Four-goal Final Frame Puts Stars over Griffins

A night after the Texas Stars (16-7-2-1) came from behind to defeat the Grand Rapids Griffins (9-13-3-1) 4-to-3 in overtime, the Stars exploded with a four-goal third period to defeat the Griffins 6-to-2. 

It was a game of firsts, with Artem Grushnikov and Ben Berard each scoring their first goals in the AHL. 

The game was closer than the final score indicates.  The Griffins blasted Stars goaltender Remi Poirier with 17 shots in the final period trying to tie the score. 

“It’s awesome to go into the holiday break with two victories like that.  I think it’s huge for the team.  Everyone is going to feel good to go on Christmas break,” said Poirier on the win. 

Much like the previous night, Grand Rapids struck first early in the opening period.  Nolan Stevens beat Poirier on an unassisted goal at the two-minute mark.  And just like the previous night, Mavrik Bourque evened the score on a power play.  It was Bourque’s fifth goal in two nights. 

“He’s such a smart player.  He sees everything on the ice.   He’s a hard shot, he’s a hard worker,” said Poirier of Bourque.  “Couldn’t happen to a better guy.” 

Grushnikov tallied his score 15 minutes into the first period, giving the Stars a 2-to-1 lead going into the first intermission. 

After a scoreless second period, Berard opened the scoring in the final frame in the 8th minute, giving Texas a 3-to-1 advantage. 

“It feels good. When you don’t have one, you want it, maybe tightening up a little bit when you get a chance. So, to get it out of the way feels good,”  said Berard on his first AHL goal. 

Scott Reedy increased the Stars’ advantage to 4-to-1 on a power play in the 12th minute.   Grand Rapid battled back with Carter Mazur’s goal in the 14th minute, prompting the Griffins to pull goal keeper Sebastian Cossa earlier than usual.  The gambit failed as Fredrik Karlstrom scored against an empty net at 17:55. 

Nick Caamano tallied an unassisted goal eight seconds later after Cossa returned to the net. 

Poirier  (8-3-2) brought home the win, making 35 saves against 37 shots.  Cossa (4-6-3) suffered the loss, allowing five goals on 37 shots.