Texas Stars Can't Repeat Magic, Fall 5-2 in OKC

Derek Hulak with goal and assist tonight, nine points in January's eight games

Looking to replicate last night's magic, the Texas Stars fell short in Oklahoma City this evening by a 5-2 final. Jussi Rynnas got the call again but could not pull off the stellar performance he had last night while Texas' offense was unable to give him much run support in the effort. Texas scored the first goal in the contest, but they would allow the next three, which would be enough to put the game out of reach for the visitors.

Jussi Rynnas stopped 28 of 32 in the game. Richard Bachman halted 30 of 32.

Derek Meech opened the scoring for Texas on the power play halfway through the first. Former Star Richard Bachman couldn't collect the initial shot from former teammate Greg Rallo, and Meech found the net. The goal halted a streak of 36 killed penalties for the Barons.

Andrew Miller got a rebound goal of his own behind Rynnas just 88 seconds later. Iiro Pakarinen had the initial shot on that even-strength marker. That would put the score at one all after forty with the Stars leading shots at 13-10.

Early in the second period, OKC jumped ahead off the fourth goal of the year for Bogdan Yakimov. It was a skill move for the rookie, who picked a corner on Rynnas from the dot for the 2-1 lead. A few minutes later, vet Jason Williams got a close-in goal off the scramble at the net to make it 3-1.

Late in the second, it appeared Texas had cut the lead to 3-2 on a shot by Justin Dowling. Texas alternate captain Cameron Gaunce begged for a review of the play at the next stoppage to no avail. The period would end at 3-1 as a result.

Dowling made sure he got on the scoresheet in the third period though. The 3rd year Star lofted a pass up to Derek Hulak on a Texas penalty kill. Hulak beat Bachman, scoring the first shorthanded goal against the Barons in the 2014-15 season.

Yakimov scored his second of the night with just under seven minutes left in third period to salt things away for OKC. Pakarinen potted an empty netter in the game's final minute to end all doubt.

Texas heads home for now before making the day trip to San Antonio on Tuesday.

Tonight's lines:
Hulak-Morin-Rallo
Ranford-Dowling-Glennie
Stransky-Smith-Root
Peters-Faille-Wrenn

Gaunce-Fortunus
Honka-Valentine
Mangene-Meech

Rynnas

Injuries, scratches, and notes:
Ritchie, McKenzie, Jokipakka (call up)
Henderson (scratch)
Troock, Faksa (injury)

Tonight's attendance was 5,542.

AHL Gamesheet - Texas at Oklahoma City - January 17 2015

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