HOUSTON, Texas – In a game more indicative of how the series was expected to go, the Binghamton Senators beat the Houston Aeros 2-1 in overtime to tie the Calder Cup finals series at one game apiece. Both teams scored early in the first period. Bobby Butler netted a power play goal at just 1:45 on a perfect cross-crease pass from Kaspars Daugavins to put the Senators up 1-0. The Aeros evened things up three minutes later, again on a power play, as Robbie Earl banked a shot toward the net off Casey Wellman and past goalie Robin Lehner. Solid defensive play at both ends of the ice kept quality chances to a minimum the remainder of the game. Though Aeros goalie Matt Hackett had to produce a couple of headstands to stop some of Binghamton’s better chances. The game was forced into overtime when a late flurry of chances around Binghamton’s net by Casey Wellman proved fruitless against Lehner. Jim O’Brien scored the game winner at 7:54 in overtime, firing a shot past Hackett from the face-off circle. Aeros coach Mike Yeo was less satisfied with his team’s play than he was in game 1, particularly in the second period when “they stunk.” “It was a game that could go either way and we played it as such. That’s not really our style,” said Yeo. “We did some good enough things to keep ourselves in the game. Against a team like that with their skill level, and their ability to counter, and their ability to take advantage of mistakes, we don’t want to play that type of game.” The Aeros were also less physical than in game one, which Yeo attributed somewhat to the game being a second of a back to back. “I think the couple of days that we have here, three days, between (games 2 and 3) is going to be huge for our team,” said Yeo. “But we didn’t give ourselves enough opportunities to be physical. We didn’t have that same mindset of the guys getting pucks behind their D and making them go back. We let them off the hook because of that. We were turning it more in to a back and forth, 50-50 game.” Binghamton coach Kevin Kleinendorst, in spite of the win and feeling like the effort was there, wants more from his group. “We knew we had to be better. I think we were a little better, but we’re still going to have to be better yet,” said Kleinendorst. “That’s a good team over there and I think this what it’s going to be like.” With the series now set for three games in Binghamton and, if necessary, games 6 and 7 in Houston, the split gives the Senators home ice advantage. Kleinendorst is happy to be “in the driver’s seat” and to play in front of the home crowd again, but said they’re not getting too excited. “We respect Mike Yeo and his group. They’re one of the best coached teams we’ve faced up to this point to be honest with you. We’ve got our work cut out for us.” Game three takes place in Binghamton Wednesday, followed by another back-to-back Friday and Saturday at Broome County Veterans Memorial Arena.
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