Slumping Stars Begin Five Game Road Trip in Manitoba

[UPDATE: Gavin Bayreuther has been returned to Texas, as expected.]

The Texas Stars have to hope that some time on the road can provide a spark as they search for cleansing from a woeful seven game losing streak.

The good news, if any can be pointed to at the moment, is that they play the Manitoba Moose who have had struggles of their own. Having last played the Moose in Cedar Park in October, a 5-3 loss, the Stars have their work cut out for them in the 4:00 PM matinee.

(credit: Manitoba Moose)

Points are obviously needed if the Stars plan to meander their way out the basement at any juncture. But it's probably more important to see them put together a complete game, win or lose. Maybe it will mean playing "boring" hockey for a stretch and attempting to win a game 1-0 or 2-1. They simply cannot keep yielding four or more goals if they want to give themselves a chance to win.

Head coach Derek Laxdal noted after Saturday's loss to the Colorado Eagles that his team is "a fragile group." That's certainly a cause for concern, but it was reinforced by a challenge he issued to his veteran leadership group to step up and carry some water. The current crop of veterans in the dressing room isn't quite as deep as years past, so it will be interesting to see how that group responds.

Injuries and callups:
Hanley, Bayreuther* (callup)

Gavin Bayreuther figures to rejoin Texas as the parent club finished their game in Winnipeg on Sunday.

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