Sorry, I've got almost zero time -- these 11 hour work days on the temp job are wiping me out.
Anyway, just a few notes. Wade Dubielewicz is probably on his way up to Dallas tomorrow to back up Josh Harding because of illness to Niklas Backstrom. At least that seemed to be the gist that came from Andrew's discussions with the Minnesota goalie coach, who was in attendance.
The star of the night, for the Aeros, was probably Continental Airlines. Dubielewicz flew from San Jose to Houston on Sunday in first class because that was the only seat available on the plane, and that allowed him to get some sleep.
The Aeros got the 3-1 win over Abbotsford in a game that Kevin Constantine said wasn't close to perfect, but which saw them play good hockey for 40 minutes and then be bailed out by Dubielewicz as they were outshot 14-1 in the third. But a win is a win for this team, especially since, with only 30 games left, they don't have many chances left.
Both Dubielewicz and Constantine stressed afterwards that the team needs to have a 10-game segment soon where they go 7-3 or 8-2. Constantine said the team is generally 5-4-1 or 6-4 or 5-5 on their 10 game segments, and that this would be good enough for the playoffs in most divisions. But in the West, it's barely good enough for fifth place.
I'll have more in the mothership tomorrow -- hopefully Andrew or Heather will link the story to the blog as the temp job people kind of frown on the whole blogging on company time thing. And I'm sure Andrew will follow this with some more notes of his own. I'm sorry if I let you down, I know I usually give out lot more detailed stories, but I really need to get some sleep.
Hopefully, I'll see you on Wednesday as the Aeros take on Peoria at Toyota Center.
Monday, February 1, 2010
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Pics from the Miracle and (grumble) roster moves
Updates first: Dubielewicz has been sent down to Houston, which means Brusty has also been sent back to ECHL Florida. And the Aeros have recalled Brandon Buck from Florida. Guess I'm a Blades fan again. Awesome. *sigh*
Here's kind of a funny account of the game last night from a blogger in Peoria.
And here's the photos, all courtesy of Chris "Leadfoot" Jerina:
Disco Dobby
Here's a cool series of shots showing the 5th goal that was inches from happening, which Chris and Andrew both mentioned, and rookie Carson McMillan saved.
You can see the puck start on top of Anton's leg...
Then it falls off. Uh oh. Reach back Anton. REACH!
Never mind, Anton. Mac Attack's got this...
Clear it, Falker. Clear it!
Phew!
----------------
The uprising begins...
Photos like this are why people think goalies are crazy. Noreau winds up a bomb.
I hate when some asshole skater sprays me in the face with snow, but man, it makes an awfully cool picture.
Anyway, thanks again to Chris for these fantastic shots. Here's the rest of them for your perusal.
Here's kind of a funny account of the game last night from a blogger in Peoria.
And here's the photos, all courtesy of Chris "Leadfoot" Jerina:
Disco DobbyHere's a cool series of shots showing the 5th goal that was inches from happening, which Chris and Andrew both mentioned, and rookie Carson McMillan saved.
You can see the puck start on top of Anton's leg...
Then it falls off. Uh oh. Reach back Anton. REACH!Never mind, Anton. Mac Attack's got this...
Clear it, Falker. Clear it!Phew!----------------
The uprising begins...
Photos like this are why people think goalies are crazy. Noreau winds up a bomb.
I hate when some asshole skater sprays me in the face with snow, but man, it makes an awfully cool picture.
Anyway, thanks again to Chris for these fantastic shots. Here's the rest of them for your perusal.
The good, the bad and the ugly
I am still stunned at what transpired Saturday night in Peoria.
The Rivermen, however, ought to be used to it. Especially when the Aeros are in town.
Twice last season, the Aeros rallied from three-goal deficits in Peoria and got four points in two games that should have been losses.
But those games pale in comparison to what was accomplished in Peoria.
Unlike last year's miracles (and there was a third! the team did it IN Bridgeport last year, only to lose in a shootout) the Aeros only scored ONE power play goal during the rally and did not pull their goalie to score with the extra attacker.
