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Houston Aeros' Comeback Falls Short in 4-2 Loss To San Antonio

December 26, 2009 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Houston Aeros News Release


HOUSTON - RW Matt Watkins registered four points (2-2=4) for the San Antonio Rampage (12-15-3-1) and the Houston Aeros (16-14-2-1) could not overcome a first period three-goal deficit in a 4-2 loss in front of 6,323 at Toyota Center on Saturday. RW Jon DiSalavatore and D Maxim Noreau scored for Houston and G Barry Brust (0-1-0) made his season debut, stopping 17 shots in the loss. G Anton Khudobin stopped one of three shots in 6:06 before being replaced by Brust in the first period. G Justin Pogge (3-2-0) saved 24 of 26 to get the victory.

The Aeros dug themselves a deep hole in the opening session. Rampage LW Brett MacLean scored his 13th of the year and sixth against the Aeros at 5:55. San Antonio stretched the lead to 2-0 11 seconds later off the stick of C Kyle Turris. Khudobin would exit the game in favor of Brust immediately following the Turris goal, Brust's first appearance since April 10, 2009 vs. San Antonio. The Rampage took a 3-0 lead at the 9:09 mark when Brust fell victim to an unfortunate bounce off the end glass. Stranded behind his own net, he could only watch as Watkins found the wide open net. The three San Antonio goals marks the first time the Aeros have given up as many markers in an opening frame this season.

The Aeros made it a game with two unanswered goals in the second period. DiSalvatore stormed into the Rampage zone on a short handed breakaway and beat Pogge off his own rebound at 1:44. Noreau continued his hot streak with a left point bid at 16:00 to cut the San Antonio lead to a goal; forwards Danny Irmen and Duncan Milroy were credited with helpers. Noreau has registered a point in 11 of his last 13 games (6-6=12).

Houston had a couple early power plays to open the third period, but squandered both chances. Brust was pulled for the extra attacker with 1:35 to go and Watkins sealed the win with an empty-netter 35 seconds later; the first empty net goal for the Rampage this season.

The Aeros went 0-for-4 on the man advantage while holding the Rampage scoreless on three power play opportunities. Houston outshot San Antonio 26-22 for the game after being outshot 9-5 in the first period. The Rampage entered the game tonight having given up only one first period goal this season to San Antonio before their three-goal opening session.

The Aeros return to Toyota Center on Monday to take on the Syracuse Crunch. Game time is 7:05 p.m. for Guns N' Hoses Night at the arena where the Aeros pay tribute to Houston area police officers and fire fighters. For tickets call 713.974.PUCK (7825). Watch the game live on ahllive.com or listen on 1070 AM-KNTH. Follow the in-game blog at zamchron.com.



American Hockey League Stories from December 26, 2009


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