Stars Bounce Back Against Rampage 5-1

Mike Hedden celebrates his goal. (Credit: Josh Huskin)

UPDATE: The Stars clinched the playoffs later Sunday with Chicago's loss to OKC.

After dropping their last two games in defeating fashion, the Stars played a solid game against a familiar opponent, beating the Rampage in San Antonio by a 5-1 score. Travis Morin had a goal and an assist, and Kevin Connauton had two primary assists for Texas.

Albeit against lesser competition, the Stars absolutely needed this win. They have a chance to clinch playoffs with a Chicago loss later today. They move to 8-0-1-1 against San Antonio this season.

Texas and San Antonio traded chances early with Jack Campbell facing rubber just a few seconds into the game. Grumet-Morris was tested within the minute, also standing tall, and the game was off and running.

The Stars struck first in the first period. Rampage forward Jed Ortmeyer lost his stick, creating an odd man rush for the Stars. Jamie Oleksiak dished to Mike Hedden, who was just coming off the bench for the change. Hedden's eleventh of the year was also assisted by Justin Dowling.

Texas finished the first period up by just the single goal.

The Stars carpet bombed Dov Grumet-Morris in the second period, outshooting the Rampage 20-6. However, it was San Antonio scoring first in the period. A Texas turnover and give and go generated a goal for Garrett Wilson, his third of the season.

Texas got all the remaining goals in the game, however. Right off the faceoff, Toby Petersen collected his eighth of the year, a power play goal. The goal was initially given the Brett Ritchie. The puck deflected off Colby Robak's stick and in past Grumet-Morris.

Travis Morin scored his second in as many games just past the halfway point of the game. A 4-on-2 rush for Texas generated the goal. Kevin Connauton broke into the zone and seemed a bit bewildered at his options. He sent the puck to Morin practically on the goal line where he jammed it home for the 3-1 lead.

Reilly Smith continued the onslaught in the third period with a five hole goal to extend his point streak to eight games. Travis Morin had the only assist on the play.

Mike Commodore extended the score with his second in as many games played. Major work on the play came from Brett Ritchie who swooped in around the net and dished to Commodore for the goal. Luke Gazdic intially picked up the secondary assist on the goal, but it was later changed to Hedden's point. Hedden had a goal and two assists in the game.

Texas moves to 91 points with the win but still trails Providence out East for first in the league. The Bruins have 93 points.

Tonight's lines:
R. Smith-Morin-Sceviour
Hedden-Dowling-Ritchie
Gazdic-Petersen-Cameron
Wathier-Vause-Glennie

Oleksiak-Benn
Gaunce-Connauton
Commodore-Morrow

Campbell

Injuries, scratches, and notes:
Fraser, Chiasson (call up)
Tousignant, Sneep, Montgomery, Fortunus, Nemeth, McKenzie, Wrenn, Sloan (scratch)

Tonight's attendance was 6,599.

AHL Gamesheet - Texas at San Antonio - April 7 2013