As Chris Jerina said in one of his comments, the Aeros were inches away from being down 5-0. But they plugged away until they got the two points. I am not going to say they didn't deserve them, either. Any team that comes back from 4-0, and does it in the third period (on the road) deserves all the credit they can get for the comeback.
Ms. Conduct? I will thank you on the team's behalf for the scoring dust, or whatever you had sent to their sticks.
No matter what you think of this team's chances of the postseason (and they are not good at this point), you can't say they don't try, work or care. The bottom line this year, is that the Aeros play in the toughest division in the AHL, and the opposing teams just might be better in the end.
Speaking of playoffs....
I ran some numbers to show just how dire the Aeros situation is.
If the season ended today, Texas, Rockford, Milwaukee and Chicago would be heading to the playoffs, and deservedly so. Those are the best four teams in the West, hands down.
If all seven teams in the West continue playing at their current pace, the same four teams qualify come April. Barring any major surge or collapse, here is how it all shakes out in the end.
Texas 104 points
Chicago 98 points
Milwaukee 98 points
Rockford 94 points
Peoria 89 points
Houston 87 points
San Antonio 82 points
Again, this does not factor any collapse or surge. This is just simple math used taking into consideration how many points the team has this morning and what they will end up if they keep playing at their respective points percentage.
Honestly, with how good the West is vs. how bad the North is (save for Rochester and Hamilton), I don't see any of the top four teams not being able to hold on. Defensively, the Aeros are better than Peoria (and they have better goaltending) so if any team were to steal the last spot away from Rockford, it just might be the Aeros.
Just for shites and giggles, if the AHL did the playoffs like they should (Top 8 from each conference) the Aeros would be the 7-seed if the playoffs ended today. I am not saying that would hold up either, but, again, with how weak the North is 3-7, I think the Aeros would be a playoffs team.
Here is how the seedings would look if the AHL did a Top 8 from each conference:
1 Hamilton vs. 8 Manitoba
2 Texas vs. 7 Houston
3 Rockford vs. 6 Rochester
4 Milwaukee vs. 5 Chicago
How about that for crazy travel? Kidding. The AHL has a good point when it wants to keep the playoff battles intra-division to hold down on travel costs. But I am more for "fair" vs. "dollars" when it comes to playoffs, especially when just about every team loses money in the playoffs anyway.
Your thoughts?
The Rivermen, however, ought to be used to it. Especially when the Aeros are in town.
Twice last season, the Aeros rallied from three-goal deficits in Peoria and got four points in two games that should have been losses.
But those games pale in comparison to what was accomplished in Peoria.
Unlike last year's miracles (and there was a third! the team did it IN Bridgeport last year, only to lose in a shootout) the Aeros only scored ONE power play goal during the rally and did not pull their goalie to score with the extra attacker.
As Chris Jerina said in one of his comments, the Aeros were inches away from being down 5-0. But they plugged away until they got the two points. I am not going to say they didn't deserve them, either. Any team that comes back from 4-0, and does it in the third period (on the road) deserves all the credit they can get for the comeback.
Ms. Conduct? I will thank you on the team's behalf for the scoring dust, or whatever you had sent to their sticks.
No matter what you think of this team's chances of the postseason (and they are not good at this point), you can't say they don't try, work or care. The bottom line this year, is that the Aeros play in the toughest division in the AHL, and the opposing teams just might be better in the end.
Speaking of playoffs....
I ran some numbers to show just how dire the Aeros situation is.
If the season ended today, Texas, Rockford, Milwaukee and Chicago would be heading to the playoffs, and deservedly so. Those are the best four teams in the West, hands down.
If all seven teams in the West continue playing at their current pace, the same four teams qualify come April. Barring any major surge or collapse, here is how it all shakes out in the end.
Texas 104 points
Chicago 98 points
Milwaukee 98 points
Rockford 94 points
Peoria 89 points
Houston 87 points
San Antonio 82 points
Again, this does not factor any collapse or surge. This is just simple math used taking into consideration how many points the team has this morning and what they will end up if they keep playing at their respective points percentage.
Honestly, with how good the West is vs. how bad the North is (save for Rochester and Hamilton), I don't see any of the top four teams not being able to hold on. Defensively, the Aeros are better than Peoria (and they have better goaltending) so if any team were to steal the last spot away from Rockford, it just might be the Aeros.
