Aces Take 2-1 Series Lead With 5-2 Win In Canada
Published on April 13, 2007 under ECHL (ECHL)
Alaska Aces News Release
VICTORIA, BC - Derek Gustafson stopped 35 shots and Kimbi Daniels and Julian Talbot each contributed a goal and an assist in Alaska's 5-2 win over Victoria in front of 3,356 Thursday at the Save-on-Foods Memorial Centre.
After a determined push by the Salmon Kings in the first two minutes, the Aces struck first when a big rebound issued by Julien Ellis on a drive from beyond the blue line landed on the tape of Talbot, who deposited his second goal of the series at 2:59. Victoria briefly tied the game on a power play goal by Steve Lingren at 5:56, one of five opportunities with the man advantage that the home team enjoyed in the first period. Alaska regained the lead for good in a delayed penalty situation just 47 seconds later, when Daniels found Kevin Croxton in the slot, leaving the score 2-1 at the break.
With the Salmon Kings on another power play, Daniels stole an outlet pass and beat Ellis top shelf on the ensuing breakaway at 7:13 of the second period, the third shorthanded goal in two games for the Aces. Another Victoria turnover led to Alaska's fourth goal, a rebound swept in by Mike Scott with 3:33 left in the frame after Ellis had made the initial save on Talbot. The Salmon Kings drew within 4-2 when Derek Krestanovich beat Gustafson off the rush with 1:19 left in the second period, but Matt Robinson scored from point blank range after a nifty interior pass by Croxton less than three minutes into the third to put the game out of reach.
The Aces have lost just once in 17 games against Victoria on Canadian soil, and look to gain a commanding 3-1 lead in this best-of-seven National Conference quarter-final tomorrow at 6:00 p.m. ADT. Game Five will be held Saturday at 6:00 p.m. ADT. If necessary, Games Six and Seven would return to Anchorage Monday and Tuesday, with both tilts scheduled for 7:15 p.m. All 2007 playoff games will be broadcast live on the flagship home of Aces hockey, KFQD 750 AM, while Friday and Saturday's games in Victoria will be simulcast on GCI Cable Channel 1. Coverage begins at 5:45 p.m. ADT. Tickets for all 2007 Kelly Cup playoff games at Sullivan Arena are now available at www.alaskaaces.com or at participating Fred Meyer locations.
#2 Alaska vs. #7 Victoria (Alaska leads series, 2-1)
Game 1: Victoria 3, Alaska 2
Game 2: Alaska 7, Victoria 1
Game 3: Alaska 5, Victoria 2
Game 4: at Victoria - Tomorrow, 6:00 p.m.
Game 5: at Victoria - Saturday, 6:00 p.m.
Game 6: at Alaska - Monday, 7:15 p.m. *
Game 7: at Alaska - Tuesday, 7:15 p.m. *
*If necessary (all times AT)
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