ANCHORAGE, Alaska – After a long first round series against the Las Vegas Wranglers, the Idaho Steelheads were looking to relax. Instead, they headed for Alaska and a second round match-up with the Aces.
Neither team had a clear edge in the first period but Wes Goldie potted his first goal of the series and post season with less than two minutes to go in the period. He converted passes from Brian Swanson and Scott Howes at 18:40.
The goal spoiled an otherwise marvelous effort from Jerry Kuhn in the Steelheads’ goal who stopped 11 of 12 shots he faced in the period.
The second period was not much different from the first as the Aces continued to press the Steelheads zone.
Kuhn was the main reason for Idaho still in the game through forty minutes. The Aces kept him busy with another 13 shots on goal (after 12 in the first period).
Meanwhile, the Aces’ defense clamped down on the Steelheads’ efforts and limited them to just five shots on net in the middle stanza.
Through two periods both teams were scoreless on two power play chances.
Mark Derlago finally got the Steelheads on the board at 8:51 of the third when he picked up his second of the playoffs.
Idaho’s euphoria was short-lived when Curtis Fraser put the home side up 2-1 at 11:07 on a power play. Kael Mouillierat had been sent off the ice at 9:17 for hooking. The penalty was costly as Fraser buried the puck past Kuhn to regain the lead.
Anchorage played a solid all-around game and managed to stay out of the box with only two minors called all game long. Meanwhile they went one for four on the power play.
Gerald Coleman picked up the win for the Aces and managed to stay alert despite the lack of real work through the game. He faced 14 shots on the night including only three in the third period.
The series goes to game two Saturday night with the Aces holding the 1-0 lead.
Contact Lou.Lafrado@prohockeynews.com
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