Just for shites and giggles, if the AHL did the playoffs like they should (Top 8 from each conference) the Aeros would be the 7-seed if the playoffs ended today. I am not saying that would hold up either, but, again, with how weak the North is 3-7, I think the Aeros would be a playoffs team.
Here is how the seedings would look if the AHL did a Top 8 from each conference:
1 Hamilton vs. 8 Manitoba
2 Texas vs. 7 Houston
3 Rockford vs. 6 Rochester
4 Milwaukee vs. 5 Chicago
How about that for crazy travel? Kidding. The AHL has a good point when it wants to keep the playoff battles intra-division to hold down on travel costs. But I am more for "fair" vs. "dollars" when it comes to playoffs, especially when just about every team loses money in the playoffs anyway.
Your thoughts?
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Um. What, now? (Aeros 5, Peoria 4 SO)
I'll just drop this and let it soak in for a bit:
The Aeros were down 4-0 with 13 minutes left in the game against Peoria tonight.
And they still won.
I know. I know. It's a lot to take in, but sometimes you gotta hit this stuff like ripping off a band-aid.
Trust me, it's even more shocking when you've sat through the first completely futile 47 minutes of play. When you've watched ONE Peoria player, Derek Armstrong, who had all of 8 goals on the season, rack up FOUR goals in one game. A natural hat trick +1. (He also got the lone goal in the shootout. So make that 5 on the night.)
Armstrong might as well change his sweater to 30 because he's got Anton's number.
Anyway, so, here we are 7 minutes into the third and I've said during the second intermission to Chris Jerina, who was shooting the game, that he might as well shoot Anton's end because "it's not like the Aeros are going to score." After all, Khudobin appeared to be coming apart at the seams, earning 4 minutes of PIM (2 for roughing and 2 for delay of game--he played the puck outside the trapezoid) during the second period.
I guess I forgot about Anton's remarkable aptitude for regrouping and letting go of a bad game or a bad period.
But I'm pretty sure the comeback, starting with a power play goal from DiSalvatore 7 minutes into the period, wasn't something I forgot. It's something this team just hasn't done.
It still didn't feel like an uprising, though, until Rau potted his goal 3 minutes later and then DiSalvatore threw a propane tank on the fire by putting the score within 1 less than 1 minute later.
At this point, you figure Ben Bishop is officially strug-gl-ing and feeling some quicksand under his skates. Clearly Peroria had made the classic mistake of thinking they'd sealed this thing up.
And then BOOM, Noreau ties it up from the low slot, just beating a dropping Bishop.
From there, it was just tight play, back and forth, which kept up through regulation and the overtime period, until the teams were forced into a shootout.
As a testament to Khudobin's bounce-back-ability, he was terrific in the shootout. He let the first one in (Armstrong's), but stoned the next four shooters (none easy attempts) to get his first win since he shut Hamilton out on November 25th, 2009. When you have to add the YEAR, you know it's been a long time. That's two months of no wins, my friends. The Aeros surely have one SERIOUSLY relieved goalie on their hands tonight.
That is one helluva monkey to shed. And it was fun to watch the boys swarm him after the winning save. This was a big deal for him and they all knew it.
So, the Aeros win it 5-4, take home two points from an otherwise-brutal swing through the midwest. But they did it the absolute hardest way possible. Surprised? Yeah, me neither.
Update: Nice job by the Rivermen crew to get a highlights video up so quickly.
----------------------
I can't wrap this up without mentioning the fight between Cody Almond and Danny Richmond in the first period. It was, in my opinion, the fight of the year. Both guys were toe-to-toe (unlike Yonkman who wanted to fight with his back to Kassian in Milwaukee Friday night), and just throwing bombs.
Almond won decisively, but took a few good licks himself and just kep throwing. Both guys were just studs, but Cody showed that he's not one to be trifled with. It was the best fight I've seen in a long time. And Richmond is no cream puff, BTW. He's got 128 minutes of PIM so far this season.
I'm already high on Cody but I just got higher. That hockey sense, that offensive ability (more is coming, I promise), AND that toughness? He's a special player. Look out for this one.
