Houston Aeros earn 4-2 victory with late comeback over Iowa Chops

Published on February 13, 2009 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Houston Aeros News Release


DES MOINES, Iowa - The Iowa Chops took a 2-1 lead late in the first period but allowed the Houston Aeros three goals in less than five minutes late in the third to fall 4-2 Friday night in Wells Fargo Arena. Aeros' netminder Nolan Schaefer stopped 25 shots for his 16th win of the season. The victory put Houston (24-21-1-8) into a three-way tie with Iowa and the Chicago Wolves for third place in the West Division. Iowa and Houston, who are three points behind Rockford, face off again tomorrow night at 7 p.m. in Des Moines.

The Aeros quickly went short handed in the first period when the team was called for too many men, giving the Chops an early advantage with a power-play. However, Aeros' left wing Benoit Pouliot picked up the puck at center ice and, on a breakaway, lifted the puck over David LeNeveu's glove. Iowa answered with a pair of goals in the second half of the opening period. Drew Miller tied the game up with a short-handed goal of his own with 5:44 remaining in the frame. Matt Caruana gave Iowa a 2-1 lead with only 1:07 to play before the intermission, a lead that would stand until 12:22 into the third period.

During the second period each team had one power-play opportunity but neither team was able to convert. Iowa put 12 shots on net to the Aeros' nine which were all knocked aside by Schaefer and LeNeveu respectively.

Iowa retained their 2-1 lead over halfway into the final period but Houston quickly took over after Brandon Rogers tied the contest with 7:38 remaining. John Lammers and Bryan Lundbohm earned the helpers on the even strength marker. Houston took the lead as Marco Rosa crashed the net, Pouliot centered the puck which skipped off Rosa's skate and bounced into the net for the eventual game-winning goal at 16:16 in the period. To ensure a victory, Jesse Schultz netted an insurance marker with only 2:54 in the game. Rogers initially shot the puck which hit the leg of Rosa, sending him to the ice. The puck deflected back to Schultz who sent the puck past a defender and past LeNeveu for the 4-2 lead.

Houston returns home to host the Chicago Wolves on Sunday at 5:05 p.m. in the first of a four-game home stand. For tickets to this divisional contest call (866) GO-AEROS or visit AEROS.com. The Aeros only have 26 games remaining and you don't want to miss the late push for the playoffs!

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American Hockey League Stories from February 13, 2009


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