Aeros Comeback Falls Short, Griffins Take Game 2
April 28, 2013 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Houston Aeros News Release
Houston, TX - The Houston Aeros (1-1) were defeated by the Grand Rapids Griffins (1-1) 3-2 in Game Two of the Western Conference Quarter Finals on Sunday in front of 4,387 fans at Toyota Center. The Griffins built a 3-0 lead early in the third period and held off the Aeros down the stretch to even the best of five series 1-1. Grand Rapids forward Tomas Jurco scored twice and goalie Petr Mrazek (1-1) had 19 saves in the victory. Forward Tomas Tatar also got on the scoreboard, with his first postseason goal. Houston goalie Darcy Kuemper (1-1) stopped 31 Griffins shots in the loss. Aeros forward Justin Fontaine and defenseman Brian Connelly each scored in the loss. Game Three is scheduled for a 6 p.m. (CT) face off at Van Andel Arena on Wednesday in Grand Rapids.
Tomas Tatar gave the Griffins a 1-0 lead at 4:16 of the first period. Off a four-on-two rush, Riley Sheahan set up Tatar between the circles, and Tatar sent a bullet by Darcy Kuemper for the Griffins first goal of the series. Chad Billins had the second assist on the goal.
Grand Rapids extended its lead to 2-0 at 11:02 of the second period off a power-play goal by Tomas Jurco. Defenseman Nathan Paetsch played the puck to the net from the left point and Jurco deflected the shot past Darcy Kuemper. Jurco's first of the playoffs was also assisted by Landon Ferraro for the two-goal lead.
Grand Rapids upped its lead to 3-0 at 14:06 of the third period, as Jurco wrapped a shot inside the near post for his second goal of the night. Jan Mursak and Luke Glendening had assists on the goal. Justin Fontaine cut the lead to 3-1 at 15:33 in the third on a rebound. Brian Connelly's shot was deflected by Chad Rau, and Fontaine was there for his third goal of the playoffs. Houston pulled within a goal in the last minute, as Connelly fired a shot through traffic and into the Griffins net with 23 seconds remaining in regulation. Mikael Granlund and Fontaine each had an assist as the Aeros trimmed the deficit to 3-2.
Houston Aeros (6 - Seed) vs. Grand Rapids Griffins (3 - Seed)
1 Grand Rapids 0 at Houston 3
2 Grand Rapids 3 at Houston 2 (SERIES TIED 1-1)
3 Houston at Grand Rapids Wednesday, May 1 7:00 PM (ET)
4 Houston at Grand Rapids Friday, May 3 7:00 PM (ET)
5 Houston at Grand Rapids Saturday, May 4 7:00 PM (ET) - X
X If Necessary
Tickets can be purchased at aeros.com, the Toyota Center Box Office and select area Randalls locations. Fans may call 1-866-GO-AEROS or 713-974-PUCK for Full Playoff Packages or to book a group night.
Calder Cup Playoff ticket information is available on www.aeros.com . Groups of 15 or more receive a discount on all tickets, to book your group outing to an Aeros Calder Cup Playoff game please call 713-974-PUCK (7825).
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