From: Patrick Armstrong, Director of Communications
713.361.7920 (Direct Line)
Scott Henninger, Communications Manager
713.361.7930 (Direct Line)
Saturday, January 26, 2008

HOUSTON AEROS DROP SECOND STRAIGHT TO RAMPAGE, 3-2

HOUSTON, Texas – The San Antonio Rampage got on the board first and held the lead throughout in the 3-2 win over the Houston Aeros Saturday in front of 9,107 fans at Toyota Center. The Aeros’ (22-18-2-2) loss tied a season-long four-game winless streak heading into the AHL All-Star break. San Antonio (25-13-3-4) continues their month-long road trip by heading to visit Lake Erie.

BOX SCORE

The Aeros were led by left wing Benoit Pouliot scoring two points (one goal, one assist). San Antonio had three players with two points: left wing Matt Murley (1-1=2), right wing Bill Thomas (0-2=2) and left wing Chris Durno (0-2=2). San Antonio goaltender Josh Tordjman stopped 38 of 40 shots on net for a single-game record against. Aeros’ Nolan Schaefer knocked aside 14 of 17 shots faced in the loss. The Aeros finished  one-of-nine on the man-advantage and  the Rampage failed to convert on five chances.

The first period was kept scoreless as the Aeros put 14 shots on net compared to San Antonio’s five. Houston failed to convert on four power-play chances and killed off two Rampage opportunities in the period.

The Rampage got on the board first at 3:18 in the second period as right wing Jon DiSalvatore netted the even-strength goal for the 1-0 lead. Murley and Durno earned the assists. Houston tied the game up at 16:02 in the period when Pouliot snagged a wide open breakaway unassisted goal. 40 seconds after the Aeros’ goal Murley took the San Antonio lead back with Thomas and Durno assisting. The Aeros outshot San Antonio 20-16 through two periods but the Rampage had the 2-1 lead heading into the locker room.

San Antonio began the scoring for the third period as left wing David Carcillo netted what would eventually be the game-winner at 6:52 in the period. Thomas and center Joey Tenute earned the assists. Aeros’ center Adrian Foster slapped in a pass at 12:24 to bring the team back to within one goal on the power-play. Pouliot and defenseman Maxim Noreau earned the helpers.

The Aeros have off until next Friday when they host back-to-back games against the Quad City Flames. Both 7:35 p.m. contests have tickets remaining so call 713.974.PUCK or visit Aeros.com to get yours today! The first 3,000 fans inside Toyota Center on Friday night will receive the 2007-08 players trading cards so don’t be late.

Notes:
- The Aeros are 1-24 on the power-play in the last four games.
- The Aeros fell to 3-1-0-0 when Benoit Pouliot scores a goal at home.
- Houston plays the next five games against Quad City and Rockford. Two games in a row hosting Quad City and the next three on the road. One game in Quad City and two in Rockford.
- The 40 shots on goal is a season high for the Aeros and the 20 shots in the third period is also a season high.

-- HOUSTON AEROS --