-------------------
More photos tomorrow from Killer Jerina. Enjoy this win, folks. It was as unlikely, miraculous, and NEEDED a win as I can remember that wasn't a Game 7.
The Aeros were down 4-0 with 13 minutes left in the game against Peoria tonight.
And they still won.
I know. I know. It's a lot to take in, but sometimes you gotta hit this stuff like ripping off a band-aid.
Trust me, it's even more shocking when you've sat through the first completely futile 47 minutes of play. When you've watched ONE Peoria player, Derek Armstrong, who had all of 8 goals on the season, rack up FOUR goals in one game. A natural hat trick +1. (He also got the lone goal in the shootout. So make that 5 on the night.)
Armstrong might as well change his sweater to 30 because he's got Anton's number.
Anyway, so, here we are 7 minutes into the third and I've said during the second intermission to Chris Jerina, who was shooting the game, that he might as well shoot Anton's end because "it's not like the Aeros are going to score." After all, Khudobin appeared to be coming apart at the seams, earning 4 minutes of PIM (2 for roughing and 2 for delay of game--he played the puck outside the trapezoid) during the second period.
I guess I forgot about Anton's remarkable aptitude for regrouping and letting go of a bad game or a bad period.
But I'm pretty sure the comeback, starting with a power play goal from DiSalvatore 7 minutes into the period, wasn't something I forgot. It's something this team just hasn't done.
It still didn't feel like an uprising, though, until Rau potted his goal 3 minutes later and then DiSalvatore threw a propane tank on the fire by putting the score within 1 less than 1 minute later.
At this point, you figure Ben Bishop is officially strug-gl-ing and feeling some quicksand under his skates. Clearly Peroria had made the classic mistake of thinking they'd sealed this thing up.
And then BOOM, Noreau ties it up from the low slot, just beating a dropping Bishop.
From there, it was just tight play, back and forth, which kept up through regulation and the overtime period, until the teams were forced into a shootout.
As a testament to Khudobin's bounce-back-ability, he was terrific in the shootout. He let the first one in (Armstrong's), but stoned the next four shooters (none easy attempts) to get his first win since he shut Hamilton out on November 25th, 2009. When you have to add the YEAR, you know it's been a long time. That's two months of no wins, my friends. The Aeros surely have one SERIOUSLY relieved goalie on their hands tonight.
That is one helluva monkey to shed. And it was fun to watch the boys swarm him after the winning save. This was a big deal for him and they all knew it.
So, the Aeros win it 5-4, take home two points from an otherwise-brutal swing through the midwest. But they did it the absolute hardest way possible. Surprised? Yeah, me neither.
Update: Nice job by the Rivermen crew to get a highlights video up so quickly.
----------------------
I can't wrap this up without mentioning the fight between Cody Almond and Danny Richmond in the first period. It was, in my opinion, the fight of the year. Both guys were toe-to-toe (unlike Yonkman who wanted to fight with his back to Kassian in Milwaukee Friday night), and just throwing bombs.
Almond won decisively, but took a few good licks himself and just kep throwing. Both guys were just studs, but Cody showed that he's not one to be trifled with. It was the best fight I've seen in a long time. And Richmond is no cream puff, BTW. He's got 128 minutes of PIM so far this season.
I'm already high on Cody but I just got higher. That hockey sense, that offensive ability (more is coming, I promise), AND that toughness? He's a special player. Look out for this one.
-------------------
More photos tomorrow from Killer Jerina. Enjoy this win, folks. It was as unlikely, miraculous, and NEEDED a win as I can remember that wasn't a Game 7.
More pics from last night and some fairy dust
I guess the photographer should get to name his own photos, but I don't think Chris will mind if I call this one "Attack of the Neck Beard."
You gotta be pretty foxy to pull off that much fur. Dare I say, no problem for Brusty. Welcome back, big guy.
Finally, because desperate times require some divine intervention, the Goalie Angel is back with some goal scoring dust for the boys and their gear. Shh. It's almost nap time.
You gotta be pretty foxy to pull off that much fur. Dare I say, no problem for Brusty. Welcome back, big guy.
Goal.
This one is just cool. Irms stalking...
