a backhander of his own over Gustafson. Kevin Croxton rifled home a loose puck in front at the 7:17 mark, giving the Aces a 2-1 lead and chasing Salmon Kings starter Bryan Bridges, who stopped four of six shots before being relieved by Julien Ellis. Wes Goldie's sixth goal of the series on a Victoria power play deadlocked the game 2-2 with only 4.6 seconds remaining in the period.
Filion gave Alaska the lead for good with a snap shot from between the circles at 1:13 of the second period, and Barrett Heisten beat Ellis top shelf three minutes later, marking only the second power play goal for the Aces in 26 attempts during the series. Julian Talbot, who finished the series with a team-best 10 points, put the game, and the Salmon Kings, away with his fourth goal of the playoffs at 4:43 of the final period. Alaska was out-shot 32-24, but improved to 22-1-1 in its last 24 games at home and won its fifth straight playoff series under Davis Payne.
The Aces will return to practice Thursday in preparation for the National Conference semi-finals.
#2 Alaska vs. #7 Victoria (Alaska wins series, 4-2)
Game 1: Victoria 3, Alaska 2
Game 2: Alaska 7, Victoria 1
Game 3: Alaska 5, Victoria 2
Game 4: Alaska 5, Victoria 2
Game 5: Victoria 9, Alaska 4
Game 6: Alaska 5, Victoria 2
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