From: Patrick Armstrong, Director of Communications
713.361.7920 (Direct Line)
Scott Henninger, Communications Manager
713.361.7930 (Direct Line)
Saturday, April 20, 2008

BRUST BACKSTOPS AEROS TO 1-0 DOUBLE OVERTIME VICTORY OVER ROCKFORD, TIES SERIES 1-1

ROCKFORD, Ill. – The Houston Aeros’ goaltender Barry Brust blocked all 30 shots faced in 1-0 double-overtime victory over the Rockford IceHogs. The game was only the seventh playoff game in league history that entered overtime 0-0 and finished as the longest such game with a total length of 86:57. The West Division Semifinal series is now tied at 1-1 with the next three games in Houston starting Tuesday night.

Box Score

Rockford controlled the early part of the game but Houston settled in and earned two penalties in the first seven minutes, both by Jerramie Dommish totaling seven minutes. The Aeros, however didn’t convert on any of their five power-play chances throughout the contest. Brust made dramatic saves throughout the contest including 25 seconds of five-on-three play and a breakaway by Kris Versteeg late in the first period.

The second period was tightly contested with a couple of great opportunities for either team. Houston’s golden chance had a wide open net but the puck was tipped wide by a defenseman stick as Rockford net-minder Corey Crawford was sprawled out after the initial shot. Crawford stopped 37 of the Aeros 38 shots in the contest including all 11 in the second frame.

The final regulation period had only three penalties called with Houston recording seven shots to the IceHogs’ six ending regulation time with a 0-0 tie. The first 20 minute overtime period had each team on the power-play just once with a total of five penalties called. Brust, again had to make a diving poke-check to prevent the game from ending at 9:12 in the extra frame when Rockford stole the puck in the Aeros offensive zone ending with big breakaway chance.

As the game extended into the second overtime period a 2-on-1 Aeros’ breakaway headed towards the IceHogs’ net which ended with Ryan Jones shooting the puck hard into Crawford. The puck trickled behind him and in for the game-winning goal coming at 6:57 in the second overtime marking the longest 1-0 game in league history. Danny Irmen set up the play and earned the assist along with Serge Payer.

Home ice tilts to Houston for the next three games now that game five is guaranteed for Friday night. The Aeros and IceHogs will meet on Tuesday, April 22nd in game three of the West Division Semifinals. Special packages and group tickets are available through AEROS.com or by calling 713.974.PUCK. Come cheer on the Aeros as they “Skate to the Finish” in the 2008 Calder Cup Playoffs.

Notes:
- Saturday’s game marked only the seventh time in league history that a playoff game has entered overtime with a 0-0 tie. The game is also the longest 1-0 game in AHL playoff history lasting 26:57 into overtime.
- Houston’s losing streak was at five in playoff games but ended with the 1-0 victory.
- The Aeros overall record in game two of Calder Cup opening rounds improved to 4-2.
- Houston is 13-10 all-time in playoff overtime games include IHL playoffs.
- The game marked only the fifth time in Aeros post-season history that the final score has been 1-0, and the second such game decided in overtime. The Aeros are now 3-2 in 1-0 playoff games.

-- HOUSTON AEROS --