Aces see 3-2 lead turn into 5-3 loss

Published on January 18, 2008 under ECHL (ECHL)
Alaska Aces News Release


BOISE, Idaho - Idaho scored three goals in the final 6:18, turning a 3-2 deficit into a 5-3 victory over Alaska before a sell-out crowd of 5,384 Friday at Qwest Arena.

The Aces limited the Steelheads to just four shots in a scoreless first period, but fell behind in the second when a turnover near center ice led to an odd man rush the other way and the first goal of the year for John Lammers, who slipped a wrist shot inside the left post behind Alaska starter Derek Gustafson at 13:06. Four minutes later, however, Matt Robinson tied the game with a power play goal, his eighth of the year. A late penalty against Lance Galbraith for cross-checking gave the Aces another chance with the man advantage, and Kimbi Daniels punched home a rebound in front of Idaho rookie netminder Matt Zaba with just 4.9 seconds remaining in the middle frame.

Alaska's first lead did not survive an Idaho power play early in the third period, as Aaron Gagnon beat Gustafson with a wrist shot from the left circle at 4:16 to forge a 2-2 tie. But Eric Neilson, as Daniels had earlier, fought off a backcheck in front of the Steelheads cage and smacked in a rebound for his third goal of the year to put the Aces back in front 3-2 with 10:26 remaining.

Marty Flichel started Idaho's rally by taking advantage of a friendly hop off the dasherboards and banging home the equalizer at 13:42. Mike Sullivan gave the Steelheads a 4-3 edge 31 seconds later, scoring off the rush on a rebound, and when Colin Sinclair won a battle behind Alaska's net and fed Taggart Desmet for an insurance goal with 2:47 to play the comeback was complete.

Idaho, winners of eight of its last 10 games, out-shot the Aces 29-18 over the final two periods and 33-26 for the game. Alaska (19-12-5) has scored a power play goal in 10 straight games, clicking at 41.7 % (10-24) over its last four contests.

The Aces and Steelheads (20-12-7 overall) play for the fifth and final time in Boise-at least in the regular season-tomorrow at 5:10 p.m. ADT. Alaska has split the first four games at Qwest Arena, losing the last two. 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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