Wranglers take 2-1 series lead with win over Alaska

By Ed Hauth

Monday, April 30, 2012 | 9:11 a.m.

In a back-and-forth game, Wranglers center Eric Lampe scored his second overtime goal of the postseason Sunday in Anchorage to give Las Vegas a 3-2 victory over Alaska in Game 3 of the Western Conference finals.

With the win, the Wranglers gain a 2-1 series lead over the top-seeded Aces in the best-of-seven series.

In a game they never trailed, the Wranglers took the opening lead of the game on a Jeff May power-play goal at the 5:01 mark of the first period. May handled a pass from Lampe and fired the puck past Aces goalie Gerald Coleman for his second goal of the postseason.

The Aces countered with a Kane Lafranchise power-play goal exactly four minutes later to even the score. Ryan Cruthers and Garry Nunn were credited with assists on the goal.

Las Vegas regained the lead at the 9:25 mark of the second period as Judd Blackwater controlled a puck from Adam Miller and beat Coleman for the go-ahead score.

The Aces tied the game on a Scott Howes goal midway through the third period. Brock Shelgren and Wes Goldie were awarded assists.

The Wranglers put the Aces away early in overtime as Lampe scored at the 3:11 mark of the extra frame. With assists from Blackwater and defenseman Barry Goers, Lampe scored on Coleman for his fourth goal of the Kelly Cup Playoffs.

Stars of the game: 1. Eric Lampe (1 goal, 1 assist); 2. Judd Blackwater (1 goal, 2 assists); 3. Joe Fallon (29 saves).

Next up: The Wranglers return to the ice at 8:15 p.m. Tuesday at Sullivan Arena for Game 4 of the Western Conference finals. In the 2-4-1 series format, the Wranglers would be guaranteed another home playoff game at the Orleans Arena with a win.