Houston falls 2-1 in game 4, face elimination Friday night with 3-1 deficit

Published on April 24, 2008 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Houston Aeros News Release


HOUSTON, Texas -The fourth game of the series remained scoreless until the Rockford IceHogs netted back-to-back goals only 43 seconds apart late in the third period and fought off the Houston Aeros to win 2-1. After falling to the IceHogs in front of 2,552 fans at Toyota Center Thursday night, the Aeros face elimination in Friday's game five at 7:35 p.m. in Houston.

Houston's Marco Rosa netted the team's only goal, an unassisted marker late in the third. IceHogs Petri Kantiola and Kris Versteeg netted their two goals while goaltender Corey Crawford improved his record to 3-1 stopping 30 of 31 shots. Houston's Nolan Schaefer blocked 33 of 35 shots in the loss, falling to 0-2 in the series. Neither team scored on power-plays for the fourth straight game. Houston had three chances to Rockford's five on the man-advantage.

The opening period got started with some hard hitting as Benoit Pouliot and Gavin Morgan each were sent to the box for roughing. In spite of power-plays for both teams the frame was held scoreless. A late Aeros power-play didn't keep the IceHogs from forcing some short-handed pressure on Schaefer but he came up with big saves to bring the first period to a close without score. Houston drew a penalty at 18:50 in the opening period and carried over 50 seconds to start the second but couldn't capitalize.

The second period was kept scoreless marking the second time in four games the teams have been tied 0-0 through two periods. Houston was unsuccessful on their lone power-play in the period and the team killed off two short-handed situations with 2:08 remaining on a John Scott double minor but the IceHogs failed to convert. Rockford out-shot the Aeros 15-11 in the frame.

The game remained tied over half of the final period but the shutout ended with Kantiola breaking the silence for the IceHogs. The goal came at 12:49 in the frame when Kantiola scored on a nice cross ice feed from Derek Nesbitt as he came in late on the play and one timed the puck past Schaefer.

Only 43 seconds after the game's opening goal Versteeg had a one-on-one play and snuck the puck over the top of Schaefer's leg pad to go up 2-0 at 13:32 in the final frame, which proved to be the game winner. Houston's Marco Rosa netted the club's only goal with 3:58 left to play bringing the Aeros within one but that would be it for the game. Rockford's 2-1 win put the Aeros in a 3-1 series deficit.

Houston faces elimination tomorrow night so the team is bound to come out swinging. You don't want to miss the action as the Aeros fight for survival so call 713.974.PUCK today to get your tickets for Game 5!

Three Stars brought to you by the Maple Leaf Pub: #1 - Kris Versteeg #2 - Corey Crawford #3 - Marco Rosa

Notes: - Neither team has had the lead at any intermission in four games. The teams have been tied at all 10 intermissions in the series including overtimes. - The loss puts the Aeros at 3-1 in this series and face elimination Friday night in game 5. Since joining the AHL Houston has a record of 4-4 in games in which they can be eliminated. - This marks the first time in club history that Houston has recorded fewer than two goals four straight playoff games. - Neither team has scored on power-plays the entire series so far. Houston is 0-for-14 and Rockford is 0-for15 in the four games. - Each of the four games have been tied with 10 minutes remaining in the third period.

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American Hockey League Stories from April 24, 2008


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