ECHL Idaho Steelheads

Sullivan's Third Period Marker Helps Steelheads Down Aces 2-1

January 19, 2008 - ECHL (ECHL)
Idaho Steelheads News Release


Boise, ID - Rookie Mike Sullivan scored midway through the third period to snap a 1-1 tie and eventually lead the Steelheads to a 2-1 victory over the Aces in front of the largest regular season crowd in Steelheads history on Saturday night.

A packed house of 5,631 fans at Qwest Arena watched as Sullivan took Taggart Desmet's pass from just outside the crease and jammed home his 10th of the season at the 9:21 mark of the third to put the Steelheads in front 2-1. Travis Wight picked up the second assist on Sullivan's second game winner in as many nights and his fourth of the season.

The win moved the Steelheads (21-12-7) six points ahead of the Aces (19-13-5) in the National Conference playoff picture and improved their record to 3-0-2 against Alaska this season, with all the contests thus far coming on home ice.

There was no scoring in the first period, as the Steelheads mustered 22 shots and the Aces managed just seven, with the 22 chances setting a single period season-high for the Steelheads.

Greg Rallo snapped the scoreless tie, recording his 15th goal of the seaon at 15:59 of the second period to put the Steelheads in front 1-0. On the play, Desmet's centering feed bounced loose to Rallo, whose first chance was stopped by Derek Gustafson (41 saves) but Rallo followed it up and smacked the rebound off the far post and just over the goal line for his 15th of the year. Blake Forsyth got the second assist on the even-strength goal, which extended Rallo's scoring streak to a season-high, seven games.

After 40 minutes of play, the Steelheads led 1-0.

At 6:40 of the third period the Aces tied the score on a breakaway marker by F.P. Guenette, his 10th. Bo Cheesman collected the lone assist as Guenette came in untouched from the blue line and snapped a shot below the glove of Matt Zaba (21 saves).

Minutes later Sullivan's tally proved to be the difference maker helping the Steelheads to their 13th home win and their seventh one-goal victory this season.

The Steelheads out-shot the Aces 43-22 on the night, with the home team's shot total setting a new high for the campaign. Neither team converted on the power play, with the Steelheads going zero-for-three while the Aces were scoreless in five opportunities. Zaba is now 2-0 with the Steelheads and 5-4-1 on the year, while Gustafson dropped to 10-10-4.

The Steelheads take a six day break for the all-star break before traveling to Fresno to tangle with the Falcons on Friday, January 25. The puck drops at 8:05 p.m. MST. All the action can be heard live on 1350 AM, KTIK "The Ticket" or via the B2 Networks. Don't forget, Steelheads' single-game tickets can be purchased via www.idahosteelheads.com (using the print-at-home feature), by calling 331-TIXS or from the Qwest Arena box office.

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ECHL Stories from January 19, 2008


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