Aces Answer with 6-2 Verdict over Vegas

March 8, 2009 - ECHL (ECHL)
Alaska Aces News Release


ANCHORAGE, Alaska - Nick Tuzzolino had a goal and two assists as Alaska dominated the first period and cruised past Las Vegas, 6-2, in front of 4,662 Saturday at Sullivan Arena.

The Aces had sleep-walked through the first 40 minutes in losing to the Wrangers on Friday, 2-1, but roared out of the dressing room Saturday, holding a 17-2 advantage in shots on goal on their way to a 3-0 lead after the opening 20 minutes. Lance Galbraith opened the barrage with a power play goal less than six minutes into the game, his first of two goals on the night and the first of three that Alaska would register on the power play.

Matt Stefanishion followed with a blast from the right circle at the 8:23 mark that appeared to be slightly tipped on its way past the glove hand of Wranglers goalie Glenn Fisher. Corbin Schmidt, back in the lineup for only the second time since February 7, ripped another power play goal past Fisher with nine minutes left in the period, and the Aces headed to the break with a 3-0 bulge.

Tyler Mosienko scored his 18th goal of the year at 5:21 of the second period to briefly give Vegas life, but Alaska regained control with two more goals, a slapshot by Alexandre Imbeault from the point that deflected off a Vegas defenseman and over Fisher's right shoulder, and a power play goal by Tuzzolino, set up by Brett (four) and Colin (two) Hemingway, who combined for six assists on the night. With a 5-1 lead entering the third period, the Aces were more than content to trade goals over the final 20 minutes, as Chris Neizner scored on a rebound at 9:19, while Galbraith countered with his second of the night with 3:20 to play, a backhander tucked underneath the pads of Fisher.

Former Wrangler Kevin Nastiuk earned his third straight win in an Alaska sweater, finishing with 17 saves, while his new team out-shot the visitors, 41-19. The Aces (35-21-3) and Wranglers play their third game in less than 48 hours tomorrow at 5:05 p.m., broadcast live on KFQD AM 750, with Peanut Farm Pre-Game Show coverage beginning at 4:45 p.m. Alaska can regain first place in the West Division with a victory; Idaho completed a three-game sweep of Victoria Saturday to remain one point ahead of the Aces but will be idle Sunday.



ECHL Stories from March 8, 2009


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