Aces Stung By 'Rays In Opener
Published on May 23, 2009 under ECHL (ECHL)
Alaska Aces News Release
ANCHORAGE, Alaska - The fastest two goals in Kelly Cup Finals history, scored by Maxime LaCroix six minutes into the final period, turned a 2-1 South Carolina deficit into an eventual 4-2 win over Alaska before the largest crowd in Aces history at Sullivan Arena.
A record 6,482 (the previous mark had been 6,451) showed up to see if Alaska could extend a winning streak on home ice that had reached 12, dating to a March 6 loss during the regular season. The Aces, who had won their first six playoff games at home by a combined 21-3, out-shot the Stingrays 7-4 in a hard-hitting, scoreless first period that ended with the hosts sporting a two-man advantage.
Cam Keith cashed in that five-on-three power play just 14 seconds into the middle frame by tipping home Bryan Miller's drive from the high slot. Jeff Corey answered for the visitors by pouncing on a loose rebound in front of J.P. Lamoureux and scoring the equalizer at 8:52. Less than three minutes later, however, Lamoureux stopped a penalty shot taken by Travis Morin (the third-leading scorer in the ECHL this season) and shortly thereafter, Ryan Turek found Scott Burt alone on the left wing. The Alaska captain beat 'Rays goalie Jonathan Boutin with 2:24 left in the second period, and the Aces maintained their 2-1 advantage heading to the final 20 minutes.
Alaska had been 38-2 when leading after two periods, including a perfect 8-0 in the playoffs, and had out-scored their opposition 25-7 in the third period while winning 12 of 14 playoff games. But South Carolina controlled most of the frame, highlighted by the two goals from LaCroix, who twice snapped home wrist shots from the slot.
The Stingrays took 12 of the period's first 13 shots on goal heading into the game's final two minutes, when Lance Galbraith came breathtakingly close to tying the game on a play that referee Francis Charron reviewed carefully with the goal judge, who had not turned on the light indicating a goal. Ultimately, South Carolina's edge remained 3-2, and Corey secured victory moments later with an empty-netter at 18:32.
Tomorrow's Game Two begins at 7:15, with Jack Michaels and John Carpenter calling the action live on KFQD 750 AM and GCI Cable Channel One. Coverage begins 15 minutes prior to the opening face-off. Some seats and standing room only remain available at Sullivan Arena for those interested in attending tomorrow's match-up in Anchorage.
Alaska heads to South Carolina for Games Three, Four, and Five (if necessary) May 27, 29, and 30 at 3:05 p.m. AT, with live coverage on KFQD 750 AM and GCI Cable Channel 1 getting underway at 2:45 p.m. The series returns to Sullivan Arena for Games Six and Seven (if necessary) June 4 and June 5 at 7:15 p.m.
ECHL Stories from May 23, 2009
- ECHL Today - ECHL
- Aces Stung By 'Rays In Opener - Alaska Aces
- Lacroix Makes History as Rays Take Game One 4-2 - South Carolina Stingrays
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