The Alaska Aces have the Stockton Thunder on the ropes after tonight's 4-2 win in California.

The Aces own a 3-1 advantage in the best-of-7 series entering Saturday night's Game 5 in Stockton.

Alaska never led tonight until Steve Ward's power-play goal with less than six minutes to go gave it a 3-2 edge. Nick Mazzolini, who furnished a dazzling assist on Ryan Cruthers' game-tying goal late in the second period, sealed victory with an empty-net goal.

The Aces also received a goal from defenseman Tyson Marsh and 19 saves from Gerald Coleman.

Should Stockton win Game 6, Game 6 would be Tuesday night in Anchorage. If necessary Game 7 would be Wednesday night in Anchorage.

The Aces have won consecutive road games for the first time since March 17 and 23, when the picked up regular-season wins at Colorado and Ontario.

Alaska improved to 4-4-1 at Stockton Arena this season.