And here's one of many shots of the Aeros not scoring.
For more, see the full photo set.
For more, see the full photo set.
Finally, because desperate times require some divine intervention, the Goalie Angel is back with some goal scoring dust for the boys and their gear. Shh. It's almost nap time.
Friday, January 29, 2010
Aeros shut out 2-0 by Admirals
I only half-watched and half listened to the game but the boys over at ASS have a good recap, including the dish on why Kevin Constantine pulled Khudobin and put in Brust for a total of 3 minutes at the start of a power play during the third period.
You have to give it to KC for creativity. Not very nice to do to a cold goalie, but it was no harm, no foul.
There are pictures there, too, but I'm sure we'll have more to share later that are more Aeros-oriented.
Here's Andrew's article in the Chron for the Aeros side of things.
The Aeros need to get some wins here. Hell, they need to just score some goals and give their goalies some support. Maybe the Goalie Fairy will come by tomorrow in Peoria and sprinkle some goal scoring dust on their sticks. (Leave a back door open, equipment guys.)
What do you guys think? This team is drifting, nay rocketing, out of playoff contention. Do they make it in the end? And what do you think the team needs to lift them up and get over the hump?
The trade deadline is coming up, which is when moves will have to happen if they're going to happen at all. Gonna be interesting to see if rookie GM Jim Mill will find some moves to make that could improve the Aeros chances.
You have to give it to KC for creativity. Not very nice to do to a cold goalie, but it was no harm, no foul.
There are pictures there, too, but I'm sure we'll have more to share later that are more Aeros-oriented.
Here's Andrew's article in the Chron for the Aeros side of things.
The Aeros need to get some wins here. Hell, they need to just score some goals and give their goalies some support. Maybe the Goalie Fairy will come by tomorrow in Peoria and sprinkle some goal scoring dust on their sticks. (Leave a back door open, equipment guys.)
What do you guys think? This team is drifting, nay rocketing, out of playoff contention. Do they make it in the end? And what do you think the team needs to lift them up and get over the hump?
The trade deadline is coming up, which is when moves will have to happen if they're going to happen at all. Gonna be interesting to see if rookie GM Jim Mill will find some moves to make that could improve the Aeros chances.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Dubie up, Brusty up, and photos from Chicago
Busy day in Aeros land, particularly for the Goalie Express, which is filling the skies with rainbows of puck-stopping delight in a couple different directions today.
It starts at the top with the Wild's Niklas Backstrom having a stiff back. He's been shut down to rest it up for a few days, which means Harding needs a back-up for the Wild games tonight and Saturday.
Dubielewicz got the call over Khudobin this time. Russo seems to have been told by the Wild that this was because Khudobin is the starter for the Aeros in Milwaukee tonight. Problem with that is that the Aeros don't play in Milwuakee until tomorrow night. But maybe that's what they meant. Sure.
Anyway, now Anton needs a backup, and according to sources, this time Brusty gets the call instead of a proximity call-up like they did in Abbotsford. And as one person suggested to me, Barry did completely kick butt in Milwaukee last time he was with the team. Maybe he gets the start?
But eventually Khudobin's going to have to get a chance to sort himself out, so my prediction is that he gets the start. These are some biiiiig games this weekend though, so who know what KC's thinking will be. Personally, I'd play Brusty, but I think that goes without saying, nevermind the multiple interpretations. ;)
The other part of this, on the Wild end, is that Harding's also playing through a hip injury, and was in visible discomfort at times last night against the Red Wings. I've found that my physical world revolves around my hips and knees as a goalie, so continuing to play on hurting hips is not going to help them heal.
So it wouldn't surprise me if somehow Dubie gets some playing time before Backstrom has recovered. And I'm sure it would be pretty special for him if it came tonight, since he played for the University of Denver during his college career.
Ahhh, I do love me some goalie activity, especially when it's the upward-bound kind!
-----------------
Okay, enough of that and moving on to the fabulous, witty, and talented Chris Jerina's photos from last night's whoopin' in Chicago. Here's the full photo set, but I picked a few out below that I particularly liked.
Aeros lost 5-2 and it sounded like they just couldn't get it together. I only listened to the game (as opposed to watching it) after they went down 2-0. This team just doesn't come back from that.
