Griffins outlast Flames in SO

Published on January 24, 2009 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Abbotsford Heat News Release


The Flames wrapped up the first leg of a nine-game road trip with a spectacular goaltenders duel on Saturday in Grand Rapids. After a scoreless regular session, the Griffins escaped with a shootout win by a final of 1-0. Quad City's Matt Keetley was spectacular while turning aside 34 shots. In the Griffins net, Jimmy Howard established a new career high with 43 saves. Cory Emmerton provided the lone goal in the shootout session.

The Flames carried play for the majority of the opening frame en route to outshooting the Griffins 17-9. The shot output by Quad City marked a franchise record for shots on goal in a first period, but the team could not beat Griffins netminder Jimmy Howard. Flames goaltender Matt Keetley held his ground as well as he turned aside every first period shot he faced to keep the game scoreless after 20 minutes.

The second period was highlighted by more outstanding goaltending. Keetley stopped 14 shots in the middle period including a breakaway by Ville Leino and a pair of great chances off the stick of Evan McGrath. Grand Rapids' Howard stopped 16 shots in the middle period, and the Griffins penalty kill denied three Flames power-play opportunites. The game remained scoreless after two periods despite the fact that the teams combined for 56 shots through the opening 40 minutes.

The quantity of chances decreased in the third, but the quality did not. Keetley stopped eight Grand Rapids shots while Howard stopped nine Quad City chances to keep the game scoreless. An overtime power-play for the Griffins also failed to yield the game's first tally, and the teams headed to overtime.

In the shooutout, Howard continued to stymie the Flames as he turned aside all five Quad City shooters. The lone goal of the night came off the stick of Cory Emmerton, who scored in the fourth round of the shootout for the Griffins.

Following the AHL All-Star Break, the Flames continue their road trip in Texas. On Thursday night, the team visits Houston for a 7:05 p.m. face-off with the Aeros. The game can be heard on 93.9 FM WYEC beginning at 6:40 p.m. with The Hayman's Ace Hardware Pre-Game Show. Fans can also watch the game live for just $6.00 at ahllive.com.

The Flames return home on Saturday, January 31st to face the Milwaukee Admirals. Game time is 7:05 p.m. The first 4,000 fans in attendance will receive a poster featuring 2009 AHL All-Star Brett Palin. Tickets are available now at the i wireless Center Box Office, via phone at (563) 326-1111 or on-line at ticketmaster.com. Group rates and ticket packages are available through the Flames Ticket Office at (309) 764-7825. For more information on all Flames event, visit qcflames.com.

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American Hockey League Stories from January 24, 2009


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