Aces flip the switch on Powertime for their first ever playoff win

The Flying Aces hit the ice in attack mode, hungry for a playoff win. And it was the 'Grind Line's' Matt 'Donny' Donahue who scored early in the first. 27 seconds into the period. Donahue's goal was the fastest goal scored in Aces' history. The boys were flying high and looking good. Half way through the period Donahue struck again, giving his squad a two goal lead. Nick Minarick's fine work in net kept Powertimes' score at 0.

The second period was a defensive chest match with both teams getting quality shots and both goalies making outstanding saves. But Powertime managed to slip the puck past the Aces' tournament bound netminder. Down one goal, powertime turned up the heat. But the Flying Aces stood fast and held the 2nd period damage to one goal.


Halfway through the third period, Craig Jones learnt a random Powertimer a valuable lesson. If you slash my legs, I'll chop your arms. It was a jagged pill for the angry Powertimer to swallow. And when he got a bit fussy, a ten minute game misconduct chilled him out for good. But with under 8 minutes left in the contest, Powertime managed another goal, tying the game at 2. The Powertime bench roared back to life, as did their playoff hopes. Powertime had never beaten the Aces, and would love to get their first playoff win and eliminate the home favorite at the same time. But this would not be the case. With under five minutes left to play, Ace captain Darren Jones rifled the puck past the Powertime goalie and put a large hole in Powertimes' playoff chances. Minutes later, Mike Petersen closed the door for good putting his own empty net rebound in for a 4-2 lead. The Flying Aces ran the clock down, eager to celebrate their first playoff victory. And when it read 00:00, it was party time. Even defenseman Ryan Bleck had a beer. It was his first in almost a year. The last beer Bleck drank... Was to celebrate the Aces first victory.


Donahue's two goal night earned him the first ever Playoff First Star Patch. Weaver, Johnson, Gianetti, C. Jones and Warn had assists. Bill Marcolini and Matt Stockwell were healthy scratches.


The Aces next game is Thursday, May 1. There will be an April 22 contest between Smoke and The Predators and an April 29 contests between The Comeback Kids and the April 22nd champ. The Flying Aces await the winner.
-Bleck #19