Stars Collect Two Points with 6-5 OT Win Over Rivs

Both Peoria and Texas came into tonight's game hungry for two points and it would take more than the usual 60 for one of them to emerge with those two. Texas finished a frenetic night in Cedar Park with an overtime win 6-5 against the Rivermen. "The biggest thing is getting the two points," said Matt Fraser, who scored the game winner. "It's good to put one back in the win column."

Texas started things out early in the first period just 34 seconds in. Travis Morin collected his second of the season, assisted by Fraser and Lukowich, on a nice play from behind the net by Fraser. Mark Cundari of Peoria answered just two minutes later to make it 1-1.

Texas had the next two off the sticks of Sawada and Gazdic. Sawada's deflection was assisted by Morin and Larsen on the power play. Luke Gazdic's tally was a case of being in the right place at the right time to accept a pass from Brad Lukowich in the left wing circle. The Stars then unraveled a bit.

Peoria got on the power play off a few unnecessary penalties by Texas. "We have to learn not to take those stupid penalties because you'll get them going," said Coach Pyle. And get going they did. Peoria scored the next two on the power play to tie things at three.

Still in the first period, Phil McRae put Peoria up 4-3 with his second of the night. Matt Fraser collected his second point of the night with the fourth Stars goal of the night, another behind the net play. On the night, the Sawada-Morin-Fraser line combined for nine points total.

Dan Spang collected his second goal of the year in the second period on yet another power play goal in the game. Spang skated in along from the center red line and beat Bishop clean over his left side to make it 5-4.

In the third period, Texas battled as much with the Rivermen as they did with the referees. A long 5-on-3 gave Peoria another power play goal, notching a hat trick for Phil McRae, and tying the game at five.

The game would go to overtime and which line but the starting line to make the game winner. Texas got on the power play in the overtime and stayed true to their nature, scoring a blast from the right wing circle off the stick of Matt Fraser. Travis Morin assisted and collected his 4th point of the game.

Texas now heads out on the road for a four game stretch. Coach Pyle intoned that discipline is even more important on the road, "We need to be more committed to learn how to play with a lead and play a game that we can win."

Tonight's lines:
Fraser-Morin-Sawada
Gazdic-Glennie-Garbutt
Wathier-Sceviour-Vincour
Hedden-Arnason-Godard

Larsen-Lukowich
Spang-Benn
Fortunus-Dillon

Bachman

Injuries, scratches, and notes:
Coyle, Labrie, Roman, Schultz, Tousignant (scratched)

After the final buzzer, the Stars and Rivermen engaged in a scrum at center ice. Stefan Della Rovere took a swing at a Star, which later earned him an intent to injure match penalty. Stars players Gazdic and Fraser earned game misconducts for continuing an altercation after the refs had intervened. Given the nature and timing of the incident, it could be reasonable for Stefan Della Rovere to expect a call from the league office in the morning.

Tonight's attendance was 5,090.

AHL Gamesheet - Texas v. Peoria - October 22 2011

Comments

  1. Thoughts on the post game activities?

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  2. Della Rovere got two 10 minute penalties, including a match penalty for intent to injure. I would say that he will get a call from the league office. It looked like he took a swing at someone after the final buzzer.

    ReplyDelete

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