Late Surge Carry Stars Past Rockford

The Texas Stars scored four third period goals to defeat the Rockford IceHogs, 6-3.  Six Texas skaters found the back of the net.  Kole Lind and Antonio Stranges each assisted on two goals. 

“I thought we had really good contribution up and down our lineup tonight.  When everyone pulls the rope in the same direction, good things are going to happen,” said Texas head coach Neil Graham.  “There were moments we really had to stay composed and stay in the fight to make sure we break through, and eventually we did.” 

Each team played a tentative first period, amassing 17 shots but no goals. 

Rockford opened and closed the middle frame with goal on powerplays. Andres Athanasio put the IceHogs on the board at 2:23 and Cole Guttman closed out the frame with a goal at 16:28. Chase Wheatcroft and Curtis McKenzie sandwiched goals for Texas between Rockford’s score to end the period in a 2-2 tie. 

“We took two bad penalties, and they scored on both of them,” said Graham on Rockford’s power play conversions. “Both could have been avoided, based on our structure.”   

The Stars wasted no time to grab the lead in the final frame with Matej Blumel’s goal at 1:22 on a man-advantage opportunity.  Guttman evened the contest midway through the period, only to have Texas’ Arttu Hyry reclaim the lead just 33 seconds later. Kyle Capobianco gave the Stars a two-goal cushion a minute and one-half later.  Kole Lind iced the game with an empty goal. 

Texas goalkeeper Remi took home the win, making 16 saves against 19 shots.  Rockford netminder Drew Commesso skated home with the loss, allowing five goals against 36 shots.