BOISE, Idaho – Trailing their series with the Aces 2-0, the Steelheads were looking to make a statement early in this game three of the series. Trouble for Idaho was the statement had the wrong message.
Dan Kissel put the Aces up early in the first period with his first goal of the post season. Steve Ward assisted on the marker at 8:20 of the period.
Curtis Fraser added to the lead at 15:41 of the first on the power play. Mark Derlago had been sent off the ice for roughing giving the Aces the man advantage.
In net, Gerald Coleman continued his dominance of the Steelheads through the first two periods in stopping 15 shots on goal.
The Aces continued their stingy defensive effort in this series in limiting the Steelheads to weak offensive chances and most shots coming from outside the circles.
Not until the 5:31 mark of the third did Idaho break through Coleman when Derlago atoned for his earlier penalty. For Derlago it was his third of the post season.
In the third period, the Steelheads finally found their game in limiting the Aces to only 4 shots on goal while mustering 11 of their own. But for Idaho it was too little effort too late in this crucial game three for them and the Aces.
Jerry Kuhn was brilliant in net for Idaho but left defenseless and needing to pitch a shutout for his team to win.
Scott Howes iced the game for Anchorage at 19:15 on the power play to make it 3-1 in favor of the Aces.
For Idaho, the key to their losses has been the failure of the powerplay unit to capitalize on opportunities. Tonight they went scoreless in three attempts while Anchorage was two for six on the man advantage.
Anchorage outshot the Steelheads 31-26 on the night.
A total of 2,722 fans watched the Steelheads drop the game and back themselves into a difficult 3-0 hole in the series.
Contact Lou.Lafrado@prohockeynews.com
You must be logged in to post a comment.