Gameday Preview: Texas Stars at Grand Rapid Griffins

Texas Stars 28-24-4-3, 63 pts #4 Central Division

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Grand Rapids Griffins 31-17-5-4, 71 pts #3 Central Division

March 6th at 6:00 PM

Van Andel Arena, Grand Rapids, MI

As if anyone needed it further reinforced, last night was not what Texas wanted out of their trip to Wisconsin. Their last regular season matchup with the Admirals was their first time coming away from the matchup without at least a point.

It comes at about the worst time for such a thing, as Texas hits Grand Rapids tonight in a three-way tie for the final playoff spot in the division. The Stars are ahead of the IceHogs and Admirals thanks to their superior ROW (regulation and overtime wins). However, and it's cliche to say, every single point matters and the second period last night gave away meaningful points that the Stars will likely need in April to make the playoffs.

(Credit: Andy Nietupski/Texas Stars)

There are any number of ways that Texas could have changed the course of the game. A well-timed timeout would have helped some. Perhaps pulling Landon Bow after the towering goalie let a shot trickle over him. The way he was sprawled on the ice after the goal showed he was defeated. Of course, Texas also needed to save Philippe Desrosiers for the second half of the back-to-back tonight against the Griffins.

GRG is well-rested coming into the matchup. Since the two clubs last played on February 22nd, Grand Rapids has only played twice, earning a single point, but collecting valuable rest days. Texas, meanwhile, has slogged through the midwest and back home playing five games of their own.

Stars injury/call up report:

Scarlett (season-ending ACL injury)
Laberge (upper body)

L'Esperance (call up)