Late Push Puts Coachella Past Texas

Friday saw the return of former Stars coach Derek Laxdal to the HEB Center as his Coachella Valley Firebirds took down the Texas Stars, 2-1, in overtime. 

Texas Star head coach Neil Graham worked under Laxdal for 25 games before moving on the Idaho Steelheads, the Dallas Stars ECHL affiliate. 

“I’m forever grateful for how he treated me when I was at Idaho,” said Graham of Laxdal.    “His team played well, our team played well.  I wish we got the two points.  We still want to beat them every time.” 

After a slow moving first period, Matej Blümel opened the scoring with his team-leading 20th goal of the season with 5:44 left in the opening frame.  Blümel’s goal marked his second consecutive season with 20 or more goals, following a 31-goal performance last year.

After a scoreless second period, the Firebirds evened the score midway through the third period. Nikolas Brouillard’s slap shot from the top of the left circle was tipped in by Jani Nyman past goaltender Remi Poirier.  The game eventual went into overtime.

The Firebirds completed their comeback victory at 3:12 into overtime when Ben Meyers pushed the puck past Poirier.

“Another good match.  Through the first 40 I though we were really tight, in limiting time and space.  I felt we loosened, a little bit in the third,” said Graham.  “It’s almost mental, you’re not wanting to make a mistake and the next thing you know, you give them a couple extra feet, then they’re going to make a play.” 

This is the 7th game this month where the Stars have held their opponent to two goals or less. 

Reflecting on this, Graham said, “I think we’ve done a really good job in the last 20-plus games of establishing a much better defensive identity.” 

Coachella netminder Nikke Kokko earned the win, making 18 saves against 19 shots.  Texas’ Remi Poirier took home loss, allowing two goals against 28 shots.