Aces Sweep Grizzlies, 3-2

Published on March 5, 2010 under ECHL (ECHL)
Alaska Aces News Release


ANCHORAGE, Alaska - Nick Mazzolini scored his second game-winning goal in as many nights, snapping a 2-2 tie late in the second period, while Scott Reid stopped 37 shots to preserve a 3-2 Alaska victory over Utah before 3,924 Thursday at Sullivan Arena.

The Aces (28-26-5) surged past the Grizzlies and idle Stockton into sole possession of fourth place in the National Conference; the top seven teams qualify for the playoffs. Alaska remains unbeaten in its last 10 games at home (9-0-1) heading into a three-game series in Anchorage against Ontario next week, beginning Wednesday and continuing Friday and Saturday. All three games begin at 7:15 p.m. and will be broadcast live on KFQD 750 AM, with Peanut Farm Pre-Game show coverage getting underway 15 minutes prior to face-off. The Reign have never won at Sullivan Arena, the last two losses coming December 30-31, with Reid getting the win in both games.

Brock McBride scored the first of his two goals just 11 seconds into the game, the fastest goal by an Ace to start a game this season (Alex Imbeault scored 12 seconds into an eventual loss at Stockton January 23). James Sixsmith answered for the visitors with the first of his two, a blast from just inside the blue line that deadlocked the contest with 1:37 left in the frame. McBride tucked home his own rebound to push Alaska back in front, 2-1, with 6:32 remaining in the second period. With the Aces bidding for a power play goal that would have provided much-need insurance, Sixsmith blocked a Tyson Marsh drive from the point and went coast-to-coast, scoring shorthanded at 18:34.

While Alaska failed to respond on the same power play, its pressure kept Utah from clearing the puck, and Eric Boguniecki found Nick Mazzolini in the slot for the eventual winner with 31.6 seconds still to play in the second period, a shot that beat Grizzlies starter Mitch O'Keefe (33 saves) high to the glove save. Reid turned aside all 12 shots he faced over the final 20 minutes to improve his personal record against Utah to 4-2. The Aces, who took Wednesday's game 5-2, held the league's best power play entering the series scoreless in eight chances over two nights. Judd Blackwater assisted on two Alaska goals for the second consecutive evening.

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



ECHL Stories from March 5, 2010


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central