ECHL Idaho Steelheads

Steelheads Hold on to Top Aces, 4-2

February 2, 2014 - ECHL (ECHL)
Idaho Steelheads News Release


Anchorage, AK - Rookie Johnny McGuire's first professional goal, a rebound dunk three minutes into the third period, gave the Idaho Steelheads a lead they did not relinquish in a 4-2 road win at Alaska on Saturday night in front of 5,253 fans at Sullivan Arena.

Linsmayer picked up his first professional three-point game with a goal and two assists in the win for Idaho (21-16-5).

Idaho scored first at 4:29 of the opening frame when Damon Kipp ripped a shot over the glove of Gerald Coleman from the high slot, Kipp's first tally of the season, to make it 1-0. The Aces came back to notch a pair of goals later in the first, Peter Sivak at even strength and Brendan Connolly on the power play, to take a 2-1 lead after twenty minutes.

The Steelheads would tie the game up in the second period when the line of William Rapuzzi, Brett Robinson and Tommy Grant - effective all week long against the Aces - teamed up to get Grant his 15th goal of the season at the right-wing post at 13:39 of the second to tie the game at two.

Early in the third, Alaska appeared to take the lead on a goal-mouth scramble but referee Nick Leduc blew the play dead before the puck crossed the line. Idaho would take advantage a minute later. Rob Linsmayer's shot from the right-wing wall was saved by Coleman but the rebound bounced directly onto the tape of McGuire, who tapped home the rebound at 3:10 of the third to give Idaho a 3-2 lead. It was the first professional goal for the rookie winger from Peterborough, Ontario.

Alaska brought pressure late in the third, including one shot that appeared to deflect off the post, but could not draw the equalizing goal. Idaho added insurance with just 21 seconds left when Linsmayer snapped home a puck into an empty net after Alaska had pulled Coleman in favor of an extra attacker. Linsmayer's sixth (fourth with Idaho) sealed the win for the Steelheads as Idaho went 1-1-1 in the three-game set with the division-leading Aces.

Linsmayer (goal, two assists) and Robinson (two assists) each had multi-point nights in the win for Idaho. For Robinson, he now has 13 assists in 11 games this season against Alaska.

Pat Nagle got the win in net for Idaho, stopping 33 of 35 Alaska shots. Coleman took the loss, allowing three goals on 28 shots. Idaho's power play was 0-1, while the penalty-kill unit was 3-4, including a pair of big kills in the third period when Alaska was looking for the equalizing goal.

Idaho returns home on Wednesday, February 5, to host the Utah Grizzlies at CenturyLink Arena at 7:10 PM on Bud Light "Dollar Beer Night." It's game one of a six-game homestand that sees the Steelheads welcome in Utah, Colorado and Bakersfield over the next two weeks. Tickets for all six games available by calling 208-331-8497.

Check out the Idaho Steelheads Statistics



ECHL Stories from February 2, 2014


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