Filion, Shasby lift Alaska over Phoenix, 4-3 in OT

January 5, 2008 - ECHL (ECHL)
Alaska Aces News Release


ANCHORAGE, Alaska - Olivier Filion scored the game-tying goal with 26.2 seconds left in regulation, paving the way for the game-winner by Matt Shasby with 1.4 seconds remaining in overtime, giving Alaska a 4-3 victory over Phoenix before 4,268 at Sullivan Arena.

The teams combined for just 10 shots on goal in an often dull first period, but the Roadrunners inched in front on a tip-in by Scott Kelman, who assisted on Phoenix's two other goals, at 7:35. Alaska enjoyed a strong start to the second period, and surged ahead on a power play goal by Peter Metcalf at 9:07 and even strength tally credited to Eric Neilson (his second of the year) with 6:20 left in the frame. The puck actually caromed into the net off former Ace Jeff Smith's skate.

Trailing 2-1 entering the final period and still looking for its first ever win in Anchorage, the 'Runners tied the contest at 6:12 on a power play goal by Daniel Sisca and regained the lead when a pair of former Aces hooked up off the rush, as Justin Maiser found Gino Guyer (traded by Alaska just three weeks ago) for the go-ahead goal with 11:03 remaining. Phoenix maintained that 3-2 edge until the game's final minute, when a Peter Metcalf penalty forced the Aces to pull Derek Gustafson, who made a season-high 37 saves, just to skate five-on-five.

The equalizer came when Filion batted down a clearing attempt near the blue line and, in one motion, blasted a slap shot into the upper left corner for his 12th goal of the year, and his fifth in the last four games. The Roadrunners remained on the power play as the game moved into overtime and fired the first four shots on goal in OT while also hitting a post. But with less than 10 seconds to play, Kimbi Daniels and Shasby took off on an odd-man rush, working a give-and-go to keep Alaska's perfect record against Phoenix (7-0) intact at Sullivan Arena.

Friday's game marked the first Aces victory over the 'Runners in Anchorage that was decided by less than three goals. Alaska (18-10-3 overall, 11-2-2 at home) moves to within five points of the West Division lead held by Victoria heading into tomorrow night's rematch with Phoenix at 7:15 p.m. All regular season games are broadcast live on Alaska's flagship station, AM 750 KFQD, with coverage beginning 15 minutes prior to the opening face-off.



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