Coleman, Aces edge Steelheads 2-0

(Anchorage, AK) - Gerald Coleman turned aside all 28 Idaho shots he faces Saturday night as the Alaska Aces edged the Idaho Steelheads, 2-0, in front of 5,699 fans at Sullivan Arena in Anchorage, AK. With the win, Alaska leads the best-of-seven ECHL Western Conference semifinal series, two games to none. Game 3 is at Qwest Arena in Boise on Wednesday night. The game developed into an old-fashioned goaltender's duel between Coleman and Idaho's Jerry Kuhn. Coleman wasn't tested much in the first, while Kuhn was. Kuhn turned the puck over to Alaska's Wes Goldie but then redeemed himself with a terrific save on Goldie seconds later to keep the game scoreless after one period. In the second period, Alaska got on the board early off an Idaho turnover. The Steelheads lost track of the puck in their own zone near the crease. Alaska pounced with a quick pass to Scott Howes who tapped the puck past a helpless Kuhn at 1:07 of the period to make it 1-0 Aces. Goldie and Brian Swanson got the assists on Howes' first of the postseason. Just two minutes later, Idaho's best chance to tie was denied by Coleman as the Alaska netminder made a circus save to rob Kael Mouillierat at the near post. Coleman also made an impressive glove save on a shot from the far circle from Chad Nehring to keep the Aces on top. Kuhn did his part to keep Idaho in the game in the second, making a great save to deny Dan Kissel midway through the second frame The Steelheads attack found some legs, generating 17 shots on net and controlling the period from start to finish, but Coleman kept Idaho from getting on the board. Alaska would extend the lead before the period expired, however, when Scott Burt snuck a wrist-shot through Kuhn's legs with less than 30 seconds to play in the second. Kuhn made more impressive saves in the third, including another robbery of Kissel, but the Steelheads offense could not get going in the final frame. It's the second time Idaho has been shut out in the post season. Michael Ouzas of the Las Vegas Wranglers shut the Steelheads out in Game 1 of Idaho's first-round series. Neither team scored on the power play, Idaho going 0-2 and Alaska going 0-3. Kuhn finished with 33 saves on 35 shots, which will actually increase his already-impressive playoff save percentage, which was .940 through six post-season games. Alaska (1) vs. Idaho (5) Game #1 ? Alaska 2, Idaho 1 Game #2 ? Alaska 2, Idaho 0 Game #3 ? at Idaho (Wednesday April 20) ? 7:10 Game #4 ? at Idaho (Friday April 22) ? 7:10 Game #5 ? at Idaho (Saturday April 23) ? 7:10* Game #6 ? at Alaska (Tuesday April 26) ? 9:15* Game #7 ? at Alaska (Wednesday April 27) ? 9:15* * - If Necessary Tickets for Games 3 & 4 of the semifinal series against Alaska in Boise are on sale at the Qwest Arena box office. Tickets for a potential Game 5 will go on sale once it is determined the game will be necessary. COORS OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE GAME - Kael Mouillierat AQUAFINA THREE STARS 1) Gerald Coleman (AK) 2) Scott Burt (AK) 3) Jerry Kuhn (ID)