Aces head east, edge Jackals

ELMIRA, NY – Steve Tarasuk’s third period power play goal was the game-winner, and Michael Garteig made 30 saves as the Alaska Aces held off the Elmira Jackals 4-3 Thursday at the First Arena.

The win stopped an Aces five-game non-winning streak and three losses in a row.

Alaska played the game without leading scorer Stephen Perfetto and ECHL leading goal-scorer Peter Sivak, both out with injuries. The Aces also lost defenseman Mackenze Stewart about halfway through the second period on a major kneeing penalty and game misconduct.

An upbeat first period of play led to Danny Moynihan’s 15th goal of the season. Pavel Laplante scooped the puck off the right wing boards and fed Moynihan in the deep slot. Moynihan’s wrister was true and the Aces had a 1-0 lead at 10:27. Laplante and Ryan Trenz with the assists. Shots after one period favored Alaska 12-7.

Tim Wallace gave the Aces a 2-1 lead at 2:39 of the second period with his 15th goal of the season. The power play strike was assisted by Tim Coffman, whose shot was stopped by Jackals goaltender Jason Kasdorf. Wallace was there on the doorstep to swat the puck into the net. Nolan Descoteaux also got a helper on the play.

After Justin Kea cut the lead in half with his sixth goal of the season for Elmira, Aces forward Pavel Laplante took a pass from Moynihan and raced down the ice by himself, snapping the puck on the backhand top shelf. The short-handed goal pushed the lead to 3-1 Aces.

Former Aces defenseman Davis Vandane scored for Elmira on a 5-3 power play at 11:33 to make it 3-2 Alaska after two. Shots after two were 26 for Alaska to 22 for Elmira.

Tarasuk gave Alaska a two-goal lead again with a power play strike at 12:30 from Moynihan, and the scoring was complete with Kenton Miller’s 17th goal of the season for the Jackals at 16:41.

Garteig protected the 4-3 lead the rest of the way, making 30 saves for the win.

Alaska and Elmira both went 2-8 on the power play. Final shots on net favored Alaska 34-33.

The Aces travel Friday to Manchester, New Hampshire for a Saturday-Sunday series with the Monarchs.