Stars Reign Over Knights
Published on April 23, 2007 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Iowa Chops News Release
DES MOINES, IA - The Iowa Stars hosted Game Three of the West Division Semifinals against the Omaha Ak-Sar-Ben Knights on Monday evening at Wells Fargo Arena. Fresh off their 2-1 overtime win on Saturday night, the Stars carried that momentum back to Wells Fargo Arena, earning a 2-1 win over the Knights on Monday. The win gives Iowa a two-games-to-one lead in the best-of-seven series and is the first time in two playoff series the Stars have led a series. Game Four is Wednesday night at 7:00 PM at Wells Fargo Arena.
For the second time in the first three games of the best-of-seven series, the Knights were able to crack the scoresheet first. With Defenseman Mario Scalzo in the penalty box for high-sticking, Omaha's Chris Lee capitalized on the power-play when he tapped-in a loose rebound between the legs of Iowa netminder Dan Ellis for a 1-0 lead just 1:32 into the game. Less than four minutes later though, Iowa was able to register a power-play goal of their own. Captain Marty Wilford faked a shot from just inside the blueline and feathered a pass to Junior Lessard. Lessard fired a one-time slap-shot from the middle of the left circle that hit off of Curtis McElhinney's left pad and into the net at 5:09. Defenseman Matt Niskanen had the second assist. Ellis helped keep the game tied at one when he made a great save on a David Van der Gulik bid with five minutes left in the opening period.
Iowa was able to grab a 2-1 lead less than six minutes into the game's middle stanza on a great individual effort by Greg Rallo in front of the Omaha goal. Rallo, tied up by the Omaha defender, fought off the check and was able to get off a shot on a loose puck that snuck just inside the right post at the 5:09 mark. The play was setup when Mark Ardelan was able to keep it at the blueline. The second period lead held-up thanks in part to some great defense and a little bit of luck. Shortly after the Rallo goal, Omaha Defenseman Tim Ramholt clanged a shot off the right post 1:16 later. The Stars defense then killed-off Omaha's minute five-on-three power-play midway through the period. The successful kill brought the Iowa fans to their feet.
The third period saw both teams have numerous scoring chances however neither team was able to tickle the twine. The play of Iowa Goaltender Dan Ellis was the story of the third period. The Saskatoon, Saskatchewan native made several key saves, but none more important than a doorstep save on Omaha's Tomi Maki with 6:40 left in the game. Ellis stretched from the left post all the way to the right post, denying Maki on the game-tying goal.
Ellis earned his second consecutive Calder Cup Playoff win, finishing with 24 saves. He was named the Number One Star of the Game.
Shots: IOWA: 20; OMAHA: 24; Game Sheet: http://stats.theahl.com/stats/game-summary.php?game_id=1003355
IOWA STARS INFO: The Stars return for Game Four on Wednesday at Wells Fargo Arena. Game time is 7:00 PM. Game Five is Friday night at the Omaha Civic Auditorium. Face-off is 7:00 PM. If Game Six is necessary, that game would be on Saturday, April 28th at Wells Fargo Arena. Game time would be 7:00 PM. Listen to all games, home and away, on AM 940 or watch streaming video over the B2 Networks by visiting IowaStarsHockey.com. Bring a group or hold your child's birthday at a Stars game! All ticketing information can be obtained by calling 515-23-STARS or by visiting IowaStarsHockey.com.
American Hockey League Stories from April 23, 2007
- Stars Edge Knights 2-1, Lead Series - Abbotsford Heat
- Stars Reign Over Knights - Iowa Chops
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- Bears Win To Move Within One Victory Of Division Finals - Hershey Bears
- Dogs Continue First-round Playoff Tilt With Amerks - Hamilton Bulldogs
- Flames Return Krahn To Knights - Abbotsford Heat
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- Bulldogs add Troy Bodie from ECHL - Hamilton Bulldogs
- Game four in Glens Falls Monday - Hershey Bears
- Moose Recall Bolduc - Manitoba Moose
- AHL Morning Skate - AHL
- Wolves Weekly Notes - Chicago Wolves
- Monarchs Playoff Report - Manchester Monarchs
- Calder Cup Playoff Action Returns to Scope - Norfolk Admirals
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