Aces rally for three goals in third period to force overtime
February 15, 2015 - ECHL (ECHL)
Alaska Aces News Release
ONTARIO, Calif. - Brendan Connolly recorded four points (1g-3a) while Tim Coffman scored twice, including a game-tying goal with 2:11 left in regulation to boost an Alaska Aces third period rally, eventually dropping a 5-4 shootout defeat to the Ontario Reign before 9,395 fans at Citizens Business Bank Arena on Saturday.
The Aces came back from a 3-1 deficit after two periods and forced overtime for the fifth time when trailing after two periods this season. The shootout point drew them to within two points of fourth place Utah, while moving their record to 4-0-1 in the last five games.
Troy Redmann earned 25 saves and counterpart Daniel Spence made 24 saves in net for the win.
Coffman capped a charge of momentum for the Aces out of the gate with an 8-0 shot advantage and buried the game-opening goal at 9:17 of the first period, a rebound at the right post. Robert Czarnik's 23rd goal of the season tied the game at 1-1 on a walkout from the left boards at 10:10 and Matt White scored after getting behind the Aces defense for a power play goal at 12:57 for a 2-1 edge.
White put the Aces in a 3-1 hole on a one-timer at the right circle, 8:42 into the second period and the Aces struggled to respond with just two shots in the second period. But their fifth power play, carrying over into the third period, proved critical on Connolly's 20th goal, a rebound slapper at the right circle just 57 seconds in.
Alaska connected on its second straight power play goal at 5:08 for a 3-3 tie when Bryan Cameron finished a rebound at the right post, and the Aces followed up with several good looks at the Ontario net. But a scrum in front of Redmann produced Judd Blackwater's 18th goal of the season with 4:15 left in regulation, putting the Aces in a 4-3 hole.
Just 2:04 later, Coffman responded on a remarkable goal to tie the game. Chris Francis won an defensive zone draw and Brendan Connolly relayed the puck to a streaking Coffman at the right wing, getting behind the Ontario defense. Coffman deked to his backhand at top speed, sneaking the puck by Spence to tie the game, 4-4.
Both teams battled through a scoreless overtime and following a 2-2 tie in the shootout after five rounds, Maxim Kitsyn buried a forehand bid on Redmann in the top of the sixth round. Colten Hayes' attempted deke to the right post in the bottom of the round was poked away by Spence, sealing the game.
NOTES: The Aces scratched Dustin Molle, Quinn Sproule, Corey Syvret, and Brad Gorham ... Alaska's power play is now 11-of-25 in the last five games ... Connolly has 13 points in the last five games, leading the league in scoring during the month of February ... Felix Poulin made his professional debut and recorded one shot on goal.
The Aces move on to visit the Bakersfield Condors on Sunday, starting at 4:30 p.m. (GCI/KFQD).
For Kelly Cup championship merchandise, 2014-15 season tickets, corporate sponsorship packages, and more information, please call 907-258-ACES. The Aces can also be visited on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/alaskaaceshockey or on Twitter, @AlaskaAces.
Three Stars:
1. ONT - M. White
2. AK - T. Coffman
3. ONT - T. King
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