ANCHORAGE, Alaska – The Alaska Aces jumped out to an early lead and held off a late San Francisco Bulls charge to complete a three-game sweep with a 3-2 win on Sunday afternoon at Sullivan Arena. The Aces outscored the Bulls 12-5 on the weekend, and upped their winning streak to four games. Alaska improved their record to 5-2 on the year.
The Aces dominated play in the first period, and earned an early lead to pace the game. Alaska outshot the San Francisco 13-3 in the period and opened the scoring when Zach Harrison tallied his first of the year from the right circle at 12:47 of the period. William Wrenn then made it 2-0 with his third goal of the season at 18:40. In between the goals, Aces forward Joey Crabb was pulled off balance on a breakaway and awarded a penalty shot, but the shot was wide on his opportunity.
The Aces added a quick goal early in the second, to extend their lead. Brandon Dubinsky scored his fifth goal of the weekend on a power play at 1:44 to make it 3-0.
Alaska looked like they would coast to victory with a three-goal lead, and hold the Bulls to just six shots through more than 38 minutes of play. But San Francisco got back into the game with a pair of late goals in the second period. Peter Sivak scored at 18:29, and then Evan Barlow scored on a wrap-around 33 seconds later. Barlow’s goal was originally waived off by referee Dan Jablonski, however after a conference with both linesmen and the goal judge, Jabolonski awarded the goal to the Bulls, making it a one-goal game entering the third. Alaska outshot San Francisco 11-6 in the period.
In the third period, San Francisco outshot the Aces 9-7 and had several point blank chances to tie the game, but Guggenberger was fantastic and kept Alaska in front for the win.
Mark Guggenberger (4-1) earned his fourth straight win, making 16 saves on 18 shots. Thomas Heemskerk (1-3-1) took the loss, making 28 saves on 31 shots. The Aces went 1-8 on the power play and the Bulls went 0-5. Alaska outshot San Francisco 31-18 in the game.
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