ANCHORAGE, Alaska – Two teams with a history met Wednesday night in the first game of this best-of-seven Western Conference final matchup between the Aces and Salmon Kings.
Victoria dispatched the Bakersfield Condors and Utah Grizzlies to get to the conference finals. Meanwhile, the Anchorage Aces had a bye in the first round and then swept the Idaho Steelheads.
Entering the night’s festivities in Anchorage, Victoria had lost only one game before sweeping aside the Grizzlies.
Goalie Gerald Coleman had led the Aces through their series with the Steelheads and started this first contest off in the same manner as previously.
In the first period, Coleman faced 11 shots from the Salmon Kings and stopped each of them.
Meanwhile, the Aces were launching eight of their own shots on goal and one got through at 19:55 when Chad Anderson converted a pass from Tyler Ruegsegger for the first score of the series. Daryl Boyle was also credited with an assist on the play.
The goal spoiled goalie David Shantz’ efforts through the first twenty minutes of play.
The tight defensive game continued through the second period where neither team could establish a clear advantage.
It was not until mid way through the third when Victoria finally broke through for the tying goal. Salmon Kings’ defenseman Jeff Caister got the game back to even when he sent a shot on net at 12:47. The goal was even strength and gave the Kings some life.
But once again the Aces had a late answer.
As they did in the first period, Anchorage scored with less than 10 seconds in the period and game. This time Brian Swanson picked up his first goal of the playoffs at 19:51 off assists from Scott Howes and Wes Goldie. The goal sent the 4334 fans into a frenzy and home with relief that they did not have to sit through another overtime session in the post season.
The two teams skate again Thursday evening in game two. Victoria will be looking to get steal one game from the Aces and gain home ice advantage.
Contact Lou.Lafrado@prohockeynews.com
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