Lundstrom wins with 39 saves, Oslanski scores in debut
March 14, 2015 - ECHL (ECHL)
Alaska Aces News Release
ANCHORAGE, Alaska - Niklas Lundstrom delivered a 39 save effort and Brendan Connolly's team leading 21st goal stood as the game winner, lifting the Alaska Aces to a 2-1 victory over the Colorado Eagles before a crowd of 5,856 at Sullivan Arena on Friday.
The Aces, keeping pace at five points behind Utah for fourth place, were also boosted by newcomer Landon Oslanski's first goal with his new club, breaking a scoreless tie in the second period. The penalty kill extinguished all seven chances, including five-on-three lasting two minutes, and a five-minute major in the third period.
Aaron Crandall took his first loss with Colorado on 25 saves. Lundstrom earned his first win since Jan. 7.
Lundstrom turned away all 16 shots in the first period, including a quick redirection by Nathan Moon at the goal mouth in the first five minutes of play. Oslanski, picked up at the trade deadline the day prior, made an immediate impact on a one-timed rocket from the blueline at 2:26 of the second period, converting Brad Cole's point-to-point pass.
Just 1:06 later, Connolly finished a two-on-one with Chris Francis at the left circle in his first game back from the 21-day injured reserve for a 2-0 edge, and Lundstrom followed up with nine saves after the Aces defense held Colorado without a shot for over nine minutes.
Colorado converted after hemming the Aces in the defensive zone for nearly a minute, and Trent Daavettila finished a backhander at the net for an extra attacker goal with 1:21 remaining, snapping Lundstrom's shutout bid.
Colorado followed up with zone entry on the next shift but failed to generate a quality look at the net, and Ryan Walters' clearing attempt virtually sealed the game with 15 seconds left.
NOTES: The Aces scratched Dean Chelios (travel), Tim Coffman, Ryan Tesink, Brad Gorham, Jacob Doty and Troy Redmann (lost due to an upper body injury sustained in morning skate) ... the Aces wore specialty designed St. Patrick's themed jerseys ... Connolly wore an altered Aces jersey, recognizing the ECHL's "Silver Skater" selection ... the Aces have won 16 of 19 lifetime meetings with Colorado in Alaska.
The two teams finish the series tomorrow at Sullivan Arena, starting at 7:15 p.m. (GCI/KFQD). Tickets are on sale at The Aces Store (corner of 15th/Gambell), local Fred Meyer locations and online at www.alaskaaces.com/tickets.
For Kelly Cup championship merchandise, 2014-15 season tickets, corporate sponsorship packages, and more information, please call 907-258-ACES. The Aces can also be visited on Facebook at www.facebook.com/alaskaaceshockey or on Twitter, @AlaskaAces.
Three Stars:
1. AK - N. Lundstrom
2. AK - L. Oslanski
3. COL - T. Daavettila
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