Kings over Aces in first playoff appearance

Published on April 10, 2007 under ECHL (ECHL)
Victoria Salmon Kings News Release


Victoria, BC - The Victoria Salmon Kings, proud affiliate of the Manitoba Moose and the Vancouver Canucks, made their playoff debut at the house of the Kelly Cup defending champion Alaska Aces. The only Canadian team of the ECHL nabbed a two-goal lead in the second period, and Canucks contracted Goaltender Julien Ellis made 31 saves in the game, as the Salmon Kings hitched a 3-2 victory and the series advantage.

Victoria took the lead with 5:16 remaining in the first period as Milan Gajic scored his 20th point in 18 ECHL career playoff games. Shortly after a Salmon kings powerplay expired, Marc-Andre Bernier and F.P. Guenette kept the play in Alaska territory and moved the puck to Gajic at the point, and his slapshot snuck five-hole on a screened Derek Gustafson.

The Aces scored at 1:17 into the second stanza to tie the game 1-1. Crashing the boards at the neutral zone and sliding into the Victoria zone, Joe Talbot spotted Mike Scott at the left circle for the wristshot past Netminder Julien Ellis.

The Salmon Kings capitalized on a powerplay just over the halfway mark of the middle frame. Veterans Steve Lingren and Jordan Krestanovich traded passes along the blueline, and Krestanovich stepped up to the left circle and aimed a pass to the side of the net for a chip in by regular season team-leading scorer Wes Goldie. Almost three and a half minutes later, Goldie posted his second goal of the game and the Salmon Kings jumped to the 3-1 lead. Shortly after the Victoria penalty killing squad left the ice, Seamus Young jumped on the puck sliding towards the blueline and his one-timer slapshot rebound was redirected by Goldie who was perched in front of the net.

Alaska crept within one goal with 8:16 left in the third period as Corbin Schmidt threw the puck to the net and Matt Robinson knocked in the loose rebound, but Ellis made 14 saves in the third period to clinch the win.

Final: 3-2 Salmon Kings

Ellis posted his first pro playoff start and win of the season and Gustafson was flipped the game one playoff loss. Victoria was 1 for 6 on the powerplay and Alaska was 0 for 6 with the man advantage. The Aces outshot the Salmon Kings 33-25. Victoria remains in Anchorage for game two of the National Conference Quarterfinal matchup tomorrow at 8:15 p.m. (PT) / 7:15 p.m. (AKT).

NOTES:

- Victoria ended Alaska unbeaten streak at home of 21 games (through regular season).

- The Salmon Kings are perfect on the penalty kill in the last four games, including regular season (23 for 23).

- Seamus Young and Marc-Andre Bernier each earned their first pro playoff point.

Salmon Kings playoff tickets are on sale now! Don't miss out! Call Select Your Tickets at (250)220-7777 or check online at www.selectyourtickets.com Come as a group of 10 or more people and save 40% on each ticket. Call 220-7889 to book a group.

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



ECHL Stories from April 10, 2007


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central