ANCHORAGE, Alaska — Nick Mazzolini delivered a highlight-reel assist on the tying goal and added an empty net goal in the final seconds to help the Alaska Aces to a 4-2 win over the Stockton Thunder in game four of the Western Conference Semifinals on Friday. the victory gives Alaska a three games to one lead and can clinch the series Saturday in Stockton.
Tyson Marsh scored his second career playoff goal and Steve Ward buried the game winner at 14:08 of the third period. But with Alaska trailing 2-1 in the second period, Mazzolini turned in the play of the game when he swung behind the net as though he were about to attempt a wrap-around shot. Instead, he passed the puck in front of the net to a wide-open Ryan Cruthers, who tied the game, 2-2.
Gerald Coleman was again sharp in net, turning away 19 of 21 Thunder shots. Stockton has managed only six goals in the first four games of the series.
