Alaska Beaten in Phoenix, 5-2
February 21, 2009 - ECHL (ECHL)
Alaska Aces News Release
PHOENIX - John McNabb scored twice and former Ace Gino Guyer added a goal and an assist as Phoenix scored four unanswered goals in an eventual 5-2 victory over Alaska before 5,096 Saturday at US Airways Center.
In a game that featured the Aces debut of goaltender Kevin Nastiuk (33 saves) and winger Matt Stefanishion (assist, -1), Alaska took the lead when Nick Tuzzolino set Luke Erickson loose for a breakaway in the midst of a poor line change by the Roadrunners. Erickston beat Phoenix goalie Kyle Jones high glove at 9:33 of the first period, but Nastiuk gave up the equalizer less than three minutes later when a centering pass by Daniel Sisca clanked off the stick of McNabb and trickled through the goaltender, who met the team at the Phoenix airport Friday.
Ashton Rome pushed the 'Runners in front 2-1 by flicking in a backhander on a rebound at 5:08 of the middle frame. Guyer's goal came three minutes later off the rush on a wrist shot from the right circle, and McNabb followed with his second of the night after a cross-ice pass from Cisca to increase the gap to 4-1 with 7:14 left in the second period. The Aces captialized on a five-on-three power play opportunity at the 16:34 mark, with Brett Hemingway scoring his fifth goal of the season on a back door play, set up by Stefanishion. Trailing 4-2 entering the final period, Alaska was out-shot 13-8 and saw any comeback hopes extinguished with 7:01 left in regulation when Mark O'Leary scored on another rebound. The Aces remain winless in their last six games on the road dating to January 23, including five consecutive losses in regulation away from home.
Alaska, now tied for second place with Idaho, five points behind West leader Victoria, continues its three-game trip tomorrow afternoon in Ontario at 4:00 p.m. The Aces (30-20-3 overall) are 5-2 against the Reign this season, but dropped a 3-1 decision in their last encounter February 7. Tomorrow's game will be broadcast live on KFQD AM 750, with Peanut Farm Pre-Game Show coverage getting underway at 3:45 p.m.
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