leading with 3-2 win aces take 3-0 series in double ot

Aces take 3-0 series lead with 3-2 win in double OT - OurSports Central (press release)
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ANCHORAGE, Alaska - Derick Martin scored on a drive from the point at 2:34 of the second overtime, giving Alaska a 3-2 victory and a commanding 3-0 series lead over defending Kelly Cup champion Idaho before 5,843 Saturday at Sullivan Arena.

The Aces have not trailed at any point in this series, and can eliminate the Steelheads with a win tomorrow night at 7:15 p.m. Idaho had won seven straight playoff games in Anchorage dating to April 8, 1998, including a pair in last year's conference final, when the Steelheads ended Alaska's bid for back-to-back ECHL titles.

The Aces will get a chance to do the same to Idaho as a result of Saturday's win, which opened with a power play goal scored by Michael Lambert from the left circle at 12:04, assisted by Olivier Filion and Cam Ketih, who set a perfect screen in front of Steelheads goalie Matt Zaba. Idaho drew even on a goal by Lance Galbraith 1:43 into the second period, but Filion answered with a backhander just 44 seconds later to push Alaska back in front, 2-1. The Aces left Taggart Desmet all alone in front of the net midway through the second period, and the leading goal-scorer in the series (4) buried a one-timer past Marek Schwarz, who followed up his 95 saves in two wins at Boise on Wednesday and Thursday with 32 more on Saturday.

The game remained tied 2-2 for the final 27:28 of regulation, and through a scoreless first overtime despite excellent chances for Desmet and Alaska's second-leading scorer, Kimbi Daniels. Martin's shot was set up by Lambert and Bo Cheesman, who had a pair of helpers and appeared to screen Zaba as the puck whistled into the upper right corner. Both teams finished with 34 shots on goal.

The Aces improved to 10-4 in ECHL overtime games and 7-1 at home since 1999. Game Five, if necessary, will be in Anchorage Tuesday at 7:15 p.m. If Idaho should win tomorrow and Tuesday, Games Six and Seven would return to Boise on Thursday, and Sunday, April 20, respectively. Playoff tickets will be on sale at the team offices at the corner of 15th and Gambell tomorrow from Noon-5:00 p.m. weekdays between 9:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. All playoff games will be broadcast live on the flagship home of the Aces, AM 750 KFQD, with coverage beginning 15 minutes prior to the opening face-off.

The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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