Alaska dumps Utah, 5-2, still trails Vegas by a point with one to play
April 7, 2007 - ECHL (ECHL)
Alaska Aces News Release
ANCHORAGE, Alaska - Olivier Filion and Julian Talbot each scored twice as Alaska remained unbeaten in its last 20 games at home with a 5-2 victory over Utah in front of 5,689 at Sullivan Arena.
The Aces remain one point behind Las Vegas, who extended its win streak to 12 and ended Stockton's 11-game run of victories with a 3-1 decision that moves the Wranglers within one more win of wrapping up home ice advantage throughout the ECHL playoffs. But if Vegas should lose the rematch with Stockton tomorrow and Alaska can complete a three-game sweep of the Grizzlies tomorrow at 7:15 p.m., then the Aces would finish first overall for the second year in a row and make league history in the process.
Utah again scored first, as Matt Craig stole a cross-ice pass with Alaska on a power play and went coast-to-coast for a shorthanded goal at 13:09 of the opening period, only the seventh shortie the Aces have given up all season. Filion, who entering the game had just one goal in his last 13 outings, tied the contest three minutes later by rifling a loose puck from between the circles over Rob McVicar's glove.
Joe Talbot gave Alaska the lead for good at 8:41 of the second period by scoring his second goal in as many games and his 26th of the year. 35 seconds later, his younger brother Julian tapped home a perfect pass across the top of the crease from Kevin Croxton. Filion's second goal of the night, and his team-leading 29th of the season, came off the rush at 11:30 after a brilliant centering pass by Mike Scott, who assisted on three of Alaska's five goals.
With three goals in a span of 2:49, the Aces had essentially put the game away, although a Bill Kinkel's second goal of the series with 11:13 left in regulation drew Utah within 4-2. Alaska sealed its eighth win in 10 games against the Grizzlies on a tip-in by Julian Talbot with 5:38 remaining. Isaac Reichmuth stopped 28 shots between the pipes to collect his first victory since March 10.
Regardless of opponent, the Aces begin their run at the 2007 Kelly Cup Monday and Tuesday night at Sullivan Arena at 7:15 p.m. If Alaska wins tomorrow night's rematch with Utah and Las Vegas loses to Stockton, then the Aces would face the Phoenix Roadrunners in the first round. If Alaska finishes second behind the Wranglers, then the Aces will match up with either Victoria or Fresno, depending on how those teams fare in tomorrow's games. Tomorrow night's clash with the Grizzlies and all Alaska playoff games will be broadcast live on the flagship home of Aces hockey, KFQD 750 AM. Tickets the 2007 Kelly Cup playoffs are now available at participating Fred Meyer locations or by logging onto www.alaskaaces.com.
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ECHL Stories from April 7, 2007
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