K-Wings Beat Aces 4-1 in Game Three
Published on May 18, 2011 under ECHL (ECHL)
Alaska Aces News Release
Ryan Nie made 33 saves, and four different Kalamazoo Wings scored, as the K-Wings never trailed in a 4-1 victory over the Alaska Aces in Game Three of the Kelly Cup Finals from Wings Stadium in Kalamazoo, MI on Wednesday Night. The loss was the Aces first of the post-season, and first in over six weeks. The Aces still lead 2-1 in the best-of-seven championship. The series remains in Kalamazoo for Games Four and Five, on Friday and Saturday. Both games begin at 3:30pm AKT. For more information, and the latest promotional news and updates, fans can visit the Aces at their Facebook page for more information, or call the Aces at 907.258.ACES.
The Aces thought they had scored first when Scott Burt put a puck in the net at 3:42 of the first period, but referee T.J. Luxmore ruled that the net was off its pegs when Burt shot the puck, and disallowed the goal. The K-Wings came back just a minute later to get the scoring started, and take their first lead of the series. Mitch Versteeg beat Gerald Coleman glove side at 4:44 to make it 1-0 Kalamazoo. The teams traded chances for the middle part of the period, with a physical, high-energy pace. Alaska got on the board to tie the score 1-1. Dan Kissel tallied from the right circle at 18:53. The Aces were outshot 19-14 in the frame.
Kalamazoo reclaimed the lead in the second period, despite a 13-7 Aces shot advantage. Andrew Fournier redirected a shot past Gerald Coleman at 11:51. Nie was terrific throughout the period, keeping Alaska off the board.
The K-Wings lead increased to 3-1 at 2:05 of the third when Brian McGuirk scored on a one-timer. Alaska continued to pressure the Wings, but Nie and company held their advantage. Sam Ftorek scored an empty net goal at 18:44 to round out the scoring, and hand the Aces their first loss since April 1st.
Gerald Coleman (9-1) suffered the loss, making 31 saves on 34 shots. Ryan Nie (12-5) earned the win, making 33 saves on 34 shots. The Aces went 0-4 on the power play, while the K-Wings went 0-3. The Aces were outshot by the Wings 35-34 in the game.
#1 Alaska Aces vs. #3 Kalamazoo Wings
Game 1 - Alaska, 5 Kalamazoo, 0
Game 2 - Alaska, 3 Kalamazoo, 2 (OT)
Game 3 - Kalamazoo, 4 Alaska, 1
Game 4 - Friday, May 20 @ Kalamazoo, 3:30pm AKT
Game 5 - Saturday, May 21 @ Kalamazoo 3:30pm AKT
*Game 6 - Wednesday, May 25 @ Alaska, 7:15pm AKT
*Game 7 - Friday, May 27 @ Alaska, 7:15pm AKT
*If necessary
(Aces Lead Series 2-1)
Make your plans to see the 2011 Western Conference Champion Aces battle for the Kelly Cup at Sullivan Arena.
Aces 2011 Kelly Cup Finals tickets are on sale now at the Aces office, the Sullivan Arena Box Office, Fred Meyer Stores, or online at www.ticketmaster.com. For the most up-to-date team and promotional information, please visit the Aces on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/#!/alaskaaceshockey. Fans can also call the Aces office at 907.258.ACES.
ECHL Stories from May 18, 2011
- K-Wings Beat Aces 4-1 in Game Three - Alaska Aces
- K-Wings Trump Aces In Game Three - Kalamazoo Wings
- ECHL Transactions - May 18 - ECHL
- Countdown to Face-Off - Kalamazoo Wings
- ECHL Today - May 18 - ECHL
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