LAS VEGAS, Nev – The Alaska Aces defeated the Las Vegas Wranglers at Orleans Arena before 3,612 fans by a 3-1 final score. The win takes the series to three to zip and takes away any room for error from the Wranglers. While the temperature outside was a warm 90 degrees, the teams inside were cold as ice towards each other. The physical and aggressive play spilled over from Game 2. Both teams had huge opportunities, each having at least two different five-on-three chances, but were unable to take advantage.
J Soares. Photo by Jack Lima
The Wranglers drew first blood in tonight’s game, with a goal that came from a pass from Mike Hamilton, that Tyler Mosienko shot past Jean-Philippe Lamoureux, at 15:48 into the first period.
Alaska evened the score to one apiece at 2:46 into the second period with a goal by Vladimir Novak, assisted by Matt Stefanishion. By the end of the period, the teams remained nearly even in shots on goal with Las Vegas leading 27–26. Las Vegas’ Glenn Fisher had a few tremendous saves against some driving Aces, but he was matched by the saves made by Lamoureux.
The third period started with a minute left in an Aces five-on-three power play, and yet again, no goal. Then, towards the end of the period, at 15:49, the Aces were finally able to break the tie with a Josh Soares (his ninth of the postseason) goal on an assist by Cam Keith. In the final minute of the game, Fisher was pulled for the extra skater for Las Vegas, but they were unable to keep the puck in the Aces territory. Stefanishion scored an empty net goal at 19:24, to put the Aces on solidly in the lead with a score of 3-1.
Both teams had seven power play opportunities and were unable to capitalize.
Shots at goal were pretty even between both teams; with Lamoureux at 33 saves, and Fisher with 36.
The Wranglers will need to get a win in Game 4, Thursday May 14th, in Orleans Arena or they will be finished for the season.
Note:
Lamoureux was fined in-between Games 2 and 3 by the ECHL for throwing a piece of gear from a Wranglers player into the crowd after a scrum in Game 2.
Contact the Writer at: shellie.lima@prohockeynews.com
Contact the Photographer at: jack.lima@prohockeynews.com
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