View From the Press Box -- Game 7, Aeros vs. Milwaukee

Wow.

I can't really think of much more to say than wow.

Game Seven. On Milwaukee ice. And the Aeros win 5-2.

Just when we give up on the Aeros, they come out and shock you. I truly think tonight's game was the best all-around game that I've seen this team play in the playoffs. They kept their composure most of the night. They kept the mental mistakes and stupid turnovers to a minimum -- Milwaukee's last goal was the fault of the defense just disappearing on Khudobin.

It was one happy group of guys in the locker room after the game. And here's the thing. They didn't look relieved that they won the game -- which is what you might expect from a team that blew a 3-1 series lead to head into a Game Seven. They looked excited. Expectant. They want to see what comes next.

There were three turning points in the game -- if a game the Aeros led all of the way can have three turning points. Number one was Corey Locke's goal to put the Aeros up 1-0. Milwaukee had been dominating the play early -- really banging the guys hard into the boards. But the goal gave the team some confidence. Turning point number two came less than a minute later when Krys Kolanos scored to put the team up 2-0. That took Milwaukee out of their game plan and made them scramble the rest of the night. And turning point number three was the start of the third period. Milwaukee scored just before the end of the second to make the score 3-2 Houston, and it could be said the Admirals had the momentum. But the Aeros shut them down and didn't let Milwaukee get back on the board.

They're going to rest in Milwaukee tonight, bus to Chicago in the morning, then fly to Winnipeg for Game One against the Manitoba Moose on Friday. The Moose will be rested. And they will be waiting. But for what it matters, the Aeros really do seem to have a confidence that they can do anything.

And that's the scene from in Milwaukee. Now I've got interviews to transcribe. And a post for the mothership to write. But I'll be back later tonight.