The next three games will be held at Toyota Center starting Tuesday night.
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.
The second period was tightly contested with a couple of great opportunities for both teams. Houston's golden chance was a wide open net but the puck was tipped wide by a defenseman's stick as Rockford netminder Corey Crawford was sprawled out after the initial shot. For the game, Crawford stopped 37 of the Aeros' 38 shots on goal.
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 toward the IceHogs' net 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 and Serge Payer assisted on the play.
Home ice tilts to Houston for the next three games and tickets are on sale now. For more information, call 713-974-PUCK.
The Aeros and IceHogs will play Game 3 on Tuesday. Check out playoff action on 1070-AM KNTH or online at AEROS.com.
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 victory ended a five-game playoff losing streak. ... The Aeros' overall record in Game 2s of Calder Cup opening rounds improved to 4-2. ... Houston is 13-10 all-time in playoff overtime games, including IHL playoffs. ... The game marked only the fifth time in Aeros postseason history that the final score has been 1-0, and the second such game decided in overtime.
Houston Aeros vs. Rockford IceHogs
First round playoff schedule
Game 1: Rockford 3, Aeros 1
Game 2: Aeros 1, Rockford 0
Tuesday: at Toyota Center, Houston, 7:05pm
Thursday: at Toyota Center, Houston, 7:05pm
April 25: at Toyota Center, Houston, 7:35pm
*April 27: at Rockford MetroCentre, Rockford, Ill., 7:05pm
*April 28: at Rockford MetroCentre, Rockford, Ill., 7:05pm
* if necessary
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