Stars Stage Historic Comeback, Sweep Griffins in Double Overtime Thriller

The Texas Stars delivered an unforgettable performance Friday night, staging one of the most dramatic comebacks in franchise history to defeat the Grand Rapids Griffins 5-4 in double overtime. The thrilling victory not only secured the Central Division Semifinal series 3-0 but also propelled the Stars into the Central Division Finals in spectacular fashion.

The game began promisingly for Texas, with Kole Lind striking just 3:36 into the first period. However, the Griffins responded, tying the game and then seizing control in the second period. Goals from Nate Danielson, Dominik Shine, and Amadeus Lombardi gave Grand Rapids a commanding 4-1 lead heading into the final frame. Head coach Neil Graham admitted that starting netminder Remi Poirier “was left in some pretty tough situations by us.”

Facing a three-goal deficit and their season hanging by a thread, the Stars ignited an extraordinary third-period rally. Goaltender Magnus Hellberg replaced Poirier to start the period and immediately shut down the Griffins’ offense, stopping all 18 shots he faced in relief. Matej Blümel started the comeback, followed by Cameron Hughes on the power play. The roar of the crowd intensified as Trey Taylor completed the improbable comeback, tying the game at 4-4 with just 5:45 left in regulation. Graham praised Hellberg, stating, “He had to shut the door, and he did. So huge credit to him.”

After a scoreless first overtime period that kept fans on the edge of their seats, familiar hero Cameron Hughes emerged again. With 9:14 remaining in the second extra frame, Hughes sealed the dramatic victory with a diving backhand finish, sending the crowd into a frenzy. “We fed off their energy when there probably wasn’t much left in the tank,” Graham said of the loyal Stars fans.

The 3-0 sweep marked an incredible achievement for the Stars. Coach Graham summarized the feeling: “Not only did we win the series, you did it such a dramatic fashion, came from behind, perhaps the game was lost, we found a way to win. That feels really good.” The Stars now look ahead to the Central Division Finals, riding the momentum of this epic triumph.