Alaska Frustrated by Fukufuji in 3-2 Loss
January 10, 2009 - ECHL (ECHL)
Alaska Aces News Release
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. - One night after giving up five goals in the first period, Yutaka Fukufuji stopped 43 shots to help Bakersfield hold off Alaska, 3-2, in front of 6,285 at Rabobank Arena Saturday.
The Aces matched a season-high with 45 shots on goal while limiting the Condors to just 18, including a 38-10 margin over the final two periods, but never got to Fukufuji, who had been pulled after 20 minutes in last night's 6-5 Alaska victory.
Bakersfield scored first, as a backhander by Brett Pilkington caromed off Aces defenseman Corbin Schmidt's skate and behind goaltender Jean-Philippe Lamoureux seven minutes into the opening period. Erik Fabian tied the contest with 1:37 left in the frame, beating Fukufuji top shelf for his second goal in as many games and fifth of the season.
The second period typified Alaska's frustrations, as despite out-shooting the hosts 18-6, the Aces fell behind 3-1 when Dave Bonk and Andrew Ianiero scored 70 seconds apart midway through the frame. The third period proved to be even more lopsided, as Alaska fired 20 shots at Fukufuji while surrendering only four, but only Luke Erickson's one-timer from the left circle found the range at 4:24. The remaining 15 and a half minutes were spent almost entirely in Bakersfield's zone, but the Aces never got the equalizer and failed on three power plays.
Alaska finished 0-for-9 on the man advantage in the series, while the Condors, who snapped a five-game losing streak and ended a six-game winning streak at Rabobank Arena for the Aces, converted two of five chances Saturday.
The Aces (20-14-2) dropped 12 points behind West Division leader Victoria, who beat Ontartio for its 15th straight win. The Salmon Kings (26-9-2), who swept Alaska at home last month, invade Sullivan Arena for a three-game series next week, beginning Wednesday and continuing Friday and Saturday. All three contests begin at 7:15 p.m. and will be broadcast live on KFQD AM 750, with coverage beginning 15 minutes prior to the opening face-off.
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