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Moose grounded by Aeros in OT

May 20, 2009 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Manitoba Moose News Release


Tensions were high in Game 4 of the Western Conference Final between the Manitoba Moose and Houston Aeros, especially when the hard-fought battle headed to overtime. But only two minutes into the extra period, Aeros sniper Matt Beaudoin fired the game-winner past Cory Schneider to force Game 5 with a 5-4 victory. This loss breaks Manitoba's 10-game postseason winning streak and puts the series at 3-1.

In a do or die situation, the Aeros flew out of the gates hungry for a win and their appetite earned them the first goal. A mere 1:26 into the game, Corey Locke wired the puck from inside the red circle and into the mesh for an early 1-0 lead.

At 7:10 the Moose responded. Jason Krog wrapped around the net and slide the bullet to Mike Keane. The Captain snuck the puck through Anton Khudobin's five-hole to open the scoring for the second night in a row.

Houston's powerplay unit made their debut at 8:15 when Zack FitzGerald was put away for boarding. During the man-advantage, Manitoba had an odd-man-rush and Mike Keane notched his second of the night, shorthanded, to give the Moose a 2-1 lead.

At 13:58 of the second period, Houston closed the gap. With help from John Lammers and Corey Locke, Robbie Earl cracked Schneider on his glove side for a 2-2 score.

It only took the Moose 25 seconds into the final frame to regain the lead as Jason Krog netted his sixth of the postseason to put the visitors back on top, 3-2.

10:59 in the third period, Houston got their second powerplay opportunity when Mike Keane was forced to sit out for interference. Manitoba's penalty killers, first overall in the league, ensured the Aeros wouldn't find the back of the net before the two-minutes expired.

Five-on-five hockey paid off the home team at 13:34. Matt Beaudoin slapped the puck past Schneider to even the game at three. Less than a minute later, the Aeros did it again. After Beaudoin was denied on his initial shot, Tony Hrkac slapped the rebound into the open net for a 4-3 tally.

After Houston gave up the puck in the middle zone, Guillaume Desbiens carried the puck to the net, but his shot was denied by Khudobin. Mario Bliznak picked up the rebound, wrapped it around the net and stuffed it in to tie things right back up at four goals a piece.

As the clock ticked down, the Aeros and Moose were forced into overtime to decide the winner.

The Aeros traded goaltenders heading into extra time, putting Nolan Schaefer between the pipes. 2:01 into overtime, the Aeros placed themselves firmly in the Moose zone. With two players in front of Schneider's net, Matt Beaudoin notched his seventh of the playoffs to force Game 5 on Friday night with a 5-4 overtime victory.

LOOKING AHEAD

Houston hosts Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals at the Toyota Centre on Friday night.

NEXT GAME

Friday, May 22, 2009 - 7:35 p.m. @ Toyota Centre

(7:35pm on CJOB Radio with Brian Munz)

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American Hockey League Stories from May 20, 2009


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