Griffins Too Much for Stars

The division leading Grand Rapids Griffins (17-8-1-0) were true to form as they defeated the Texas Stars (12-11-1-0), 4-2.  And to add insult to injury, former Stars players Sheldon Dries and Jack Campbell were critical to the Grand Rapids victory. 

Commenting on the result, Texas Stars head coach Neil Graham said, “The results haven’t come easy for us, after this last stretch, especially coming off our road trip.  We know we’re doing a lot of good things, but we’re not getting rewarded.  You start looking outside yourself, questioning either your linemates or yourself, the plan, but that’s not going get us any further or the results we want.  So, we have to stick with it.”

The Stars scored the game’s first goal off the stick of Arttu Hyry midway through the opening period.  Texas’ lead endured for about two minutes when the Griffins’ Gabriel Seger even the score. 

Grand Rapids took the lead early in the middle period as William Wallinder beat Texas goaltender Magnu Hellberg.  Momentum shifted in Texas’ direction with Justin Hryckowian’s goal in the waning second of the period. 

Texas loss whatever momentum they had as Dries tallied the game-winning goal two minutes into the final frame.  Austin Watson added a gratuitous goal against an empty net. 

Grand Rapids’ Campbell (1-2-0), on assignment from the NHL’s Detroit Red Wings, earned his first win on the season.   Campbell made 20 saves against 22 shots. 

Texas’ Hellberg (9-4-1) skated home with the loss.  Hellberg allowed three goals on 19 shots.  Hellberg successfully defended a penalty shot from Tim Gettinger in the second period. 

Graham put the loss in perspective, saying, “But at the end of the day, the guys are playing hard, and we can’t lose sight of the big picture.  It’s still early yet.  You got to find a way to get through this stretch of adversity.  And when you do, you will be better for it in the long run.  But is sure isn’t a lot of fun when you’re in it.”