First up, it's Red Anton and Green Anton
Okay, not really. Dubie is still wearing Anton's old mask (green). I think we need to start a friendly wagering pool as to when he'll finally wear a mask of his own.
Look who's back! Peter Zingoni! He's been out forevah!
Cody Almond interrupting the passing lane
JM Daoust tries to put Chris Chelios into retirement for good. Great facial expressions here.
Brandon Rogers launches the puck with his teammates on their feet behind him.
And just as a little goaliephile extra, this was Atlanta Thrasher Kari Lehtonen's second game back after being out all season and, I believe a good chunk of last season, with a couple of back surgeries. His first game during this rehab stint with the Wolves was shaky but it sounds like he's finding his rhythm now. Lucky Aeros!
Chris got some great pictures of him, but I'll just post a couple since he's not ours. They're just pretty to look at.
I don't know much about Lehtonen, but he must have the most, um, colorful pads in the league. They're so loud, it doesn't even matter that his Wolves gear clashes pretty badly. All you see is pads. My theory is that the Aeros were mesmerized by them.
Thanks again to Chris for getting these great shots of the boys on the road. And our apologies for sticking you with another crappy game.
It starts at the top with the Wild's Niklas Backstrom having a stiff back. He's been shut down to rest it up for a few days, which means Harding needs a back-up for the Wild games tonight and Saturday.
Dubielewicz got the call over Khudobin this time. Russo seems to have been told by the Wild that this was because Khudobin is the starter for the Aeros in Milwaukee tonight. Problem with that is that the Aeros don't play in Milwuakee until tomorrow night. But maybe that's what they meant. Sure.
Anyway, now Anton needs a backup, and according to sources, this time Brusty gets the call instead of a proximity call-up like they did in Abbotsford. And as one person suggested to me, Barry did completely kick butt in Milwaukee last time he was with the team. Maybe he gets the start?
But eventually Khudobin's going to have to get a chance to sort himself out, so my prediction is that he gets the start. These are some biiiiig games this weekend though, so who know what KC's thinking will be. Personally, I'd play Brusty, but I think that goes without saying, nevermind the multiple interpretations. ;)
The other part of this, on the Wild end, is that Harding's also playing through a hip injury, and was in visible discomfort at times last night against the Red Wings. I've found that my physical world revolves around my hips and knees as a goalie, so continuing to play on hurting hips is not going to help them heal.
So it wouldn't surprise me if somehow Dubie gets some playing time before Backstrom has recovered. And I'm sure it would be pretty special for him if it came tonight, since he played for the University of Denver during his college career.
Ahhh, I do love me some goalie activity, especially when it's the upward-bound kind!
-----------------
Okay, enough of that and moving on to the fabulous, witty, and talented Chris Jerina's photos from last night's whoopin' in Chicago. Here's the full photo set, but I picked a few out below that I particularly liked.
Aeros lost 5-2 and it sounded like they just couldn't get it together. I only listened to the game (as opposed to watching it) after they went down 2-0. This team just doesn't come back from that.
First up, it's Red Anton and Green Anton
Okay, not really. Dubie is still wearing Anton's old mask (green). I think we need to start a friendly wagering pool as to when he'll finally wear a mask of his own.Look who's back! Peter Zingoni! He's been out forevah!
Cody Almond interrupting the passing laneJM Daoust tries to put Chris Chelios into retirement for good. Great facial expressions here.Brandon Rogers launches the puck with his teammates on their feet behind him.And just as a little goaliephile extra, this was Atlanta Thrasher Kari Lehtonen's second game back after being out all season and, I believe a good chunk of last season, with a couple of back surgeries. His first game during this rehab stint with the Wolves was shaky but it sounds like he's finding his rhythm now. Lucky Aeros!
Chris got some great pictures of him, but I'll just post a couple since he's not ours. They're just pretty to look at.
