L’Esperance Leads Stars over Griffins

After one of their worse performances of the season, the Texas Stars (14-18-5-3) rebounded and soundly defeated the Grand Rapid Griffins (18-19-5-2) by a 3-1 score.  Joel L’Esperance’s bookend goals highlighted the victory. 

Texas’ defense effectively contained Grand Rapids to their end of the ice.  The Griffins could only muster 10 shot-on-goal in the final two periods, matching their output from the first.  

Grand Rapids only goal came off the stick of Ryan Murphy late in the first period on a power play.    

The Stars’ special teams continue to disappoint, allowing the Griffins one goal on four man-advantage opportunities and going 0-for-4 on their own power plays.  The Stars are 7th in the 16 team conference in power play and 12th on penalty kills.    

A special moment came when Jordan Kawaguchi scored his first goal of the season.  Kawaguchi scored his first professional goal in his first game on April 6, 2021.  Two game later he injured his knee and has been rehabbing on the ice for the entire 2021-2022 season.  “It’s been a long time coming and definitely felt pretty good,” said Kawaguchi.   

The Stars’ Adam Scheel (4-5-5-0) earned the win, making 19 saves against 20 shots and lowering his goals against average and save percentage statistics.  The Griffins’ Calvin Pickard (15-11-5-1) suffered the loss , allowing 3 goals on 30 shots.  

Texas gets a much-needed two-day break before taking on the San Jose Barracudas at the HEB Center.  The Stars had played 6 games over 9 days.