IceHogs score five third period goals to beat Aeros 6-1

February 27, 2009 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Houston Aeros News Release


HOUSTON, Texas - The Houston Aeros took a 1-1 tie into the third period but allowed the Rockford IceHogs to tally five unanswered goals for a 6-1 loss at Toyota Center Friday night. The loss snapped Houston's season-high six-game win streak and, combined with a Chicago win, dropped the Aeros (28-22-1-8) to fourth place in the West Division. Houston hits the road to face the Quad City Flames tomorrow night at 7:05 p.m. The contest can be heard on 1070-AM KNTH with Joe O'Donnell calling the play-by-play.

Pascal Pelletier led the way with four points (2 goals, 2 assists) and Corey Crawford stopped 13 of 14 shots for his 18th win of the season for the IceHogs. Paul Albers recorded Houston's lone goal of the contest, his second of the year. Neither team was able to convert on power-play opportunities with Rockford having five chances to Houston's four.

The first period was held scoreless for the second game in a row as each team had one power-play chance they couldn't convert on. Rockford was able to put seven shots on net while the Aeros managed to get only three shots through to IceHogs' netminder Corey Crawford.

Rockford got on the board first only 3:22 into the first frame when Niklas Hjalmarsson potted his third goal of the season only moments after their power play expired for a 1-0 lead. Mike Radja and Evan Brophey set up the opening marker. Houston tied the contest just over halfway into the period when Paul Albers netted his second goal of the season. John Scott earned the lone assist for his second helper and fourth point of the season. The remaining 9:57 of the second period went scoreless for a 1-1 tie heading into the third period. Rockford had three power plays in the period but couldn't convert and Houston wasn't able to capitalize on their two chances.

The IceHogs started the third period off quickly by taking a 2-1 lead only seven seconds in with a Pelletier marker. The goal, assisted by Petri Kontiola and Hjalmarsson, was the fastest goal the Aeros have allowed to start a period in team history. Rockford added to their lead at 7:08 into the final period as Brophey netted his first goal, second point, of the game. Pelletier recorded his second goal of the contest with 6:48 left on the clock, giving the IceHogs a 4-1 lead.

Rockford wasn't finished yet as Tim Brent added his 19th goal of the season which was assisted by Pelletier with 2:33 remaining on the clock. Rockford's Petri Kontiola finished the scoring of the night with 1:51 left in the contest. Pelletier earned his fourth point of the night with an assist and Danny Groulx helped as well. The IceHogs more than doubled Houston's shot output, posting 29 to the Aeros' 13 shots on net.



American Hockey League Stories from February 27, 2009


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