I don't know much about Lehtonen, but he must have the most, um, colorful pads in the league. They're so loud, it doesn't even matter that his Wolves gear clashes pretty badly. All you see is pads. My theory is that the Aeros were mesmerized by them.ALL PHOTOS by Chris Jerina
Thanks again to Chris for getting these great shots of the boys on the road. And our apologies for sticking you with another crappy game.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Houston Press on the Aeros
Click on over to John's story for the Houston Press, which takes a look at what's coming, what's happened, and other delicious morsels about the Aeros you won't want to miss.
Always, it's important to let the Press know you love your hockey. Leave a comment. Spread the love. Share with your friends.
Always, it's important to let the Press know you love your hockey. Leave a comment. Spread the love. Share with your friends.
Aeros at Chicago Preview; Sykora not reporting
And the game will not feature Stanley Cup Champion Petr Sykora (pictured at left (center), who has officially refused his assignment to the Aeros.
This was not an unexpected move by either team. Both are just formalities to make sure that A) the Wild don't have to pay Sykora another dime and B) Sykora can play for another team.
Here is the AHL's preview of tonight's Aeros game at Chicago:
Winners of three straight games, Houston invades Allstate Arena on Wednesday to face Chicago, which is 8-1-0-0 in its last nine contests overall and has won seven straight home games... Houston’s three-game winning streak matches a season high (Oct. 24-27 and Nov. 5-13)... Reigning Reebok/AHL player of the week Maxim Noreau shows nine points (3-6-9) in his last three outings for the Aeros and leads all AHL defensemen with 13 goals and 37 points in 45 games overall... Jon DiSalvatore put up five points (1-4-5) in Houston’s two-game sweep in Abbotsford last weekend... The Aeros’ second-ranked penalty kill (88.6 percent) has killed off 31 of 33 shorthanded situations (93.9 percent) in the last six games... Wolves forward Tim Stapleton has a goal in five straight games (5-4-9) and a point in seven straight (6-8-14)... All-Star forward Brett Sterling shows a point in nine of his last 10 contests (7-6-13) for the Wolves, and Joey Crabb has found the scoresheet in seven of his last eight (5-5-10)... Jason Krog has a team-high four points (1-3-4) in two games vs. Houston this season, both victories.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Updates from around the Aeros Universe
First off, a little update on Barry Brust who is being held hostage in the ECHL. Not that I have an opinion.
If you haven't been following my blog, just go here and get an eyeful of The Man, The Myth, The Legend thanks to our friend Bethani in Everblades Country, as well as updates on how he's faring.
Now, some might tell you he's down on a rehab/conditioning assignment, but by the time your goals against average is the best in the league and you've been awarded ECHL Goalie of the Week... call. me. crazy..... but I think it's safe to say you're healthy and well-conditioned.
And super handsome. But that's not the point.
The Blades are on a huge winning streak with Barry between the pipes. It's really been a remarkable turnaround for a team that wallowed in mediocrity and defensive "WTF?" the first half of the season.
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Second, the Aeros' own Max Noreau won AHL Player of the Week thanks to his 7 points in the 2-game series against Abbotsford over the weekend and league-leading scoring for a defenseman. Here's the release from the Aeros.
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Finally, here's a fun little story about temporary Aero, Andy Neilson, the emergency back-up goalie who practiced and kept the goalie spot on the bench warm in Abbotsford this weekend.
If you haven't been following my blog, just go here and get an eyeful of The Man, The Myth, The Legend thanks to our friend Bethani in Everblades Country, as well as updates on how he's faring.Now, some might tell you he's down on a rehab/conditioning assignment, but by the time your goals against average is the best in the league and you've been awarded ECHL Goalie of the Week... call. me. crazy..... but I think it's safe to say you're healthy and well-conditioned.
And super handsome. But that's not the point.
The Blades are on a huge winning streak with Barry between the pipes. It's really been a remarkable turnaround for a team that wallowed in mediocrity and defensive "WTF?" the first half of the season.
Photo by Bethani Shilladay
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Second, the Aeros' own Max Noreau won AHL Player of the Week thanks to his 7 points in the 2-game series against Abbotsford over the weekend and league-leading scoring for a defenseman. Here's the release from the Aeros.
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Finally, here's a fun little story about temporary Aero, Andy Neilson, the emergency back-up goalie who practiced and kept the goalie spot on the bench warm in Abbotsford this weekend.
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