Gameday Preview: Texas Stars at Tucson Roadrunners

Texas Stars 17-13-1-2, 37 pts, 0.561 #5 Pacific Division

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Tucson Roadrunners 16-9-4-0, 36 pts, 0.621 #4 Pacific Division

January 13th at 8:05 PM

Tucson Convention Center, Tucson, AZ

While it's not quite as high flying as they were to start the season (0.800 pts %), the Roadrunners are doing alright. While they might be in 4th place, their .621 points percentage has them in a pretty spot. Their next closest competitor for the final playoff slot in the Pacific Division has a .561, and that's tonight's opponent, the Texas Stars.

Texas comes in with a big win over division-leading Ontario. The Roadrunners are in the midst of a five-game homestand that will see them play those same Reign before they depart for a rare trip to North Carolina. Their opening game was a convincing 5-2 win over the Manitoba Moose.

For the Roadrunners, watch out for their top scorers. Some are familiar. Some are not. Of course, Chris Mueller is among them (7-23=30 in 29 GP). However, his veteran play is matched by a rookie, Kyle Wood (8-22=30 in 29 GP). Both are top twenty in the league in scoring. The Roadrunners are without Brendan Perlini, who still ranks top five in team scoring (14-5=19 in 17 GP), despite lacing them up for the club just once since December 3rd. In fact, Perlini was assigned for the game against the Moose and scored a hat trick. He was quickly recaled.

For Texas, watch for the goalie matchups as always. Maxime Lagace has now started three in a row. However, with 8 games in 14 days and 3 in this 4 day stretch, Bow would seemingly have to come in at some point.

Stars injury/call up report:
None.

Website: tucsonroadrunners.com
Twitter: @RoadrunnersAHL
Coverage: @CallahanOnAir (Tucson PBP)