ECHL PLAYOFFS:

Aces’ late goal bites Wranglers

Alaska snags a 3-0 lead in the National Conference finals

Stephen R. Sylvanie / Special to the Las Vegas Sun

Alaska Aces winger Cam Keith topples Las Vegas Wranglers defenseman Sean Owens in the Wranglers 3-1 loss Tuesday night at the Orleans Arena. The Aces now hold a 3-0 lead in the National Conference finals.

By Steve Silver (contact)

Tuesday, May 12, 2009 | 11:34 p.m.

Wranglers fall into 3-0 hole

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Game 1: Las Vegas at Alaska on Saturday, May 9 (L: 2-0)
Game 2: Las Vegas at Alaska on Sunday, May 10 (L: 4-1)
Game 3: Alaska at Las Vegas on Tuesday, May 12 (L: 3-1)
Game 4: Alaska at Las Vegas on Thursday, May 14 at 7:30 p.m.
Game 5: Alaska at Las Vegas on Friday, May 15 at 7:30 p.m. (if necessary)
Game 6: Las Vegas at Alaska on Tuesday, May 19 at 8:15 p.m. (if necessary)
Game 7: Las Vegas at Alaska on Wednesday, May 20 at 8:15 p.m. (if necessary)

Upon returning home from a disastrous start to the National Conference finals that left the Wranglers in a two-game hole to the Alaska Aces, Las Vegas forward Tyler Mosienko posed a philosophical question to his coach, Glen Gulutzan.

Mosienko pondered the best way to metaphorically eat an elephant.

The answer, Mosienko told his perplexed coach, is simply, "One bite at a time."

Unfortunately for the Wranglers, Mosienko could not digest the so-called elephant in the ice rink single-handedly as the Aces devoured Las Vegas 3-1 in front of 3,612 fans at the Orleans Arena Tuesday night.

Mosienko scored the lone Las Vegas goal as the Wranglers fell into a 3-0 hole in the series –- a deficit no team has ever overcome in ECHL history.

"It's still one bite at a time," Mosienko said. "You can never get down on yourself. You have to stay positive all the time and that's what we are going to do. That's why they make it a seven-game series. You have to win four."

Las Vegas started out matching Alaska stride for stride with scoring chances.

Alaska appeared to score first midway through the period on a power play, but upon further review the officials waived the goal off, ruling that the puck never crossed the goal line.

The Wranglers seized momentum after that goal reversal as Mosienko ripped a shot top-shelf past Jean-Philippe Lamoureux for the 1-0 lead with 4:12 remaining in the first period.

Shortly after the intermission, however, the Aces answered back when Vladimir Novak capitalized on a turnover by Steve Makway behind the Wranglers' net. Novak managed to bat a bouncing puck past Glenn Fisher to tie the game 1-1 just 2:46 in the second period.

"I think we got the first one and maybe laid back," Mosienko said. "We thought it was going to be smooth sailing from there, that's the feeling I got. But it's not. It's playoff hockey. You could be up 4-0 and you still have to keep everything tight."

Both squads held each other in check for the next 30 minutes of hockey as both teams squandered several power play opportunities.

But Alaska tallied the difference-maker late in the third period as Cam Keith fed an open Josh Soares in the slot. Soares blasted a wrist shot five-hole to put the Aces on top 2-1 with 4:11 left in regulation.

Matt Stefanishion added an empty-netter with 35 seconds remaining to seal the 3-1 victory and force the Wranglers to stare down elimination for the rest of the series.

"Our games are always pieces," Mosienko said. "We own one and then don't do well the next. We came out really strong tonight then we kind of stayed par from there. When you're down 2-0, you have to find a way to be on top every period. We won the first period, lost the second and lost the third, so that tells the tale there."

The Aces out-shot the Wranglers 39-34 as Lamoureux improved to 11-2 in the postseason.

Fisher picked up another loss despite making 36 saves.

"I thought he played really good," Gulutzan said. "He made some saves to keep us in there. He gave us a chance to win."

