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ECHL Idaho Steelheads

Steelheads draw even with Aces, 4-1

April 17, 2004 - ECHL (ECHL)
Idaho Steelheads News Release


BOISE, Idaho - The Idaho Steelheads evened their ECHL Pacific Division Final series with the Alaska Aces at a game apiece tonight with a 4-1 win before 3,706 at the Bank of America Centre. The loss was Alaska's first in the playoffs this year, and improves Idaho's home playoff record to 3-1.

Idaho's Dan Ellis is now 4-1 in the postseason, as he stopped 22 of 23 Alaska shots. Aces goalie Dan Murphy suffered his first playoff loss, falling to 4-1. The Steelheads outshot the Aces for the second straight game, 29-23. Idaho was 2 for 6 on the power play, while Alaska was 0 for 8.

Both teams came out hitting hard and looking for the first goal, but neither could score in the first period though the chances were many. Idaho thwarted three Alaska power plays, while the Aces killed off one of the Steelheads' man-advantages.

While Idaho couldn't capitalize on a 1:24 man advantage to start the second period, it didn't take long for the Steelheads to get on the board. Andrei Vasilyev dug the puck out of the corner and put a shot on Murphy, who made the initial save. The puck was sitting directly in front of the goal post, and Vasilyev managed to get around Murphy, get his stick on it, and find the back of the net. Vasilyev's goal at 2:31 was his first of the playoffs. Just 56 seconds later, on the power play, Idaho's Darrell Hay took a shot and Dylan Gyori collected the rebound and one-timed it past Murphy to make it 2-0. Idaho had a third consecutive power play and capitalized as Hay took a pass from David Cornacchia on the point and beat Murphy who was screened by Lance Galbraith.

David Bararuk gave Idaho a four-goal cushion just 1:39 into the third period. Brett Draney faked a shot, and passed to Bararuk who was sitting on the doorstep to knock it home. Alaska spoiled Ellis' shutout bid with 2:21 remaining when Mike Scott broke in alone on Ellis and put the puck past the Idaho netminder to make the final 4-1 in Idaho's favor.

The two teams resume action on Anchorage ice on Tuesday, April 20th for Game 3.

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