LAS VEGAS, NV- In a back and forth scoring duel between the home Alaska Aces and the visiting Las Vegas Wranglers, the away club was able to score the deciding tally Sunday night to lead the best of seven series 2-1.
In the first home game for Alaska all series, the Aces never led and always were able to come from behind to even the score before the overtime frame.
The scoring started in the first period on a power play opportunity for the Wranglers. The only converted man advantage opportunity for the Wranglers, defenseman Jeff May was able to sneak the puck past a sprawled out Aces keeper Gerald Coleman. The score, at 5:01 of the period, was assisted on by Eric Lampe and former Ace Judd Blackwater.
Just 4:00 later in the same frame, Alaska was able to stage one of their many comebacks when, also on the power play, Ace Kane Lafranchise scored on Wrangler goalie Joe Fallon. The score, on a Peter MacArthur slashing minor, was helped by Game One star Ryan Cruthers and Gary Nunn.
That Alaska power play tally would stand until, at 9:25 of the second period, Blackwater, from Adam Miller, was able to put the Wranglers at another one goal lead.
After a hard hitting and tough rest of the middle frame and beginning of the final period, when it looked as if Las Vegas would cruise home with the victory, Alaska’s Scott Howes was able to ruin the early parade. At 9:04 of the final period, Howes was able to get the equalizer, yet again, from Brock Shelgren and Wes Goldie, older of the Wranglers Ash.
The Howes goal would prove to be the final tally in regulation, as both clubs spent the remaining regulation time fighting to find the back of either Fallon or Coleman. However, with nobody able to get any rubber past the all-star keepers, the game then headed to the unknown entity that is playoff overtime hockey.
After the 15:00 third intermission, both clubs came out swinging, trying to put that final goal on the scoreboard and head back to the locker room with an important series lead.
After loads of chances, it was Las Vegas and Lampe, from Barry Goers and Blackwater that were able to finally put the rebounded puck past a sprawling Coleman to seal the win.
With the win, Las Vegas improves to 2-1 in the Western Conference Final series and takes the momentum away from a streaking Aces club. The only previous time, in nine seasons, that the Aces were behind in a playoff series was back in 2009 when the Aces lost a first round series to the Stockton Thunder.
Also, with the win, Las Vegas improves to 4-1-1 over the 2011-2012 season over the Aces while playing at the Sullivan Arena. Interestingly, five of the six games have gone into overtime, with all of Las Vegas’ wins in Alaska coming in the OT or SO frame.
A huge key to the Wranglers Game Three win was that they were able to outshoot the Aces throughout the four periods. Las Vegas was able to muster 34 chances on Coleman, including 12-7 in the first period, while Alaska only got 31 chances on Fallon.
Game Four of the series stays in Alaska and continues Tuesday evening. For the game, Alaska will be looking to avenge their second home playoff loss in two seasons and stop the Las Vegas team from getting any further of a lead. Las Vegas will be looking to pull away from the series and close out the defending Kelly Cup champions post season hopes in their barn.
Contact Joel.Hoopaugh@prohockeynews.com
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