Aces eliminated with 3-2 loss to Steelheads
Published on May 15, 2007 under ECHL (ECHL)
Alaska Aces News Release
BOISE, Idaho - Scott Burt sent Idaho to the Kelly Cup Finals with a shorthanded goal at 4:59 of the final period, lifting the Steelheads to a 3-2 win over Alaska and eliminating the defending champions in front of 3,490 Tuesday at Qwest Arena.
For the first time in the series, Alaska registered the game's first goal, when Justin Bourne whipped a one-timer past Steve Silverthorn at the 5:02 mark of the opening period. The lead lasted just 38 seconds, as Idaho tied the contest on Rallo's second goal in as many games on a rebound kicked into the slot by Aces starter Derek Gustafson.
Tuomas Mikkonen gave Idaho its first lead of the game just 55 seconds into the middle frame, scoring from point blank range after a well-placed pass from behind the net by Lance Galbraith. Alaska tied the game at 2-2 on a Mike Scott slapper from the high slot at 6:42, the sixth power play goal of the series for the Aces and the 34th playoff goal for the Alaska captain. Gustafson preserved the 2-2 deadlock with a sprawling skate save on Mikkonen late in the period.
Burt's game-winner came with the Aces on a power play and was set up by an outlet pass from Rallo, who factored in all three Idaho goals. A late flurry by Alaska with the extra attacker came up short, as Silverthorn completed his night's work with 24 saves, as compared to Gustafson's 33.
The Steelheads will take on either Dayton or Florida in the upcoming Kelly Cup Finals, with the Bombers gaining a 3-2 series lead with a 4-2 win at home over the Everblades Tuesday night. The Aces were out-shot in each of their four losses in the conference finals. Alaska became the first team in 15 years, however, to reach the ECHL's Final Four in three consecutive years. 2007-08 season tickets are now on sale; please call 258-ACES or visit www.alaskaaces.com for more details.
NATIONAL CONFERENCE FINALS (Idaho wins series 4-1)
Game 1: Idaho 1, Alaska 0
Game 2: Idaho 3, Alaska 2 (OT)
Game 3: Alaska 5, Idaho 2
Game 4: Idaho 7, Alaska 2
Game 5: Idaho 3, Alaska 2
ECHL Stories from May 15, 2007
- Aces eliminated with 3-2 loss to Steelheads - Alaska Aces
- Steelheads Edge Aces 3-2 To Claim National Conference Crown - Idaho Steelheads
- 'Blades fall 4-2 to Bombers, trail series 3-2 - Florida Everblades
- Steelheads Game Preview - Idaho Steelheads
- ECHL Mourns Loss Of Linesman Ryan Birmingham - ECHL
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- ECHL Today - ECHL
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