AHL Goalie News — Wednesday May 21, 2009

Playoff Reports

Houston Aeros vs. Manitoba Moose

The tumult around goaltending for the Houston Aeros continued Monday evening, as Nolan Schaefer started on Monday in lieu of Anton Khudobin, after Khudobin had lost 4 of his last 5 outings.  Schaefer’s was also a losing effort in the 4-3 victory for Manitoba, though he was solid between the pipes in the face of quality chances by the Moose.

Wednesday night, Khudobin was back in goal for Game 4 of the series, an elimination game for the Aeros. He let in four goals, three of which he’d probably want back. The Aeros offense rescued the rookie goalie, however, leading Manitoba 4-3 late into the third period when Manitoba tied it up to carry the game into overtime.

It’s worth nothing that Manitoba goalie Cory Schneider has never allowed more than three goals per game in the playoffs in his career, and Wednesday night, he allowed 5 as the Aeros got the overtime winner 2 minutes into the extra frame.

Here’s a photo set by Fred Trask of The Third Intermission showing Schneider under fire.

Robbie Earl catches Schneider out of position on an odd man rush – Photo by Fred Trask

Providence Bruins vs. Hershey Bears

It appears that Washington is not returning Capitals rookie sensation Simeon Varlamov to the farm team in Hershey, but the team’s other rookie sensation, Michal Neuvirth got the win in Game 2 with 25 saves.

Tuukka Rask made 37 saves for Providence in that 2-1 loss. He tells the Providence Journal he’s ready for the NHL.

The teams are even at one win a piece and will meet again on Friday for Game 3 after a four-day break.

Tuukka Rask – Photo by Dinur