Aeros v. Peoria Rivermen - Game 46

Where should I start?

• With how the Aeros came out of the gate full of piss and vinegar like I've never seen, especially after a 4 day break, and beat the snot out of Peoria 5-2?
  
• With how Matt Foy, upon his return to Aeros ice for the first time since he played for Houston two years ago, left the bench to fight ... of all people... John Scott, and will likely serve a 6 game suspension for having done so?
• How John Scott fought three guys at the 20 minute mark of the 2nd period--against Cam Paddock and Jeff Cowan, then, as he was being escorted across the ice to the bench, with Matt Foy, as mentioned above?
• How new guy, Robbie Earl, didn't impress particularly, in spite of 6 shots on goal, but still managed to get an empty net goal in the waning seconds?
• How Pouliot continues to play like he's afraid of breaking a nail, yet seems to be finding some chemistry with fellow French-Canadian, Beaudoin?
  
• How Olvecky played the best game I've seen from him in an Aeros uniform? I mean, he was on fire and earned every bit of the first star awarded to him.

Well, how about I just start with that list? But to me, apart from an overall fantastic team game, Olvecky's game was what knocked my socks off. He looked like a man on a mission. They looked like a team on a mission. Whatever they ate or drank or did before this game... keep doing that. They were fired up.

The Aeros got goals from Madsen and Noreau, both of whom needed to get some points on the scoresheet, as well as Olvecky, Locke and Earl. Scott got the lone assist on Earl's empty net goal, worth noting given his rare appearance among point-getters.

The whole game was fast and physical and the Aeros played all 60 minutes. Madsen's goal was in the first period, but the floodgates opened in the second with Olvecky's goal, which he tapped in past a sprawling Ben Bishop. Bishop was pulled after Locke and Noreau's subsequent goals.

The fight after the second period was a sight. There was a scrum that developed over near the door where the visitors go to their room. It shook out to just Scott and Paddock, but for some reason Cowan was grabbing onto Scott and wouldn't let go. Out of that fight, Scott and Paddock got 5 for fighting and Cowan got a game misconduct for being the third man in.

Then, as Scott was heading to the bench, Foy left his own bench (though really, the period was over) and jumped Scott, who was kinda like, "You, too?" and pretty much schooled him. So, Scott got another 5 minutes and Foy got 2 for instigating, 5 for fighting, 10 min. instigating misconduct, and a game misconduct for leaving the bench, which, as I mentioned, is a 6 game suspension according to the rule book.

I dunno what got into Foyzie there, but wow. That was something else. And I'd forgotten how good looking he is. Can't say, after that display, that I particularly missed him being on my team though. Good Looks don't cure Stupid, sweet cheeks.

That's pretty much the game. It's worth noting that all the injured guys were back and while they all had a little rust, it was clearly a boost to have Rosa, Stoner, and Lammers back on the ice. Scratches were Lundbohm, Kassian, and Falk.

These teams hit it again tomorrow night, so it will be interesting to see if the Aeros can bring this same level of urgency two nights in a row.

Here's Royal's game report, including a great photo and quotes from Scotty, and Andrew's article for the Chron. And more photos from Fred.