Moose drop double-overtime decision to Aeros

Published on May 22, 2009 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Manitoba Moose News Release


Despite a three-goal rush in the third period to force overtime, the Manitoba Moose dropped a 4-3 decision in double-overtime to the Houston Aeros on Friday night. For the second consecutive night the game was decided in overtime and the Aeros staved off elimination to force Game 6 in Manitoba on Monday night. Michael Grabner notched the opening Moose goal while Jason Krog and Mark Cullen each scored in the final 20-seconds of the third period. Both Cory Schneider and Curtis Sanford saw ice-time in the loss.

A bench minor for too many men on the ice was handed to Manitoba at 1:24, putting Houston on the opening powerplay. In the early minutes of the man-advantage, the Aeros planted themselves in the Moose zone and fired two shots on net. On their third attempt, Maxim Noreau wristed a shot from the point and the puck stumbled by Cory Schneider, 1-0.

At 4:22 Robbie Earl carried the puck over the blue line and fired a shot on net. Schneider stopped his attempt, but Tony Hrkac chipped in the rebound for a 2-0 lead.

The second period saw continuous play for almost 12 minutes with the puck earning equal time on either side of the ice. At 17:34 Matt Beaudoin brought the non-stop play to an end. On the receiving end of John Lammers cross-ice pass, Beaudoin caught Schneider on his back and notched the third answered goal of the night.

The Moose swapped goaltenders in the third period putting Curtis Sanford between the pipes for the first time this postseason.

Manitoba benefited from their first powerplay 30 seconds into the final frame. With one-second left on the man-advantage Michael Grabner wristed a left circle shot to break Manitoba's goose-egg 3-1.

With Krys Kolanos sitting out for hooking, the Moose earned their second five-on-four at 18:35. A minute into the powerplay, Jason Krog earned his seventh of the postseason with 22 seconds left to play.

The clock was ticking down and the Moose were testing Climie with multiple last minute attempts. With two seconds left in Game 5, Mark Cullen slammed the puck into the mesh to tie the game at three and force overtime.

Overtime

Neither team was able to score in the first 20 minute overtime frame, but the Moose led in shots 47-39 after the extra period.

4:19 into double overtime, Tony Hrkac forced Game 6 when he wired the puck over Sanford's shoulder for a 4-3 victory.

LOOKING AHEAD

The Moose and Aeros head back to Manitoba for Game 6 at the MTS Centre on Monday night.

NEXT GAME

Monday, May 25, 2009 - 7:30 p.m. @ MTS Centre

(7:30pm on CJOB Radio with Brian Munz)

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American Hockey League Stories from May 22, 2009


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