Stars of the game: 1. Josh Soares (1 goal); 2. Tyler Mosienko (1 goal); 3. Jean-Philippe Lamoureux (33 saves)

Powerless play: Las Vegas' power play woes continued Tuesday as the Wranglers failed to score on seven advantages, including a two-minute long 5-on-3.

"We have to be better on home ice on the power play," Gulutzan said. "If we get one there, that's the difference."

The Wranglers are now 0-for-19 on the power play this series. To their credit, the Wranglers have held the Aces' power play to 2-for-17 in the first three games, including an 0-for-7 showing Tuesday.

Overall, the Wranglers' power play is at 19.8 percent (16-for-81) and the Aces are at 17.3 percent (13-for-75).

"Special teams is a touchy thing and tonight I thought we were off a little bit," Mosienko said. "We could have a little more zip on our passes and our shots."

Lucky Lamoureux: It is old news by now that the ECHL fined Alaska's star goalie for throwing Steve Makway's stick into the crowd at Sullivan Arena on Sunday night. But can anyone tell me why he was not suspended?

The ECHL suspended former Cincinnati defenseman Joe Grimaldi for nine games when he threw a broken stick into the crowd in October this season. In 2004, the NHL suspended Toronto Maple Leafs center Mats Sundin when he accidentally threw his own broken stick into the crowd in Nashville.

I'm not a lawyer, but I believe the precedent has been set. Perhaps ECHL officials have a bit of a crush on Mr. MVP?

Beaudoin watch: Matt Beaudoin still claims the honor as the only Wrangler on the playoff roster that remains in the American Hockey League. Beaudoin is currently with the Houston Aeros, who are set for a Game 7 showdown with the Milwaukee Admirals on Wednesday night in the West Division finals. In 13 Calder Cup games with Houston, Beaudoin has notched three goals and seven assists.

Fan of the game: One fan in Section 108 took the Wranglers' whiteout request seriously as he painted his body white with a red "W" on his chest. He also seemed to be the only fan with a macaroni and cheese box.

Hockey heaven: I rip Aces fans constantly, but I do want to give props to Anchorage for carrying the game live on television via a satellite feed. I love a city that loves its hockey team so much. Take notes Las Vegas.

Next up: The Wranglers will try to avoid a sweep and keep their Kelly Cup dreams alive in Game 4 at 7:30 p.m. Thursday at the Orleans Arena.

Final word: "Obviously, they've got good defense and good goaltending, but it's playoff time; you have to find a way," Mosienko said. "You have to out-think them, out-heart them, out-something."

Discussion: 32 comments so far…

By debistal

5/13/09 at 6:25 a.m.

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Hey Steve, no mention of the totally classless Aces starting line-up with their backs to the Wranglers and THE FLAG during the National Anthem? At least Martin had second thoughts and turned around. I realize that most of these guys are Canadian and our National Anthem doesn't mean as much to them, but they're getting paid US Dollars and should show some respect even if for that alone, much less that it's sports tradition. I think the league should give their entire starting line a game misconduct just for the lack of respect.

Now, did the Germans bomb Pearl Harbor yet?
By LPN4LIFE

5/13/09 at 6:41 a.m.

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I agree Deb. When Victoria is here and the singer that night sings "O Canada", we remain standing and show respect. Most of our guys are from Canada as well, but they don't show that type of disrespect. I think that they were not just disrespecting our US flag, but do you think maybe because their backs were turned to our players they were in a sense disrespecting them, just a thought.
I too thought it was interesting that Lamoureux was not suspended and on that same thought, I thought that a game misconduct was an automatic 1 game suspension. But, I don't claim to be a hockey expert by any means.
Game # 4 Thursday night, no, the Germans have not bombed Pearl Harbor yet.
I continue my support for the Wranglers. In midseason, I think everyone wondered if they would make it to the playoffs and here they are in the third round. They fought through call ups and injuries to be back here.

GO WRANGLERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By TIO

5/13/09 at 6:57 a.m.

