Admirals Stop Stars Cold

The Milwaukee Admirals rebounded from a last minute loss to the Texas Stars the night before, to embarrass the Stars today, winning 4-0.  

The game was a reunion of former Texas coaches and players.  The Admirals are led by former Texas assistant coach Karl Taylor.  Former Texas captain Greg Rallo is an assistant coach.   And former Stars netminder Matt Murray was between the pipes and Scott Reedy was at forward for the Admirals. 

“We didn’t play well enough to win today,” said Stars head coach Neil Graham.  “Our decision making didn’t have enough urgency.  We weren’t direct enough.  We didn’t take the simple option enough, especially early in the game.” 

The Admirals hit Texas with a one-two punch early in the opening period, starting with Anthony Angello’s unassisted goal six minutes in, followed by Ryder Rolston’s goal two minutes later. 

Jake Lucchini added to Milwaukee’s lead midway through the middle frame. 

Cal O’Reilly iced the game for the Admirals scoring against an empty net while on a penalty kill. 

Graham was quick to recognize Milwaukee, “Give credit to them.  They played a really good game today.  Kept us to the outside.  They had a good compete in their game.  They had a good WAR (wins above replacement) grade in their game.” 

Milwaukee goaltender Murray earned the win, rejecting all 30 shots on goal.  Texas’ Magnus Hellberg skated home with the loss, allowing three goals against 24 shots. 

Despite the bad loss, Texas has won ten of their last 12 games.  “No doubt about it.  We’ve played a really good brand.  Today was a one-off and now we have to make sure it was a one-off,” said Graham.    

Unfortunately, both of those losses were to sold-out crowds at home. 

“The atmosphere in our rink is the best.  The energy they (the fans) bring fuels us,” said Graham.  “We appreciate all the love they give our group.”    

As always, Graham kept the loss in perspective and cast an optimistic light. 

“We’ve kept it positive as a group.  No one feels good about the way we played.  Sometimes you have to take a look in the mirror to grow as a team.  This is another opportunity for us to reflect, recognize areas of change, areas to do better in.  That’s what yields growth going forward.” 

Texas is back on the road for three games and returns to Cedar Park to take on the Coachella Valley Firebirds, led by former Stars coach Derek Laxdal.