Aeros Power Past Heat 4-1
March 14, 2013 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Houston Aeros News Release
Houston, TX - The Houston Aeros (31-21-4-4, 70 points) defeated the Abbotsford Heat (28-27-3-6, 65 points) 4-1 on Thursday in front of 6,339 fans at Toyota Center. Defenseman Brian Connelly scored two power-play goals and goalie Darcy Kuemper kept the Heat off the scoreboard until the last 14 seconds of the game. Kuemper (11-6-0) stopped 33 of 34 Heat shots, helping Houston pick up points in its fourth straight game (3-0-0-1). Defenseman Paul Mara added two assists, while Jake Dowell and Zack Phillips each scored, helping the Aeros improved to 15-8-2-2 at home this season. Abbotsford goalie Barry Brust (11-14-2) stopped 20 of 20 in the defeat. The Aeros play in San Antonio Friday at 7:30 p.m. at the AT&T Center.
In the first period, Aeros defenseman Brian Connelly broke a scoreless tie with 1:32 left in the opening period. On the power play, center Chad Rau and defenseman Paul Mara worked the puck up to the point for Connelly. The Houston defenseman blasted a shot through traffic and past Abbotsford goalie Barry Brust for his third goal of the season.
Houston added to its lead in the second period, starting with Connelly's second power-power play goal of the night at 7:30 for a 2-0 lead. Mara dropped the puck to the goal line for Justin Fontaine, who snapped a pass to the far side. Connelly ripped the puck into the open net for his fourth goal of the season. The Aeros claimed a 3-0 lead at 14:27 of the middle period off Zack Phillips fourth goal of the year. Leading an offensive rush, Dan DaSilva sprung Johan Larsson into the Abbotsford zone on the right-wing side. Larsson found Phillips on the left wing for a one-timer and a 3-0 Houston lead.
In the third period, Houston made it 4-0 at 16:52 after Jake Dowell blasted a slapshot past Brust. His fourth goal of the year was set up by Mikael Granlund. Abbotsford's Mike Testwuide scored with only 14 seconds left in the game, ending Darcy Kuemper's shutout bid. Defenseman Brady Lamb added the lone assist for the 4-1 final.
Houston will head to San Antonio to meet the Rampage at 7:30 p.m. on Friday. The Aeros return home on Thursday, Mar. 21 to host Charlotte at Toyota Center at 7:05 p.m. The game marks a "Thirsty Thursday", where fans (21 and older) receive a "second drink free coupon" for The Maple Leaf Pub (Smith and Elgin). The first 500 fans to The Maple Leaf Pub after the game will be able to redeem their coupon for their second drink free. After a road game in Oklahoma City on Friday, Mar. 22, Houston will return to Toyota Center on Saturday, Mar. 23 vs. Rochester at 7:05 p.m. The Aeros will celebrate Breast Cancer Awareness Night on Mar. 23. As part of Breast Cancer Awareness Night, the team will hold a silent auction for charity on the concourse.
Information on mini-plans for the remainder of the season is 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).
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American Hockey League Stories from March 14, 2013
- Aeros Hand Heat 4-1 Loss in Houston - Abbotsford Heat
- Aeros Power Past Heat 4-1 - Houston Aeros
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- Morrison Returns to Providence - Providence Bruins
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- Rampage Fall in Shootout to Oklahoma City, 3-2 - San Antonio Rampage
- Heat Edged 4-3 by Stars - Abbotsford Heat
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