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How about Makway not being suspended for his gong show crap in that same game? Hell, he's a repeat offender and got off scott free. I was surprised that JP didn't receive a suspension for throwing Mosiekno's stick into the stands, too... but it looks like the league blew it all the way around. As for the Aces supposedly turning their backs on the flag, I'm not sure I'm ready to believe that based on the reports of a couple homer Wrangler fans. Take off the tin foil hats and rose colored glasses and watch the game, eh?

Go Aces!
By winthorpe

5/13/09 at 7:06 a.m.

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Pearl Harbor appears to be in the Germans sites Deb. However, you and I both know how much pride is in that room, so I expect them to be able to push it to 6.

After all, game 1 was a 1 goal game most of the way and game 3 was tied most of the way. It's not like they were dominated in those games. The Wranglers are playing with them and have not even brought their A game yet. But a lot of that has to do with the Aces and what they are doing. It's certainly not from lack of effort.

But I have seen stranger things happen. 2004 Red Sox down 3-0 to the Yankees to go to the World Series and they came back from that - how, I have no idea, but they did and I was pleasantly shocked. So I've learned to never say never, although I'm not buying any Pearl Harbor beach front property in the next week.

Give the Aces all the credit in the world for doing a great job shutting the Wranglers down. I for one, will go down with the ship.
By winthorpe

5/13/09 at 7:10 a.m.

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TIO,

"As for the Aces supposedly turning their backs on the flag"

The Aces all faced the other way during the entire anthem. I've never seen that in almost 40 years of going to hockey games. Martin looked uncomfortable about it and turned around half way through. I watched the entire thing as my seats are right on the blue line. That's not a biased, homer, story - it's a fact.
By scratch

5/13/09 at 7:35 a.m.

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Interesting comments about the flag but I think you guys might have it all wrong. I was a radio listener for the first part of the game so I didn't see what you are talking about but my experience as a fan has been that sometimes it's just not clear which way to face at some of the venues the team visits. With electronic images of the flag on every jumbotron and signboard in the place, the physical flag is often small and not prominently displayed. If you visited the Sullivan- you would know that there is no mistaking the location of the flag- it is 1000s of square feet in size and occupies the ENTIRE west wall of the arena. Further, if you attended a game here you would know that there is no more patriotic franchise in the league. The US military is a huge part of the club's fan base and local community. In fact- the ceremonial puck drop at Sunday's game was performed by a soldier just back from Afghanistan to the company of a standing ovation and stick-slaps on the ice from both teams.

I have never seen a home or visiting player ever turn their back on the flag during the anthem although several visiting goaltenders have come close to being disrespectful by staring straight up into the overhead rafters or straight down at the ice. Usually, the Aces just hand those guys their heads in the course of the game and their transgression is forgotten.

My advise to the league would be completely different than yours debistal- I think the ECHL should require all arenas to PROMINENTLY display over-sized US and Canadian flags at the start of every game.

Man, let's talk hockey, instead. GO ACES!
By winthorpe

5/13/09 at 7:53 a.m.

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It wasn't done to disrespect the flag. I believe it was done to turn their backs on the Wranglers. The Aces and every team I have seen in the building, always have faced each other during the anthem. They knew what they were doing. That's the last I have to say on that subject.

You're right, that's a very moot point and has nothing to do with the game, which was played very well by both teams. Could have gone either way, just as game one could have. But could haves don't win hockey games and the Aces have earned all of their victories in this series with their play. No sour grapes here.

I expect to see more good hockey tomorrow night.
By scratch

5/13/09 at 8:20 a.m.

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Hmmmm. That's an interesting thought, winthorpe. It seems sort of different to me that people would face each other during the anthem when they should be facing the flag. So maybe the solution would be to raise a single large flag at one end of the arena which of course everyone would face- leaving the players free to display their dislike for each other over the puck during the course of the game.

We should be in for more hard-played hockey on Thursday.
By vagman

5/13/09 at 8:29 a.m.

