When all was said and done, however, Mole's heroics couldn't help the Grizzlies overcome deficiencies in other areas. Aside from Nikiforov and James Sixsmith, just about every Utah forward struggled during the series and could never got going.

And — whether it was because of fatigue or something else — the Grizz compounded those struggles in Game 5 by getting buried in their own end. "We couldn't get it out of our zone at times," said Nikiforov. "They capitalized off our turnovers. Couldn't make that first pass, and guys were just puck watching and not battling as hard at times, including me. It was just tough."

Aces win series, 4-1

ECHL Kelly Cup playoffs

First round

Game 1: Alaska 2, Utah 0

Game 2: Alaska 2, Utah 0

Game 3: Utah 3, Alaska 2 (OT)

Game 4: Alaska 5, Utah 2

Game 5: Alaska 5, Utah 2

E-mail: drasmussen@desnews.com