Aces edge Salmon Kings again, 4-3
Published on March 9, 2008 under ECHL (ECHL)
Alaska Aces News Release
ANCHORAGE, Alaska - For the second straight night, Alaska scored the only goal of the third period, breaking a 3-3 tie on a Matt Shasby rebound with 12:40 remaining to beat Victoria 4-3 in front of 5,334 Saturday at Sullivan Arena.
After sliding past the Salmon Kings 3-2 last night, the Aces struck first on Saturday, as Kimbi Daniels buried his 21st goal of the year off the rush at 3:02 of the opening frame, a wicked snap shot that found the top right corner of the net behind Victoria goalie Julien Ellis. Making just his second start in 29 days and seeking his first win since a 2-0 shutout of the 'Kings on January 25, Derek Gustafson looked sharp early, and had to be, as the visitors fired 16 first period shots, but only Wes Goldie scored, a tap-in off a deflection at 9:04, leaving the score tied at the break.
Alaska regained the lead on a one-timer by Brett Hemingway at 1:17 of the second period, but Gary Gladue pulled Victoria even again with a drive from the high slot that squeezed through Gustafson's pads at 10:05. Three minutes later, Ash Goldie beat Gustafson on a breakaway to give the Salmon Kings their first lead at 3-2, but Vladimir Novak deadlocked the contest again with 4:12 left in the frame, whipping a wrister past Ellis after being awarded a penalty shot.
The winner came when Soares set up Hemingway for a one-timer that Ellis stopped, only to flail helplessly at Shasby, who pounced on the rebound at point blank range. Hemingway collected a goal and two assists for the second straight night, while Gustafson completed his night's work with 29 saves, including stops on all 10 shots he faced in the third period.
The Aces have won eight straight games at home and 13 of 14 overall, while the 'Kings have dropped three in a row and are 6-8 in their previous 14 games to fall into second place in the West behind Idaho, 3-0 winners at Bakersfield. However, Alaska (34-20-5) and Victoria (35-19-5) each have four games in hand on the Steelheads.
Alaska has taken a 5-3 lead in the season series against the Salmon Kings and is 29-6-4 head-to-head since Victoria entered the ECHL in 2004. The 'Kings will try to salvage the series finale tomorrow at 5:05 p.m., a game that marks the final post-game Fred Meyer "Skate with the Aces," of the season. All regular season contests are broadcast live on AM 750 KFQD, with coverage beginning 15 minutes prior to face-off.
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