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Good game, no cheap shots. Lameoureau is scary good. Reminds me of three years ago when Beckford-Sue stole the series with great goaltending. Too bad the Wranglers best defensemen are hurt, the games might be even closer than they are. Looking forward to another good game on Thursday.
By vagman

5/13/09 at 8:47 a.m.

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You wonder why the Aces players would make an insulting gesture to the Wrangler players? It comes from their organization, fans and local reporters. Quotes from Aces fans in the Anchorage Daily News, "The organization (Wranglers) is the definition of classless from the President of the team all the way down to 99% of the fans" and, "The Wranglers, their fans, mascott and team are bottom-feeders."
By PUCKSTER

5/13/09 at 9:34 a.m.

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Hey Silver, you've got no room to complain about JP not being suspended. Twice now your goon Makway has gotten away with cheap shots on Aces players. It seems the only way he can show he's a tough guy is to hit people when they are already tied up with someone else. When the Aces have locked down win number four of this series, it would probably be of his best interest to not be on the ice.
Now as far as the anthem and not facing the flag or the wranglers, are you guys so sure they were trying to be disrespectful? I'm sure the ECHL has rules reguarding player conduct during an anthem. The players on the Ace's are professional and Coach Mac would never alow such conduct. Im sure if they did anything disrespectful, it wasn't on purpose. You guy's can come up with better things to whine about than that can't you?
Vagman, come on. And wrangler fans have'nt said the same things about us. Hey, if I was in your shoes and my team was down 0-3, I would find anything I could to make myself feel better too.
It all comes down to two good hockey teams with two really good coaches at war. Playoff hockey is the best. And It wouldn't be the same for me if we didn't play the Wranglers. Alaways a tough fight and great hockey.
Go Aces!!!!
By LPN4LIFE

5/13/09 at 9:39 a.m.

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Well, "can't we all just get a long". I too don't like all the trash talk and fan, organization and player bashing needs to come to an end.
We, meaning both the Wrangler and Aces fans, are very passionate about our teams, organizations and our mascots. That is something we need to agree on.
I look forward to game # 4, which should prove to be another great game for both teams, may both teams bring the their A game.
Once again, may there be no one hurt.
By LPN4LIFE

5/13/09 at 9:44 a.m.

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I do admit I was apart of the bashing at first, for that I apologize. It serves no purpose.
Things are what they are and will be what they are supposed to be.
Win or loose, I am and always will be a very passionate Wranglers fan.
By Section_213_L

5/13/09 at 9:47 a.m.

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Wasn't at the game last night and our "classless" TV station didn't televise the singing of the anthem so I guess I won't speak on that topic. I will say that despite some atrocious officiating the game was very well played by both teams. That second period was a roller coaster ride from start to finish and both goalies were again fantastic like game 1. It amazes me sometimes how fans on a fan forum like this one can make blanket statements based on isolated incidents. If these two organizations were as terrible as people are saying they wouldn't be consistantly playing hockey at this time of year. It's too bad that a very well played playoff series between two very good teams isn't getting the credit it deserves today because some people can't play nice in the sandbox. The hardest win to get is the last one so I expect a fight from Vegas tomorrow...Go ACES!
By scratch

5/13/09 at 10:04 a.m.

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I wouldn't put too much credence in what one anonymous poster says, vagman. I don't think he speaks for the team or the town. Most Aces fans are pretty good people with a huge passion for the game.

As for this series- I gotta say it looks bleak for the Wranglers but it would be a terrible mistake for Alaska to assume its over. Gulutzan is an exceptional coach and I doubt there is a quitter one on the team. If I was picking a 2nd goaltender for my team (with Lamoureux being first, of course) it would be Fisher. The Wrangler have their backs to the wall and I expect them to to be up for Thursday's game and come out shooting. In my view, we could see some incredible hockey.
By BJohnson

5/13/09 at 10:09 a.m.

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I was referred to in the Anchorage Daily News?! SWEET!

