Aeros Win Game 2 In OT

HOUSTON --- Carson McMillan scored the game-winning goal in overtime to give the Houston Aeros a 3-2 win over the Peoria Rivermen in Game 2 of American Hockey League’s West Division Semifinals on Friday night at Toyota Center.

McMillan broke a 2-2 deadlock at the 11:34 mark of overtime to give the Aeros a 2-0 series lead in the best-of-seven series as Houston outshot Peoria for the second consecutive game, 46-34, while Aeros goalie Matt Hackett recorded 32 saves.

Peoria’s Anthony Peluso scored an unassisted goal at 10:10 of the first period to put the Rivermen up 1-0 for the second straight game, but Houston’s Jarod Palmer answered quickly to knot the score just 14 seconds later.

The Rivermen pulled ahead on Adam Cracknell’s power play tally, his second goal of the playoffs, at 7:12 of the middle period. The Aeros responded briskly again, this time 1:32 later, when Chad Rau fired home a power play goal.

The series shifts to Peoria for Games 3, 4 and 5 starting Monday at 7:05 p.m. Games 6 and 7 will be at Toyota Center, if necessary, on Friday, April 22 and Sunday, April 24. Call 713-974-7825 (PUCK) for more information on Aeros tickets and other promotions.

BOMB DROPPINGS
The Rivermen scored first for the second time in a row… The Aeros improved to 4-0 all-time in overtime playoff contests versus Peoria… Houston is now 10-3 overall against the Rivermen in the postseason with a 6-1 home ice record… The Aeros are 5-1 when winning the first two games of a playoff series.

AEROS STARTERS
F – Almond, DiSalvatore, O’Sullivan
D – Penner, Noreau
G - Hackett

AEROS SCRATCHES
Fraser, Scandella, Lofquist, Foucault, Campbell, Fredheim, Morency, Buck, Broda, Cuma, Daoust

NEXT GAME
West Division Semifinal Game C
April 18 at Peoria, 7:05 p.m.

DECIDING GOAL
McMillan (11:34, OT)

POWER PLAYS
HOU: 1/6
PEO: 1/5

GOALIES
HOU: Hackett (32/34, W)
PEO: Allen (43/46, L)

SERIES
HOU leads 2-0 (Best-of-7)