Locke leads Aeros past Rivermen for 2-1 series edge


HOUSTON 2, PEORIA 1

Corey Locke’s second goal of the night came on the power play 10:02 into the third period, breaking a 1-1 tie and sending Houston to a 2-1 win over Peoria on Saturday at the Toyota Center.

The Aeros now hold a 2-1 lead in the best-of-7 West Division semifinal and will host Game 4 on Monday.

After a scoreless opening period, Locke put Houston on top with a power-play tally at 9:13 of the second.

Peoria’s Chris Porter tied it 3:10 into the third frame, setting things up for Locke’s second goal of the game and third of the series. Krys Kolanos assisted on both Houston goals, and veteran Tony Hrkac also picked up a helper on the game-winner.

Aeros goaltender Anton Khudobin earned the victory with 23 saves on 24 shots in net.

Houston snapped a five-game losing skid on home ice in the playoffs, a streak that stretched back to a 3-2 overtime triumph over the Rivermen on Apr. 22, 2006.