From: Patrick Armstrong, Director of Communications
713.361.7920 (Direct Line)
Scott Henninger, Communications Manager
713.361.7930 (Direct Line)
January 16, 2009
HOUSTON AEROS HOLD ON FOR 3-2 SHOOTOUT WIN OVER TORONTO
HOUSTON, Texas – The Houston Aeros faced a 2-1 deficit heading into the third period but came back and won the contest 3-2 in a shootout. Houston goaltender Nolan Schaefer stopped 35 of 37 shots in the game plus all three in the shootout. The win moved Houston (19-17-1-7) into a three-way tie for third place in the West Division and only one point out of second.
GAMESHEET
The Aeros scored on their first power play attempt of the game on Matt Beaudoin’s third goal in as many games. Beaudoin received a pass from Corey Locke from behind the net and stuffed it in for his third American Hockey League goal. The Marlies brought pressure following the Aeros goal and finished with 13 shots on net in the period, but Schaefer was up to the task blocking every shot. Houston took the 1-0 lead into the intermission and although the Marlies held the edge in shots 13-5.
Toronto made their charge in the second period as they put 11 shots on net with two finding their way past Schaefer for a 2-1 lead. Boyd Devereaux tied the game 1-1 when he tallied an unassisted, even-strength marker, his sixth of the season, at the 12:35 mark of the second period. Mark Bell followed with his ninth goal of the season, on a power play, just over two minutes later at 14:51 of the frame. His goal was assisted by Staffan Kronwall and Juha Uotila for the 2-1 lead heading into the intermission.
Ryan Hamilton tied the game for the Aeros which forced the eventual overtime and shootout. Hamilton’s power-play goal came at 6:35 in the third period and was assisted by Jesse Schultz and Brandon Rogers after the trio sent the puck from one side of the net to the other. Both teams put 11 shots on net in the period as Toronto finished regulation with 35 shots to the Aeros’ 19.
The Marlies earned a minute of 4-on-3 power-play in overtime and controlled the puck for the majority of time but only managed two shots on net. Houston also managed two shots on goal as well but neither team scored to force the Aeros’ tenth shootout of the season.
Houston missed their first shootout attempt but followed with three consecutive goals from Locke, Morten Madsen and Beaudoin. Schaefer blocked all three attempts by the Marlies for the 3-2 win and two points in the standings.
The Aeros will host the Lake Erie Monsters at Toyota Center at 5:05 p.m. CST this Sunday, January 18. The team will also be celebrating Chilly’s 13th birthday party and Chillypalooza. Chilly’s mascot friends, Clutch from the Rockets, Junction Jack from the Astros, Toro from the Texans, Shasta from the University of Houston, Bucee and other mascots from around Houston will be at Toyota Center to help celebrate.
Notes:
- Streaks: Matt Beaudoin’s first period goal extended his goal scoring streak to three games. He as one goal in each of those games and they are his first three goals in his AHL career. Morten Madsen’s assist on the Beaudoin goal marked his third assist in as many games and fourth in the past five games since returning from injury.
- Houston recorded three successful attempts in the shootout, the most in all ten shootout appearances this season.
- Aeros’ goaltender Nolan Schaefer blocked all three shots faced in the shootout, the fourth time this season Houston has blocked three or more attempts. The Aeros are 3-1 when stopping three or more shootout attempts.
- Houston is now 4-11-0-3 when trailing after two periods.
-- HOUSTON AEROS: 15 Seasons, One Reason -- |
