Alaska Aces still undefeated in post-season

Victoria , B.C. – The Alaska Aces remain undefeated in their aspiration to the Kelly Cup Playoffs, conquering the Victoria Salmon Kings with a final score of 6-2 in game three of the Western Conference Finals.   The Aces now lead the series 3-0.
 
In the first period, Salmon Kings Matt Siddall scored the sole goal on a power play.   The goal marked the first time in the post season that the Aces allowed their opponent to score the first goal of the game, as well as the first power play goal against the Aces.
 
But the Kings lead would not last long, as the second period belonged to the Aces offense.   The action began with a power play goal by Scott Howes at 2:52, followed by two successive goals from Chris Langkow at 9:45 and 13:43.   The final goal came from Brian Swanson at 18:59. The Aces held a solid lead of 4-1 going into the second intermission.  
 
Tempers flared in the third period.   Victoria’s Tommy Maxwell was given goaltender interference penalty early in the period, but the Kings special teams unit kept the Aces from besting David Shantz in the net.   Another goaltender interference penalty sent Alaska’s Wes Goldie to the box.   A turnover led to an Aces short-handed goal by Ethan Cox at 6:29.  
 
Multiple minor penalties were assessed to both teams during the remainder of the period, including a fight with just over two minutes remaining.   Chad Anderson and Siddall dropped the gloves, following a stoppage of play for a Siddall roughing call.   Cox was able to find an opening in the net at 19:34 on the power play, to put the Aces up 6-1.
 
When both teams finally had all the skaters back on the ice, Victoria’s Jeff Caister scored one final goal with five seconds remaining, but it would not be enough, as the Aces had this one sewed up with a final score of 6-2.
 
Adam Courchaine was in the net for the Aces, and posted 35 saves for the game.    Gerald Coleman was out to handle personal business, giving Courchaine his first start and opportunity to play in the post season.   Bryce McFadden was the back-up goaltender, but did not see any ice time for this match up.
 
Howes had four points for the night, with his goal and three assists.   The Salmon Kings are one for six on the man advantage, while the Aces were two for eight.
 
The Aces will have a chance to sweep the Salmon Kings in game four on Monday, April 2 at Victoria.
Contact the writer at Shellie.Lima@prohockeynews.com
Contact the photographer at Jack.Lima@prohockeynews.com