Texas got off to a fast start in their first game this season against a Pacific Division opponent. Just over seven minutes into the first frame, Antonio Strangers a loose puck in the neutral zone gloved, fed Curtis McKenzie in the lock for those who have left a back door pass Harrison Scott to score the opening goal of the match.
Texas got a power play with three minutes left in the first inning. Cameron Hughes I threaded a pass into the fold Artem Shaine who tapped it past Victor Östman to double the Stars’ lead.
As the second period began, Texas went to the penalty kill within 90 seconds Arttu Hyry was sent to the box for high-sticking. The Stars successfully killed the penalty and 22 seconds later Hyry was fed Tommy Bersgland on the point. The defender sent a hard shot off Scott’s stick into the back of the net, making the score 3-0.
Shortly afterwards, Trey Taylor was called to board, but even that couldn’t stop the Stars attack. Matthew Seminoff picked off a pass at center ice and raced forward into the offensive zone. Seminoff hit a backhand pass to Jac Becker who shot above a diving Östman to give Texas a 4-0 lead on their first shorthanded goal of the season.
Coachella Valley got one back with six minutes left in the middle frame when Ben Meyers scored on a five-on-three power play to make it 4-1 entering the final period.
The Firebirds struck for the second time with six minutes left in the third. John Hayden knocked past Tyson Jugnauth’s shot Remi Poirier to reduce the deficit to two. With six minutes to go, David Goyette wristed one from the right circle to make it 4-3.
Now that Coachella’s net is empty for an extra attacker, Michael Karow rotated an empty-net goal from the Stars’ defensive zone to give Texas a 5–3 victory.
Poirier had 28 saves in the win for the Stars, and Östman had 20 saves in the loss for the Firebirds.
The Stars head to Ontario to take on the Reign on Saturday night. The match is scheduled for 7:00 PM CT at Toyota Arena. See all the action AHL TV on FloHockey.
The Texas Stars are the primary developmental affiliate of the NHL’s Dallas Stars. For more information, call (512) GO-STARS (467-8277) or visit TexasStars.com.
Photo credit: Coachella Valley Firebirds
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