Identity-less Stars Fall to Wolves

We saw moments of greatness as the Texas Stars took on the Chicago Wolves.  And we saw moments of weakness as the Stars fell to the Wolves, 5-4, in overtime. 

“Let’s just talk big picture,” said Texas Stars head coach Neil Graham.  “We need to strive to find our identity as a 60-minute team.  You can see it in spurts, what we are capable of. We seen real good spurts this season, we haven’t seen enough 60-minute games. In order to win at this level, you have to find an identity and you have to do it for 60 minutes.” 

Such was the night for the Stars. 

It started well, as Texas’ Matej Blumel found the back of the net in the 8th minute.  But Chicago equalized the game in the 18th minute on Juah Jaaska’s goal, and claimed the lead, and the momentum, in the 20th minute on Domenick Fesnore’s goal, both on power plays. 

“I liked our first period, minus the way it trailed off.  But as you gave them open ice, and as we allowed their speed and tilt to shine through, we gave up too many big looks,” said Graham.  “They are a very good hockey team.  We knew that going in.  They are the hottest team in our division.” 

The Stars exploded to start the middle frame on back-to-back goals by Justin Hryckowian.  But Justin Robidas fought back to even the contest.  And just as Blumel did to start the first period, he did again to end the second, to give Texas the lead. 

Chicago evened the contest on Josiah Slavin’s goal early in the final period.  The team battled back and forth for the remainder of the game, forcing overtime. 

The five-minute overtime period was a cautious contest, each team looking for the other to blink and commit an error.  Unfortunately, the Stars blinked first, allowing Justin Robidas’ game winning goal two minutes into the period. 

“We know what we are supposed to do.  And that doesn’t mean a mistake free game.  Frankly, every team we play, ourselves included, are going to make mistakes.  But it’s how you can avoid compounding those into bigger problems.” 

“Frankly, the stuff we wanted to put into play worked.  And so did it on their end.  But who can do it longer, who can outlast their opponent, who can strive for hardness and consistency?” asked Graham. 

It was not the Stars, tonight. 

The teams play again on Saturday.