Wranglers Fans: Thanks for your passionate posts on the Sun website, and thanks to Aces fans helping make this a great rivalry.

Gully asks, "How do you eat an elephant?" Keep the faith LVW faithful! The boys know you're there.
By TIO

5/13/09 at 10:43 a.m.

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"I wouldn't put too much credence in what one anonymous poster says, vagman. I don't think he speaks for the team or the town. Most Aces fans are pretty good people with a huge passion for the game."

Ironic coming from another anonymous poster, eh "Scratchman".

I stand by my comments about the Wranglers and most of their fans. I've experienced it first hand on numerous occasions. And, if you truly think I'm alone in that belief, you're more clueless than I originally thought.

But, hey... your town wasn't built on winners. Whiners, maybe... but not winners.
By debistal

5/13/09 at 11:18 a.m.

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You guys who weren't at the game and say you can't believe they would disrespect the fflag or game that way are the ones who need to take the rose colored glasses off. If you didn't see it, you have no idea what you're talking about. There is no question as to where the huge flags (both US & Canadian) are... directly above center ice... and there has never been another team come here and act like they didn't know which way to face, not even the Aces the numerous previous times they've been here. That was deliberate. And I'm sure Winthorpe was right about it being more about turning their backs on the Wranglers than anything else. Fact remains, it was classless.

Now hockey. I agree with all of you out there who are saying they've been tight hard fought games. Both teams are playing well and LVW just haven't found a way to beat the Aces, yet (hopefully)! I can only imagine that Thursdays game will be played with reckless abandoment since it truly is win or go home.

I'm lovin the fact that devoted fanatics are posting here on behalf of their team, whichever one it is.
By SteveSilver (Staff)

5/13/09 at 11:39 a.m.

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Sleep in one day and look what I miss.

I didn't notice anything about the anthem because I was distracted by the Alaska broadcasters talking through it. BUT I do know before Sunday's game that the Aces had some sort of military honors ceremony prior to the opening draw. I do not doubt their patriotism at all.

Puckster, I can't defend most of what Makway does, but both teams have taken a lot of liberties with each other following whistles. Discipline from those actions are up to the officials on ice. Throwing a stick over the glass, however, is cut and dry. There is really nothing to even review. You do something like that and you're suspended. Plain and simple. How can the ECHL justify the Grimaldi suspension now?

BJohnson...welcome aboard. Glad you enjoy the lively discussions over here.
By JLT

5/13/09 at 11:56 a.m.

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Wow... What a game!
You know, I think the complaints about our Alaska Aces are coming from fans with no hope for their Wranglers. A last ditch effort to try and make our Aces look bad...
I know our Alaska Aces would "never" disrespect the US flag intentionally!
As for JP... yeah, if I were a Wrangler fan, I'd want him out of the games too... "What a Goalie!!!"
The only reason I would want the Aces to lose a couple of games to the Wranglers is to bring it back home and win it on my birthday (Tuesday)What a present that would be.
LOL
GO ACES!!!
By Another_Alaskan

5/13/09 at 12:11 p.m.

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I love the Aces/Wranglers Series, so much intensity, so much effort put into the games. If the flags are directly above does it really matter which way the players are facing? Last night was a great game, great goalie work by both net minders. I would like to say, a team that finishes 2nd in any conference final, in this case, either the Aces or Wranglers, and continue to play until mid-May to late May, had one hell of a season. Congrats all around!
By grandpa

5/13/09 at 12:27 p.m.

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WHITE TRASH FANS! SUCK! SUCK! SUCK! Looking for anything to make an issue on. Lose the next one and you can all return to your misery until October. Another CHOKE job when the real chips are down. Quit your crying. The BEST TEAM is WINNING. About your claim of disrespecting the flag. You're idiots. Disrespect is your SUCK calls of everything from Refs to coaches and players. Watch the NHL playoffs and ask yourselves, Do you hear any arenas calling out your idiotic cheers? Your conclusion jumping is a sign of a poor fan base that looks for anything to rant about. Get a life!
By Randolf

5/13/09 at 12:27 p.m.

