LAS VEGAS – Mark Guggenberger made 26 saves and Joey Crabb’s shorthanded goal late in the second period helped the Alaska Aces hold off the Las Vegas Wranglers with a 1-0 victory on Wednesday night from the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas. The Aces improved to 6-4 on the season, and will wrap up their five-game road trip on Friday and Saturday with a rematch with the Wranglers.
The Aces and Wranglers played a scoreless opening period to start the hockey game. Alaska’s penalty kill had a big night, and it began with a successful kill of a two man advantage for 1:06 early in the game. The Wranglers outshot the Aces 10-8 in the period.
In the second period, the Aces penalty kill went offensive to break the 0-0 tie. Nate Thompson pestered Las Vegas captain Mike Madill on the fore check to create a turnover, and Joey Crabb scored from the high slot at 14:35 to make it 1-0 Aces. It was the third shorthanded goal this season by Alaska. Las Vegas thought they had tied the score minutes later on a different power play, but a goal from the crease was disallowed when referee Andy Thakcaberry lost sight of the puck and blew his whistle before Las Vegas scored. The Aces outshot the Wranglers 12-10 in the period and kept a 1-0 lead into the third.
Las Vegas had chances in the third period, but Guggenberger and company held their ground and hung on for their second 1-0 win in ten games this season. Guggenberger earned his second shutout of the year with the win.
Mark Guggenberger (5-3) earned the win, making 26 saves on 26 shots. Joe Fallon (3-2-1) took the loss, making 24 saves on 25 shots. The Aces went 0-4 on the power play and the Wranglers went 0-6. Alaska was outshot by Las Vegas 26-25 in the game. Comment@prohockeynews.com Follow us on Twitter @prohockeynews
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