ECHL Idaho Steelheads

Steelheads Knocked off by Aces, 3-1

November 12, 2014 - ECHL (ECHL)
Idaho Steelheads News Release


Boise, ID (11/11/14) - Defenseman Brad Richard scored twice and goaltender Niklas Lundstrom came up with a series of big saves in the third period as the visiting Alaska Aces defeated the Idaho Steelheads Tuesday night, 3-1, in Boise.

Idaho (7-3-1, 15 points) out-shot the Aces, 31-29, and also received a penalty shot but Lundstrom got stronger as the game progressed for Alaska.

The Aces drew first blood on the power play less than three minutes in as Richard's shot from the high slot found its way through traffic at the 2:35 mark on the power play to take a 1-0 lead. That lead held into the second period when Idaho's Ludwig Karlsson was awarded a penalty shot. The Dallas Stars assignee appeared to have an open window under Lundstrom's arm, but Alaska's netminder closed down just in time to keep the puck out of the net. Lundstrom also denied Alex Belzile from close range near the post before Olivier Archambeault lifted a backhand past Idaho netminder Olivier Roy at 16:15 of the second to put Alaska up by a pair going into the third.

A holding call on Alaska's Cory Syvret at the 20-minute mark of the second gave Idaho a power play to open the third and the Steelheads cashed in on a Colton Beck shot from the right-wing circle at the 1:45 mark of the final frame. Beck's third goal of the season - second in as many games - was assisted by Eamonn McDermott to cut Alaska's lead to 2-1. The Steelheads nearly tied it moments later as Wade MacLeod snapped a rebound shot toward the left-wing post, but Lundstrom was able to fling out the leg pad to deny the shot. Lundstrom also stopped Jason Bast on a mini-breakaway later in the period with a good stick deflection. The Aces added a big insurance goal at 5:16 on a Richard backhand from in close off a rush up the right wing side.

Idaho continued to pressure throughout the third period, but couldn't get a second puck past Lundstrom, ultimately falling by the final score of 3-1. Lundstrom stopped 30 of 31 Idaho shots in the win, while Roy took the loss, stopping 26 of 29. Idaho's power play unit found the back of the net for the second straight game, going 1-6, but the Aces converted on two of their six opportunities on the man advantage.

Idaho played the game without defensemen Scott Valentine and Charlie Dodero, each held out of the lineup for precautionary reasons.

NOTE: Just prior to game time, Idaho added rookie forward Andrew Huff to the roster. The Ferris State product had 25 points (11 goals, 14 assists) in his final season of NCAA hockey and saw spot duty in his professional debut after arriving in Boise earlier in the day on Tuesday.

The Steelheads and the Aces battle again Wednesday on Dollar Beer Night, presented by Bud Light, CenturyLink Arena. Puck drop is at 7:10 PM. Tickets are available online at www.idahosteelheads.com or by calling the CenturyLink Arena box office at 331-8497.

COORS OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE GAME - Colton Beck (G)

CENTURYLINK THREE STARS:

1) Niklas Lundstrom (AK)

2) Brad Richard (AK)

3) Colton Beck (ID)

Group outings at a Steelheads game are a great way to gather friends, colleagues, or co-workers for a fun night out in downtown Boise. Ticket prices are discounted and you can get a Pepsi, Double-R Ranch Hot Dog, and bag of chips with each ticket. Contact the Steelheads front office at 208.383.0080 or log on to www.idahosteelheads.com for more information.

Check out the Idaho Steelheads Statistics



ECHL Stories from November 12, 2014


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