Aeros fall to Stars in second straight shutout, 3-0
February 17, 2008 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Houston Aeros News Release
HOUSTON, Texas - The Iowa Stars recorded their second straight shutout against the Houston Aeros Sunday night by a score of 3-0 in front of 4,865 fans at Toyota Center. The Aeros (27-22-2-3) have been held scoreless for the last 142:41 of game time, approaching the season-high of 161:05 of being shut out. The Stars (26-26-2-2) move back to .500 with the win. All of the teams in the West Division are now .500 or better. Houston's loss coupled with a Milwaukee win slid the Aeros to sixth place in the West.
Brett Wesgarth led the Stars with two points (1-1=2) and goaltender Tobias Stephan stopped all 28 Houston shots in the win. Aeros' net-minder Anton Khudobin stopped 18 of 21 shots faced in his second loss.
The Stars took a 1-0 lead at the 14:09 mark of the first period. Houston had trouble getting the puck out of their zone along the boards, it squirted free to right wing Konstantin Puskarev who moved it forward to defenseman Chris Lee. Chris Conner received the pass from Lee in slot, went to his backhand and directed it under the padding of Aeros' Khudobin.
The second period was held scoreless as both teams recorded seven shots on net. Each team failed to convert on two power-play opportunities a piece.
Iowa extended their lead to 2-0 just 1:13 into the third period when Marius Holtet blasted a shot as he was streaking down the right wing. Khudobin made the initial stick save, but was unable stop Westgarth's rebound that was lifted above his right blocker. Stars LW James Neal added an additional insurance marker at 14:54 in the final frame to finish off the scoring for the game. Westgarth and C Toby Petersen recorded the assists for the 3-0 victory.
The Aeros head to the road again for a four-game trip starting on Friday, February 22nd in Syracuse. They will play three games in three nights in Syracuse, Hamilton and Rochester before ending the trip against the Lake Erie Monsters on February 27th. Houston will play 11 home games in March, so call (713) 974-PUCK or visit AEROS.com to order tickets today.
Notes:
- In honor of USA Hockey Weekend Across America, the Aeros presented David Seto and T.C. Lewis with a Houston Hockey Hero Award during the first intermission. Both gentlemen have been very influential in the growth of amateur hockey in Houston.
- The Aeros did not register a shot on goal in the second period for 12:30. Houston's first shot was at the 7:30 mark of the period.
- The last time the Aeros were shutout in back-to-back games was March 18-19, 2006, both games against the San Antonio Rampage.
- The last time back-to-back shutouts occurred at home was January 8-9, 2004 against Hartford and Worcester.
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