Aces nip 'Dogs, 3-2
Published on February 24, 2007 under ECHL (ECHL)
Alaska Aces News Release
LONG BEACH, Calif. - Hans Benson had a goal and an assist and Matt Robinson scored his first in 20 games, a goal that proved to be the game-winner as the Alaska Aces held off the Ice Dogs by a score of 3-2 before 2,313 Friday at Long Beach Arena.
Both teams wasted a two-man advantage early in the first period, but the Aces broke through first, as Jeff Smith found Benson alone in front for the latter's second goal of the year at 13:01. Olivier Filion gave Alaska a 2-0 lead just 37 seconds into the second period, scoring his first goal in eight games and his team-leading 23rd of the year on a rebound of a Mike Scott shot from the point. Long Beach drew within 2-1 when Chris Collins scored on a power play at 15:27, but came up empty in a bid for the equalizer when Aces goalie Derek Gustafson stoned Mark Hurtubise on a breakaway with 30 seconds left in the frame.
Alaska pushed its lead to 3-1 early in the third period when Benson found Robinson for a one-timer at 2:34. The rookie winger had not scored since January 14, but that goal proved to be the difference when Ash Goldie squeezed a drive through Gustafson on another 'Dogs power play with 5:14 left in the game. Gustafson hung on for his 21st win, finishing with 22 saves in improving to 19-3-1 over his last 22 starts.
The Aces (38-13-3) polish off their six-game road trip, covering 14 days and three states, tomorrow in a rematch against the Ice Dogs at 6:05 p.m. AST, with live coverage beginning at 5:45 p.m. on the flagship home of Alaska pro hockey, KFQD 750 AM. Alaska has won three straight on this trip and gained ground on the teams directly behind them in the National Conference standings, Las Vegas and Bakersfield, both of whom lost in extra time Friday. The Aces return home next week for a three-game series against the Condors, beginning Friday, March 2, at 7:15 p.m. For tickets, call 258-ACES.
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