MARCH 13, 2011: HOU 6, MTB 3

HOUSTON --- The Houston Aeros scored six times in the third period to take a 6-3 victory over the Manitoba Moose on Sunday at Toyota Center. Robbie Earl’s even-strength goal at 11:34 of the third held up as the game-winner while Aeros captain Jon DiSalvatore registered two goals and an assist.

The six Aeros goals in the third period set a franchise record for goals in one period.

Patrick O’Sullivan chipped in with a goal and an assist while J.M. Daoust and Cody Almond rounded also scored for the Aeros.

The win moved Houston, at least momentarily, into sole possession of first place in the AHL’s West Division playoff race and ensured they will finish the day no lower than second.

The teams combined for eight goals in the third period after the Moose rode Mario Bliznak’s first period tally into the final 20 minutes.

Aeros rookie goalie Matt Hackett made 25 saves, while counterpart Tyler Weiman turned aside 39 shots for Manitoba.

Shawn Weller and Sergei Shirokov joined Bliznak as goal scorers for the Moose.

The Aeros return home on Tuesday night when they host the Milwaukee Admirals at 7:05 p.m.

Call 713-974-7825 (PUCK) for more information on Aeros tickets and other promotions.

BOMB DROPPINGS
Patrick O’Sullivan got back on the score sheet after being held without a point Friday. He has points in 11 of his last 12 contests10-game scoring streak (6-13-19)… Robbie Earl’s goal was his first since Jan. 26. He had assists in four of his last five games (0-6-6) entering Sunday’s action... Drew Bagnall earned his second assist of the season on Cody Almond’s empty-netter. It was his first point since Nov. 14… The Aeros had scored five goals in a period a total of nine times in the history of the franchise, the most recent being Dec. 26, 2002 in a 7-2 win over San Antonio... Nine dogs were adopted at the game through the Houston Humane Society while over 100 dogs and their owners watched today's action as part of the second Chilly's Pet Pals event this season. The first event, in November, saw an equal number of dogs at the game while 12 found new homes.

DECIDING GOAL
Earl (11:34, 3rd)

POWER PLAYS
HOU: 0/4
MTB: 1/3

GOALIES
HOU: Hackett (25/28, W)
MTB: Weiman (39/45, L)

TEAM RECORDS
HOU: 38-25-1-5
MTB: 35-24-1-5

AEROS STARTERS
F – Wellman, DiSalvatore, O’Sullivan
D – Noreau, Bagnall
G - Hackett

AEROS SCRATCHES
Fraser, Penner, Gillies, Lawrence, Kassian, Broda, Cuma

NEXT GAME
March 15 vs. Milwaukee, 7:05 p.m.