Stefanishion Propels Aces, 3-2

March 15, 2009 - ECHL (ECHL)
Alaska Aces News Release


ANCHORAGE, Alaska - Matt Stefanishion broke a 2-2 tie with a one-timer from the left circle at 19:41 of the third period to give Alaska its fifth straight victory, 3-2 over Phoenix, before 5,974 Saturday at Sullivan Arena.

The Aces (39-21-3) stretched their West Division lead to five points over second-place Idaho, beaten for the second straight night by Las Vegas. Alaska completes the home portion of its schedule with another bout against the Roadrunners (26-30-4) tomorrow at at 3:05 p.m., followed by a Fan Appreciation Party in the tent located immediately outside Sullivan Arena. After winning the opener of this four-game series 5-0 on Wednesday, the Aces have led for only 1:51 over the last two games, but nevertheless, are in position to pull off the sweep tomorrow.

Longtime Alaska stand-out Kimbi Daniels, playing his 900th professional game, set up Mitch Carefoot to give Phoenix a 1-0 lead at 3:22 of the opening period. That advantage held up until the 5:45 mark of the second period, when Cam Keith delivered a perfect pass in the slot to Nick Tuzzolino, who whipped a wrist shot past 'Runners goalie Kyle Jones for the equalizer. Daniel Sisca scored his third goal of the series off the rush at 8:39 to briefly allow Phoenix to regain the lead, but Alexandre Imbeault, who had scored the game-winner in overtime for the Aces on Friday, answered with a power play goal less than four minutes later to deadlock the contest 2-2.

Alaska continued to dominate the second half of the game, holding the Roadrunners to only one shot on goal over the final 30 minutes of regulation, but did not move ahead until Tuzzolino found Stefanishion with a cross-ice pass in the waning moments. The Aces finished with a 33-14 advantage in shots on goal, including 11-1 in the third period, and established a new season-low for shots against.

Phoenix, currently on a season-long five-game winless skid, has slipped four games under .500 (26-30-4) for the first time all season. Alaska meanwhile, has won nine of its last 10 games overall and 16 of its last 18 at Sullivan Arena for an ECHL-best home record of 27-7-1 heading into tomorrow's finale. The Aces will finish the regular season with eight consecutive road games, beginning next Thursday and Friday against the 'Runners in Phoenix. All games are broadcast live on KFQD AM 750, with Peanut Farm Pre-Game Show coverage beginning 15 minutes prior to the opening face-off.



ECHL Stories from March 15, 2009


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