Aces rally from 4-0 down, eventually fall to 'Runners, 6-4

Published on January 6, 2008 under ECHL (ECHL)
Alaska Aces News Release


ANCHORAGE, Alaska - Alaska came all the way back from a 4-0 deficit after the first period, but former Ace Justin Maiser snapped a 4-4 tie with his second goal of the night with 8:02 remaining, propelling Phoenix to its first ever win in Anchorage, 6-4.

A crowd of 4,652 watched mostly in stunned silence as the Roadrunners scored in almost every conceivable way over the opening 20 minutes, beginning with Reagan Rome's power play goal in a five-on-three situation at 4:10. Two minutes later, Daniel Sisca scored with the teams skating four-on-four. Maiser's first goal of the night came at 12:19 with Phoenix enjoying a five-on-four advantage and, finally, Gino Guyer (traded by Alaska three weeks ago) scored shorthanded 23 seconds before the break for his second goal in as many nights and a commanding 4-0 lead at the break.

Aces starter Kris Tebbs did not return for the second period, having allowed four goals on 16 shots, and was replaced by Derek Gustafson, who had picked up the win in relief of Tebbs last Saturday against Utah. Alaska's fortunes almost immediately improved, as Maiser took a penalty just two seconds into the second period, one of five that Phoenix was whistled for in the first eight minutes of the frame. Bo Cheesman put the Aces on the board just seconds after Maiser's penalty expired, his team-leading 17th goal of the season. Kimbi Daniels buried his 12th of the year on a two-man advantage at 3:42, and the deficit had quickly been cut in half. But Alaska drew no closer in the second period, despite another five-on-three opportunity and a 17-1 bulge in shots through the first 10 minutes of the frame.

Another penalty taken late in the second period by Guyer would come back to haunt the 'Runners, however, as F.P. Guenette converted the ensuing power play with his eighth of the year at 1:24 of the third, assisted by Daniels. The equalizer came directly off a draw won by Vladimir Novak, who received credit for his fifth goal of the year when the puck hurtled off his stick and caromed off a Phoenix defender before trickling past Cody Rudkowsky, who finished with 35 saves. Maiser's winning goal came on a rebound in front of Gustafson marked the third power play tally of the night for the Roadrunners, who did not secure the win until Guyer set up Sean O'Connor for an empty-netter with 18.8 seconds showing on the clock.

The Aces, now 18-11-3 on the season, have slipped into third place, six points out of the West Division lead held by Victoria. Alaska welcomes Stockton next Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday at 7:15 p.m. in a series that will wrap up an eight-game homestand. The Aces are 2-1-2 against the Thunder this year and 13-2-2 in the overall series. All regular season games are broadcast live on Alaska's flagship station, AM 750 KFQD, with coverage beginning 15 minutes prior to the opening face-off.

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