Utah Upends Alaska in OT
Published on April 15, 2009 under ECHL (ECHL)
Alaska Aces News Release
WEST VALLEY CITY, Utah - Brett Beauchamp scored at 3:30 of overtime to give Utah a 3-2 victory over Alaska in Game Three of the West Division semi-finals before 2,437. The Aces still lead the best-of-seven series, 2-1.
The game-winner originally was credited to former Ace Bo Cheesman, who did get an assist on the scoring play. Both teams practice tomorrow in preparation for Games Four and Five, scheduled for Friday and Saturday at 5:05 p.m. AT. If a Game Six becomes necessary, the series would shift back to Anchorage next Tuesday at 7:15 p.m.
After a scoreless first period in which Utah out-shot Alaska 12-4, the Aces struck first when T.J. Fast set up Matt Stefanishion off the rush for a backhander that slipped past Grizz goalie Mike Mole at 8:08 of the middle frame. Fast, along with fellow defenseman Tyson Marsh, had been inserted into the starting lineup after being re-assigned from the AHL.
Utah finally snapped its scoreless run of futility against Alaska goaltender J.P. Lamoureux with four minutes to play in the second period, as Vladimir Nikiforov scored on a wrist shot from the right circle that snuck just inside the left post. Lamoureux, the reigning ECHL Goalie of the Year, had not been beaten by the Grizzlies in more than 280 minutes, dating back to November 16.
Matt Shasby pushed the Aces back in front, 2-1, with 8:03 left in regulation, finishing off a backdoor feed from Cam Keith. But once again, Utah rallied, tying the score three minutes later when Nikiforov deflected home a Mike Walsh drive from the high slot. Alaska had terrific chances to begin the overtime session, but Mole repelled five shots on goal (31 for the game) and earned just his second win in 10 starts against the Aces when Beauchamp took a drop pass from Tyler Wooddisse and blasted home the winner just underneath the crossbar.
With the victory, the Grizzlies ended a six-game losing streak in the playoffs to Alaska, which swept Utah in four straight on its way to the Kelly Cup in 2006. This weekend's road games at the 'E' Center in Utah will be broadcast live on KFQD AM 750, with Peanut Farm Pre-Game Show coverage beginning 15 minutes prior to face-off.
WEST DIVISION SEMI-FINALS (Alaska leads best-of-7 series, 2-1)
Game 1: Alaska 2, Utah 0 Game 2: Alaska 2, Utah 0 Game 3: Utah 3, Alaska 2 (OT) Game 4: Friday, Alaska @ Utah 5:05 AT Game 5: Saturday, Alaska @ Utah 5:05 AT Game 6: Tuesday, Utah @ Alaska 7:15 (if necessary) Game 7: April 22 Utah @ Alaska 7:15 (if necessary)
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