From: Patrick Armstrong, Director of Communications
713.361.7920 (Direct Line)
Scott Henninger, Communications Manager
713.361.7930 (Direct Line)
January 30, 2009
AEROS RALLY FROM TWO-GOAL DEFICIT
TO TAKE 3-2 VICTORY OVER BINGHAMTON
HOUSTON, Texas – The Houston Aeros went down 2-0 after the first period but scored three unanswered goals, including two in the third period, to earn a 3-2 victory over the Binghamton Senators Friday night in front of a season-high 11,838 fans at Toyota Center. The Aeros (22-19-1-7) stand at third in the tight West Division, trailing Rockford by only two points, and lead sixth-place Chicago by three.
GAMESHEET
The Senators, who lead the American Hockey League (AHL) in power-play percentage, took advantage of their first man-advantage with Zack Smith netting the opening goal at 9:36 in the first period. Ryan Shannon and Ilya Zubov each earned assists on the marker. Only 1:51 later, Greg Mauldin gave Binghamton a 2-0 lead after a scrum in front of Aeros’ netminder Nolan Schaefer. The Aeros weren’t able to convert on any of their three power-play chances in the period and were out shot 11 to 5 as they trailed by two heading into the first intermission.
In his first game back with the Aeros, Krys Kolanos snapped the club’s scoreless streak that lasted over four periods of play with a man-advantage marker three minutes into the second period. Corey Locke and Morten Madsen each assisted on the goal that brought Houston within one. Houston out-shot Binghamton 13-7 in the middle frame to tie the overall shots at 18 apiece through 40 minutes of play.
Just 2:44 after the final intermission Locke netted an even-strength goal to tie the contest at 2-2. Benoit Pouliot and Clayton Stoner each earned assists after Pouliot threaded the needle through defenders with his pass to Locke. Houston kept the pressure on Martin Gerber with 11 total shots in the period including the game winner from Brandon Rogers at 14:56 in the final period. Rogers received a pass near center ice from Pouliot and after just crossing the blue line he slapped the shot on net past two defenders. The shot hit Gerber in the shoulder, bounced over and slowly trickled past the goal line as the goaltender sprawled backwards attempting for the save. Rogers’ goal was his first game winner and first since December 19.
The Aeros hit the road tonight en route to Chicago to face the Wolves in a 7 p.m. at Allstate Arena. Houston is on a five-game winning streak against the Wolves dating back to last season so tune in to Joe O’Donnell on 1070-AM KNTH as the Aeros attempt to extend that streak to six straight games!
Notes:
- Aeros’ LW Jason Ryznar is the only player remaining on the roster to have played in every game (49). RW Danny Irmen was the only other player on the roster to have played in every game, however he did not play tonight due to injury.
- Brandon Rogers netted his second goal of the season and first game-winner late in the third period. His first goal of the season was also in the third period on December 19 when Houston won 4-3 in a shootout after scoring all-three regulation goals in the third.
- Benoit Pouliot tallied two assists in the game for his first two-point game with the Aeros this season.
- Corey Locke recorded a goal and an assist in the game for his 14th multiple point game of the season. Houston is now 9-0-0-2 when he records two points and 11-1-0-2 when he tallies multiple points.
-- HOUSTON AEROS: 15 Seasons, One Reason -- |
