Aces inch closer to playoff berth with win at Ontario

March 27, 2010

by Channel 2 News staff
Friday, March 26, 2010

Editor's note: The last paragraph has been changed to correct Alaska's opponent next week.

ONTARIO, Calif. - Making his first start since February 27, Billy Sauer stopped 36 shots to preserve a 2-1 Alaska victory against the Ontario Reign at Citizens Business Bank Arena.

The win leaves the Aces (33-26-8) in the enviable position of being able to secure a playoff spot with another triumph in regulation over the Reign Saturday night at 6:00 p.m. Alaska time.

Alaska currently holds the third seed in the National Conference playoff race, meaning the club would have home-ice advantage and first choice at determining the nature of the 2-3 format.

Jason Ryznar and Curtis Fraser scored first-period goals to chase Ontario starter Mike Zacharias less than 18 minutes into the game. Curtis Darling, who gave up five goals on 21 shots in Wednesday's 6-3 loss to Alaska, stopped all 20 shots he faced in relief, but the Reign never got to Sauer.

Only a power play goal by Tim Kraus at 8:13 of the second period denied the 22-year-old rookie, originally a seventh round pick of Colorado in the 2006 NHL Draft, his first professional shutout. The Aces killed three Ontario power plays in the third period alone. The Reign finished with a slight edge in shots on goal, 37-32.

Alaska has not lost a game in regulation since February 27, going 7-0-3 over that span, including four consecutive wins on the road heading into Saturday night's series finale. Meanwhile, Ontario has dropped two straight on home ice after not having lost in its building since February 13 prior to this week.

The Aces return home to finish the regular season next Tuesday and Wednesday against Idaho and April 2-3 versus Stockton. All four games begin at 7:15 p.m.

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