Texas Stars Squeak By Utica Comets 2-1 in New York

Cristopher Nilstorp (Credit: Lindsay A. Mogle/Utica Comets)

Given the vastly different league standigns of the two clubs, a 2-1 victory is a thin margin for the Texas Stars, but they will take that win to start their three game road swing in the North Division. Mike Hedden headlined the night with a goal and an assist, earning first star honors.

Cristopher Nilstorp bounced back with a 28 save performance. Texas never trailed in the game, leading by 1-0 and 2-1 marks. The Stars converted on their only power play of the night and stopped two Utica man-advantages. The Comets outshot the Stars over three periods. This was the only game Texas will play in Utica this season barring playoffs.

Hedden started his night with a redirect of a William Wrenn point shot halfway through the first period. Labrie had the second assist on the goal on the D-to-D pass. Hedden's goal extended his quietly growing point streak to eight games.

Utica evened things up just before the end of the period with Alexandre Grenier's 4th of the season. The rookie skater from the left wing circle tied the score at one after twenty minutes. Frank Corrado assisted.

A scramble play on the man-advnatage early in the second led to the ultimate game-winner. Matej Stransky's 3rd of the year, a tap in play on a loose puck, was assisted by Justin Dowling and Mike Hedden.

Nilstorp shook off his previous bad games in the third period and stopped all eleven Comets' shots while Texas only mustered five of their own on Joacim Eriksson.

Texas is in Toronto tomorrow to face the Marlies.

Tonight's lines:
McKenzie-Mueller-Sceviour
Stransky-Glennie-Ranford
Hedden-Dowling-Ritchie
Wathier-Peters-Smith

Oleksiak-Connauton
Jokipakka-Gaunce
Wrenn-Labrie

Nilstorp

Injuries, scratches, and notes:
Morin (callup)
Petersen (scratch)
Campbell, Nemeth, Fortunus (injury)

Tonight's attendance was 3,287.

AHL Gamesheet - Texas at Utica - November 16 2013