Charlotte Checkers Flip the Script, Paste Texas Stars 6-1

After last night's 7-1 Texas win, it was a morning to forget for the Stars as they dropped a matinee to the Checkers by a 5-1 score. Similar to last night for Charlotte, the Texas Stars were down 3-0 before the end of the first period. Texas got one back off the stick of Curtis McKenzie, but it was far from enough to spark the comeback. Overall, it seemed like both teams were still playing like it was the third period of last night's game as today's game started: barely any shots from Texas and lots of action from the Checkers. That meant that Texas got outshot heavily and was taken by surprise by the Checkers. Charlotte scored twice more in the second period and added one in the last minute of the third to set the final at 6-1.

Cristopher Nilstorp got the start and dropped his first regulation loss since December 20th, a span of nine games. He stopped nine of 12 before giving way to Robinson.

Justin Shugg got things started on a goal that seemed like an eventuality. Trailing on shots 5-1, the Checkers sixth goal pierced the Stars armor through traffic for the 1-0 lead. Cristopher Nilstorp, who got the start, didn't see the puck through the screen and had it go over his blocker and in.

Aaron Palushaj added to his goal tally with his second and third goals of the weekend against Texas within a three minute span. Those two tallies would end Nilstorp's afternoon, bringing in Josh Robinson.

Texas got one back with Curtis McKenzie just putting one on net from outside the Checkers' zone. It was a puck that John Muse should have had but didn't. Cameron Gaunce got the only assist.

Robinson did not fair much better than the start Nilstorp. Zach Boychuk scored on a shot under Robinson's glove in the second period to conitune the scoring spree. Philippe Cornet, the former San Antonio Rampage, picked up his sixth of the year as Texas had a defensive breakdown and left him uncovered for the pass from Matthew Pistilli.

Victor Rask padded the lead in the final minute of the game off a nice pass from Dan Biega. Josh Robinson shattered his goal stick in frustration. It was that sort of game for the Texas Stars.

Texas is back in action Wednesday at home against Iowa.

Tonight's lines:
McKenzie-Morin-Sceviour
Hedden-Mueller-Ranford
Wathier-Dowling-Stransky
Button-Peters-Sinkewich

Wrenn-Gaunce
Oleksiak-Meech
Labrie-Fortunus

Nilstorp

Injuries, scratches, and notes:
Petersen (scratch)
Nemeth, Glennie, Campbell, Ritchie, Jokipakka, Vause (injury)

Today's attendance was 7,323.

AHL Gamesheet - Texas at Charlotte - January 18 2014

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