Texas Stars 6-6-5-0, 17 pts #10 Western Conference | v. | Oklahoma City Barons 9-4-2-2, 22 pts #7 Western Conference |
November 28th at 7:30 PM
Cedar Park Center, Cedar Park, TX
With the Stars' win, loss and overtime loss numbers all nearly equal, it's not time to try and smooth over the rough spots. If you go by the raw numbers of it, the Stars have lost almost twice as many games as they've won now. The team that hit the ice this season was never going to be the same one that won the Calder Cup last year. However, with the players that were expected, it looked like things would end up with a playoff berth and a chance to defend their Cup. The Stars even had the look of a team that could grab home ice advantage in the first round, at least, by winning the division. Now with challengers to the crown in OKC and San Antonio. That looks less likely. In fact, with resurgent Rockford and Utica squads and many playoff regulars also showing up for the party, the Stars are outside the playoff picture.
That wasn't the case as the month began. Despite only playing seven games due to a light November, Texas owned the West Division's best record. Their current seven game freefall has put them outside the playoffs and has riled up their head coach, Derek Laxdal. After Wednesday night's OT loss against OKC, Laxdal called out both his power play and his depth forwards for not contributed when it matters. He also pointed out that Texas is not an offensive team, which is a very interesting statement given the firepower at their disposal.
It remains to be seen if Brett Ritchie will jump into the lineup tonight after being sidelined with a lower body injury since the Grand Rapids trip. That could be some added firepower in the top six.
Stars injury/call up report:
McKenzie, Jokipakka (call up)
Ritchie (lower body, questionable)
Website: okcbarons.com
Blog: Tend the Farm
Twitter: @OKCBaronsHockey
I have no problem with Laxdal "calling out" players, when they deserve it and right now they do. I expected more from our scoring depth going into the season as well. Right now would be a good time for Glinnie to prove his draft position and not continue down the path of being a good AHL utility guy.
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