Utah power play flurry buries Aces, 6-4
January 6, 2007 - ECHL (ECHL)
Alaska Aces News Release
ANCHORAGE, Alaska - Ryan Kinasewich scored two of Utah's four power play goals in a four-minute span late in the second period as the Grizzlies ended an eight-game losing streak at Sullivan Arena with a 6-4 win over the Aces in front of 4,805 Friday.
Alaska dominated a scoreless first period, out-shooting Utah 15-3, but failing to solve previously winless goaltender Sean Fields until the 6:56 mark of the second period, when Vladimir Novak scored his first goal in 13 games. Leading 1-0, the Aces lost control of the game when Andy Sertich finished off a shorthanded rush with a laser in the top right corner to tie the game at 1-1 with 9:41 left in the middle frame.
Alaska began a parade to the penalty box that included two bench minors for unsportsmanlike conduct, 10-minute misconduct, and a gross misconduct. The Grizzlies, who had entered the game with the league's worst power play and had gone 2-for-53 against the Aces second-ranked penalty-killing unit, erupted for four goals, including three with a two-man advantage. Kinasewich started the onslaught at 13:18 of the second period, Blake Robson flipped in a rebound 26 seconds later, and Jimmie Kraft added his third goal of the year (two against Alaska) at 15:14. Kinasewich capped the rally with his second of the game and 18th of the year at 17:18, and suddenly Utah had a 5-1 lead.
The Aces refused to wilt, but their comeback began with a huge break, as Joe Talbot's wrist shot that clanged off the crossbar as time expired in the second period was ruled a goal, his fourth in three games. With the Grizzlies sitting back on their heels as the third period got underway, Alaska climbed back into the game on a drive by Matt Shasby that rattled off the goal post and into the net at 3:21, and Novak's second goal of the game, a shorthanded tally with 10:48 still remaining that brought the Aces within 5-4.
The Aces never got the equalizer, though, and Brendan Cook provided a much-needed insurance goal for the visitors a minute after Novak's score with Utah's fifth power play goal of the night (in 16 opportunities). Fields stopped Olivier Filion on a penalty shot with 31.2 seconds to play, and finished with 24 saves while winning for the first time in seven decisions. Isaac Reichmuth took the loss in net for Alaska, stopping 17 of 23 shots.
The Aces (19-10-2) have seen their West Division whittled to two points over second-place Phoenix heading into tomorrow night's series finale against the 9-20-3 Grizzlies at 7:15 p.m. Live coverage of the contest on KFQD 750 AM begins at 6:55, while tickets for the game are available at www.alaskaaces.com, all Fred Meyer locations, or by calling 258-ACES.
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