Manitoba Scores Three Unanswered to Top Texas 3-2

(Credit: Manitoba Moose)

Texas saw their lead evaporate in the second period and fall in the third as Manitoba scored three unanswered goals to beat the Stars 3-2 tonight in Manitoba. Sam Laberge's second period match penalty for head contact on a check was a big turning point as it fueled the opening and tying goals for the Moose. Philippe Desrosiers took the loss with Landon Bow still in Dallas.

Michael Mersch collected the first goal of the game in the second period. It was a Moose turnover that he ran in alone on the breakaway, scoring it after collecting his own rebound. Joel L'Esperance also scored on a turnover to make it 2-0. It was the rookie's 26th goal of the season, leading not just all rookies but all skaters in the league overall.

The Laberge penalty was a turning point for Texas. As Stoykewych rounded the corner behind the net, Laberge came at him up for a solid hit that turned bad as the Moose skater turned to avoid it. You can see below the hit and aftermath.

Laberge also appeared to injure his shoulder on the play. Neither player returned. Stoykewwych took a two-minute penalty for delay of game as he flipped the puck out of play as the hit occurred. Laberge's five-minute major was offset by that penalty for two.

With some open ice, Manitoba scored on a 2-on-1 during the 4-on-4 segment and on a one-timer during the power play. The game was tied heading into the third.

The only marker of the third was Marko Dano's game winner. It was a fantastic hand-eye coordination play as he found a rebound off the body of Seth Griffith and baseball-whacked it into the net.

The Stars get a chance for quick revenge against Manitoba tomorrow at 2 PM.

Injuries, scratches, and notes:
Scarlett (season-ending ACL injury)
Markison (lower body)
Hansson, Phelan (scratch)

Tonight’s attendance was 4,438.

AHL Gamesheet - Texas at Manitoba - February 9 2019