Houston Evens Series With 2-0 Shutout
April 17, 2009 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Peoria Rivermen News Release
PEORIA, Ill. (April 17, 2009) - After an unexpectedly offensive series opener on Wednesday night, the Peoria Rivermen and Houston Aeros skated in defensive battle that ended in a 2-0 Houston win on Friday night at Carver Arena. Anton Khudobin helped even the series at one win a piece as the 22-year-old netminder made 30 saves in the shutout as the series now shifts to Houston for game three on Saturday night.
Peter Olvecky lit the lamp with only nine seconds remaining in the first period to give Houston its first lead of the series. The left-winger bested Justin Fletcher and then Manny Legace on the close shot with both Jesse Schultz and Marco Rosa notching assists on the play.
At the 11:50 mark of the second period, Krys Kolanos, who registered a goal and an assist in Wednesday's loss, found himself leading a three-on-none breakaway charge toward the Rivermen net. Kolanos skated in deep, fanning on his initial shot, but Legace was ready for his second attempt and stonewalled the Aeros' effort at increasing their lead. Legace made 26 saves in the loss.
The Aeros eventually doubled their lead at the 8:45 mark of the third period when a streaking Olvecky jetted out of the penalty box to create a three-on-two rush with Benoit Pouliot and Danny Irmen. Pouliot hit Olvecky with a pass in the left circle and Olvecky pushed the puck to Irmen in the slot for the one-timer.
Peoria head coach Davis Payne pulled Legace in the waning moments of the game, but Khudobin survived the Rivermen's late flurry of shot attempts and finished with 13 saves in the final period. Khudobin did not record a shutout in 10 AHL games during the regular season.
Only four penalties were called in the contest. Houston played at even strength or shorthanded the entire night, and the Rivermen finished 0-for-2 on the power play.
The Rivermen will look to regain their series lead as they head to Houston for Saturday's third game of the series at 7:35 p.m. The game will have a live radio broadcast available on Hippie 101.1FM as well as www.rivermen.net.
• Discuss this story on the American Hockey League message board...
American Hockey League Stories from April 17, 2009
- Sound Tigers rally falls short as Wilkes-Barre/Scranton takes 1-0 lead in the series - Bridgeport Islanders
- Griffins Take Game One at Hamilton, 4-3 - Grand Rapids Griffins
- Houston Evens Series With 2-0 Shutout - Peoria Rivermen
- Houston Aeros tie series with 2-0 shutout at Peoria - Houston Aeros
- Moose mash Marlies to tie series - Manitoba Moose
- Bulldogs drop game one to Griffins, 4-3 - Hamilton Bulldogs
- Penguins take series lead with 3-2 win - Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins
- Providence Takes Game Two, Series Tied 1-1 - Portland Pirates
- P-Bruins Defeat Pirates 2-1 to Even Series at One - Providence Bruins
- Houston Aeros to honor fallen firefighters at Saturday's Game three - Houston Aeros
- Jamar Rogers to Sing Anthem at Saturday's Admirals Game - Milwaukee Admirals
- Aeros look to even West Division Semifinal series tonight at Peoria - Houston Aeros
- AHL Morning Skate - AHL
- Former Amerks Players And Coaches In The Quest For The Stanley Cup - Rochester Americans
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
