Aces Fall 2-1 in Shootout to Wranglers

February 24, 2012 - ECHL (ECHL)
Alaska Aces News Release


Nick Mazzolini forced overtime with a key goal late in regulation, but the Las Vegas Wranglers pulled away from the Alaska Aces in a shootout for a 2-1 win Thursday night at Sullivan Arena in a meeting the two Western Conference Division leaders. Alaska picked up points for the third straight game, but fell to 35-14-7, on the season. The Aces will finish their home stand with two more games against the Wranglers on Saturday and Sunday. Come see the battle of the top two teams in the Western Conference. Tickets are on sale now. For more information, please call the Aces at 907.258.ACES or visit them online at www.facebook.com/alaskaaceshockey.

The clubs combined for just 11 shots in the opening period, despite four combined power plays. Neither team found the back of the net, and the game went into the second period scoreless. Aces goaltender Adam Courchaine made the biggest save of the period, stoning Thomas Kiriakou on a Wranglers power play from the top of the crease. Las Vegas outshot Alaska 7-4 in the period.

Despite four more power play chances in the second period, the clubs remained tied 0-0 through the frame. Alaska outshot Las Vegas 9-7 in the period, but the teams went into the final period scoreless. The best chance of the period came on a Robbie Smith shot for Las Vegas, but Aces defenseman, Kane Lafranchise went down to block the shot and keep it scoreless.

Geoff Paukovich finally broke the scoreless tie at 5:40 of the third when he redirected shot from the left point into the top right corner of the net above the glove of Aces goaltender Adam Courchaine. Alaska was kept at bay until deep into regulation, when Mazzolini tucked a backhand from the left side of the net at 18:09 of the third period. The clubs each posted two shots in a scoreless overtime. The Aces were only able to convert one of four shootout chances, while Las Vegas scored on three of their four chances. Alaska fell in a home shootout for the first time this year. With the win Las Vegas joined Alaska as the only teams to clinch 2012 Kelly Cup Playoff berths.

Adam Courchaine (18-10-5) took the shootout loss, making 20 saves on 21 shots. Joe Fallon (28-10-4) earned the win, stopping 26 of 27 shots. The Aces power play went 0-6, while the Wranglers went 0-7. The Aces outshot the Wranglers 27-22 in the game.

The Aces will finish their home stand with two more games against the Wranglers on Saturday and Sunday. Come see the battle of the top two teams in the Western Conference. Tickets are on sale now. For more information, please call the Aces at 907.258.ACES or visit them online at www.facebook.com/alaskaaceshockey.



ECHL Stories from February 24, 2012


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