Griffins Sneak Past Aeros 3-2
March 29, 2013 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Houston Aeros News Release
Houston, TX - The Houston Aeros (33-23-5-5, 76 points) were defeated by the Grand Rapids Griffins (38-22-3-3, 82 points) 3-2 on Friday night in front of 7,621 fans at Toyota Center. Defenseman Chad Billins tipped in a rebound with 2:01 remaining in regulation, ending a 2-2 tie and giving the Griffins the win. Former Aero Jeff Hoggan scored twice and forward Jan Mursak added three assists, helping Grand Rapids improve to 18-12-1-1 on the road this season. Houston forwards Nick Petersen and Chad Rau each scored in the defeat, which ended the team's four-game points streak (2-0-1-1). Grand Rapids goalie Tom McCollum (16-10-1) stopped 27 of 29 Aeros shots for the win. Houston goalie Cody Reichard (1-1-1) stopped a career high of 33 in defeat. The Aeros host Grand Rapids on Tuesday at 7:05 p.m. at Toyota Center.
The two teams got off to a quick start, combining for three goals in the first 5:48 of the game. The Griffins opened the scoring 29 seconds into the first period. Former Aero Jeff Hoggan scored off a feed from Tristan Grant for the 1-0 lead. Hoggan's 16th of the year was also assisted by Luke Glendening. Houston countered with a pair of goals in 19 seconds. With his team's first power play of the night, Chad Rau tied the game 1-1 by putting in a pass from Justin Fontaine at 5:29. Johan Larsson helped set up Rau's 11th goal of the season. Houston claimed its first lead of the night at 2-1 after Nick Petersen struck at 5:48. Right wing Jason Zucker set up the play with a pass from behind the net. Defenseman Paul Mara also added a helper on Petersen's fifth goal of the season. Grand Rapids tied the game 2-2 just over two minutes later. Hoggan charged the crease and found a rebound for his second of the night and 17th goal of the year. Jan Mursak and Glendening each had an assist on the Griffins second tally of the night at 7:49 of the first period.
After a scoreless second period, Grand Rapids defenseman Chad Billins tipped in a loose rebound in the Aeros crease. His eighth goal of the year broke a 2-2 tie and pushed the Griffins in front 3-2 with 2:01 left in regulation. Hoggan and Mursak each had an assist on the game-winning goal.
Houston continues a ten-game home stand at Toyota Center on Tuesday, Mar. 29 at 7:05 p.m. against Grand Rapids. The Aeros remain at Toyota Center on Thursday to host San Antonio 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. Friday night, the Aeros welcome the Chicago Wolves at 7:05 p.m. The game is presented by Houston Eye Associates. The first 3,500 patrons will be given an Aeros magnetic picture frame, compliments of Houston Eye Associates.
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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