11.9.12
Game Summary - HERE
MONSTERS SNEAK BY HOUSTON AEROS 5-4 IN A SHOOTOUT
Aeros Conclude Home Stand on Sunday at 5:05 p.m. with the Texas Stars at Toyota Center
Houston, TX – The Houston Aeros (5-4-1-2, 13 points) were defeated by the Lake Erie Monsters (8-4-0-0, 16 points) 5-4 in a shootout on Friday night in front of 7,871 fans at Toyota Center. Forward Mike Sgarbossa scored twice in regulation and added another goal in the shootout to pace the Monsters past the Aeros. Houston’s Jason Zucker tied the game with 1:16 remaining in regulation to force overtime and assure the Aeros a point in the standings. Right wing Justin Fontaine scored a goal and set up another, as Houston gained a point for the eighth time in 12 games this season. Lake Erie goalie Sami Aittokallio (4-1-0) stopped 26 of 30 in regulation and all four in the shootout win. Houston goalie Matt Hackett (2-4-2) stopped 27 of 31 in regulation and two of three in the shootout loss. Forwards Chad Rau and Nick Palmieri also scored, as Houston slipped to 2-2-1-2 at home this season. Houston concludes a four-game home stand on Sunday at 5:05 p.m. with the Texas Stars at Toyota Center.
Defenseman Thomas Pock gave Lake Erie a 1-0 lead at 5:17 of the opening period, scoring his third goal of the season. Andrew Agozzino had the lone assist on the game’s first goal. The Monsters made it 2-0 at 9:34, as Mike Sgarbossa tallied his fourth goal of the season. Forwards Luke Walker and Bryan Lerg each picked up an assist on the play. Houston scored its first goal of the night at 15:27, with an unassisted goal by Nick Palmieri, who picked up a loose puck off the Lake Erie end boards and shuffled in his fourth goal of the season for a 2-1 deficit.
Houston pulled even with Lake Erie just 2:08 into the second period. Right wing Justin Fontaine carried the puck into the Monsters zone and lifted a backhander past Sami Aittokallio for his fourth goal of the season. Defensemen Mike Montgomery and Brian Connelly each had an assist on the goal that made it 2-2. Lake Erie regained its lead at 13:35 of the second period as Agozzino scored his sixth goal of the season. Paul Carey and Mark Olver each had an assist on the goal that gave the Monsters a 3-2 lead.
Houston tied the game 3-3 at 7:39 of the third period, as Chad Rau scored his fourth goal of the season, his third in as many nights. Winger Brett Bulmer took away the puck behind the Lake Erie net and slipped it out front for Rau, who connected for his 50th goal all-time with the Aeros. The Monsters took advantage of a power play later in the period. Sgarbossa flipped a rebound over the shoulder of Matt Hackett for his second goal of the night. Lerg and Pock each had assists, as Lake Erie took a 4-3 lead at 13:10. Houston rallied late to tie the game 4-4, as rookie Jason Zucker scored his fourth goal of the season with 1:16 left in regulation, forcing overtime. David McIntyre and Fontaine each had an assist on the game-tying goal.
After a scoreless overtime, the teams skated to a shootout. Lake Erie’s Sgarbossa and Lerg each scored in the shootout for the Monsters. Lake Erie goalie Aittokallio stopped all four Houston attempts for the victory.
The team rounds out its four-game home stand on Sunday, Nov. 11 with the Texas Stars at 5:05 p.m. at Toyota Center. This season, every Sunday home game is a Sunday Family Day. Aeros fans may purchase four tickets, parking and four Aeros gifts starting at $54.
Aeros season tickets start as low as $9 per seat and may be purchased online at Aeros.com by placing a $100 deposit. Once your order is processed, an Aeros ticket representative will contact you to choose your exact seat location, as well as discuss the payment options. Information on season tickets and mini-plans is also available on the team website at www.aeros.com. Groups of 15 or more receive a discount on all tickets, to book your group outing to an Aeros game please call 713-974-PUCK (7825).
-- Houston Aeros --
• BECOME A HOUSTON AEROS SEASON TICKET HOLDER
For more info on season ticket packages call 713-974-PUCK (7825) or visit www.aeros.com.
• HOUSTON AEROS IN THE COMMUNITY
To schedule an Aeros event, Mascot or Aero Dynamics appearance, contact Gabriel Presas, director of creative game presentation and marketing development, at 713-361-7907 or e-mail gpresas@aeros.com. Those interested may also contact Alicia Kouri, marketing and promotions manager, at 713-361-7955 or email akouri@aeros.com.
• HOUSTON AEROS CORPORATE SPONSORSHIPS
To create a customized advertising package for your company contact Joe O’Donnell, director of broadcasting and corporate partnerships, at 713-361-7942 or email at jodonnell@aeros.com.
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