Aeros Shut Out Griffins in Game 1, Take 1-0 Series Lead
April 26, 2013 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Houston Aeros News Release
Houston, TX - The Houston Aeros (1-0) defeated the Grand Rapids Griffins (0-1) 3-0 in Game One of the Western Conference Quarter Finals on Friday night in front of 4,159 fans at Toyota Center. Houston goalie Darcy Kuemper (1-0) stopped all 36 Griffins shots for the win, leading the Aeros to a 1-0 series lead in the best-of-five series. In his first career pro playoff start, Kuemper stopped 15 shots in the second period and 13 in the third to close out the Griffins. Forward Justin Fontaine had two goals. Defenseman Marco Scandella scored the game-winning goal for Houston. Grand Rapids goalie Petr Mrazek (0-1) had 27 saves in the Griffins' loss. Game Two is scheduled for a 5:05 p.m. faceoff at Toyota Center on Sunday.
After a scoreless first period, Marco Scandella put the Aeros in front 1-0 with a power-play goal at 11:55 of the second period. Center Zack Phillips set up Scandella above the circles, and Aeros defenseman sent a wrist shot past Petr Mrazek for the team's first goal of the playoffs. Erik Haula had the second assist on the opening goal. Justin Fontaine extended the Aeros' lead to 2-0 at 16:52 of the second. Steven Kampfer sent a pass out in front of Fontaine, who had a breakaway from the offensive blueline, slipping a shot past Mrazek through the five hole. Paul Mara had the second assist on the goal.
Fontaine added an empty netter at 18:14 of the third period to up Houston's lead to 3-0. Stephane Veilleux cleared the puck from the defensive blueline past the goal and off the end boards. Fontaine chased after it and sent it from the right circle into the empty net for his second goal of the night. Veilleux and David McIntyre had assists on the goal.
Houston Aeros (6 - Seed) vs. Grand Rapids Griffins (3 - Seed) 1 Grand Rapids 0 at Houston 3 (HOU LEADS SERIES 1-0) 2 Grand Rapids at Houston Sunday, Apr. 28 5:05 PM 3 Houston at Grand Rapids Wednesday, May 1 7:00 PM (ET) 4 Houston at Grand Rapids Friday, May 3 7:00 PM (ET) - X 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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