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There are a few things more important than hockey. Paying respect to the flag during this great country's anthem is one of them. I don't care if they were disrespecting the Wranglers or not. The flag represents our country, its freedoms, its beliefs, and its values that our forefathers, brothers and sisters, sons and daughters, have paid for and are still paying for with thier lives. These freedoms allow us to enjoy the great game of hockey. These freedoms allow us to come on boards such as these and share opinions. There is no excuse for anyone to turn their back on the flag before ANY event regardless of why they are doing it. At least Martin realized the wrong and attempted to make amends for it.
By winthorpe

5/13/09 at 12:42 p.m.

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Nice of you to chime in Stiffy. We all know you're the second coming of Pierre McGuire with your hockey knowledge and pedigree. We get it.
By Randolf

5/13/09 at 1 p.m.

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Section

You should change your name to the "voice of reason". It was a great game last night. As always the officiating was suspect but I've come to accept. If the officials were good they wouldn't be in the ECHL.

Alaska is a great team no doubt about it. They do a great job of getting sticks in passing lanes, blocking shots, and if pucks do get through JP is there to clean up. Very solid.

Last nights game was playoff hockey at its best. Two teams working hard. Two goalies on top of their game. Hope tomorrow provides more of the same.
By SteveSilver (Staff)

5/13/09 at 1:10 p.m.

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Who is this grandpa character ranting about white trash? Pot calling the kettle black, eh?
By winthorpe

5/13/09 at 1:16 p.m.

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Don't you know Steve? That's Stiffy from Stockton Thunder land. He's a hockey expert. We bow to the hockey god.
By vagman

5/13/09 at 1:17 p.m.

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Grandpa, nice talk. I bet your grandkids are so proud. What did you do LAST summer?
By PUCKSTER

5/13/09 at 1:42 p.m.

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Ok no more bashing by me. Both teams have gotten away with all kinds of stuff. Both teams are very good and the hockey is top notch for a double a league. Both teams have their tough guys and trouble makers. I'm just glad Galbraith is on my team now. I hated him when he was with the Steelheads and I love him now. You know a guy is doing his job when you read hate signs about him in the stands. Man, you guys really dont like Galbraith. I dont like Makway. So were even. It's been a great series so far and I dont expect anything less for the remainder. I know Vegas will not quit and will fight to the end just as the Aces would if the situation was reversed. I wouldn't want it any other way. Playoff hockey is the best to watch.
Silver, while I don't agree with you I see your point and grimaldi wasn't the league MVP. Mark it down as "poop happens".
By Another_Alaskan

5/13/09 at 2:51 p.m.

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Actually, after reading Granpa's post a couple of times now, other than his "White Trash" comment it's pretty good. He makes a few valid points ie: "Lose the next one and you can all return to your misery until October. Another CHOKE job when the real chips are down. Quit your crying. The BEST TEAM is WINNING. About your claim of disrespecting the flag. You're idiots. Disrespect is your SUCK calls of everything from Refs to coaches and players. Watch the NHL playoffs and ask yourselves, Do you hear any arenas calling out your idiotic cheers?."

After my first read I thought this guy was a total a-hole, but, if you throw in some punctuation it's not a half bad post. As fans, we can be pretty rude and harsh sometimes with how we treat opponents and refs. We are easy to criticize but I bet if we got on the ice to actually call a game we would have more respect for it.
By ems702

5/14/09 at 7:04 a.m.

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For us being classless fans. I witnessed a wrangler fan buy a round of beers for the aces fans in front of them when aces scored their first goal. Would aces fans do the same.
By scratch

5/14/09 at 9:01 a.m.

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Not all Aces fans consider Wrangler fans classless and hopefully the reverse is true. I enjoy my visits to the Orleans and for the most part, they have indeed been cordial. Now--- when it comes to mascots--- that's a different matter altogether!

Should be a great game tonight. GO ACES!!