Texas Falls Late in Chicago by 2-1 Margin

(Credit: Chicago Wolves)

It wasn't the fate they deserved, but sometimes that's how the puck luck goes. After playing a solid road game with tons of shots and a stour goaltending performance, it was a broken play with 74 seconds left that saw Texas go down 2-1 in Chicago. Jake Oettinger finished the contest with 25 saves on 27 against. Oskar Dansk had his hands full with a 41 save performance.

Despite playing last night, Texas showed no signs of tired legs. They opened the game with a 12-1 shot advantage and scored the game's first goal. Joel L'Esperance continued his pace of strong play on the power play. Anthony Louis distributed the puck back against the grain to L'Esperance at the top of the right wing circle. With Jaycob Megna creating a screen, L'Esperance beat Dansk just under the armpit on the blocker side.

Texas would take the lead to the second period, but the Wolves would answer with their own hot hand. Brayden Pachal started the play below the Chicago goal line with a solid outlet pass to Keegan Kolesar. Breaking into the offensive zone, Kolesar dished to Brandon Pirri, who backhanded one past Jake Oettinger.

Texas has a scary moment in the third period as Joel Hanley took a puck off the back of his head while sliding to block a shot. He made it back to the bench under his own power and without assistance, but he certainly reacted like he was in a lot of pain. He stayed on the bench and rejoined the defensive rotation after missing only a few shifts.

A turnover in the Stars zone with under two minutes left came back to bite Texas. Oettinger stopped Gage Quinney's initial tip at the net but couldn't get to the rebound. The defense for Texas was nowhere near the play with Josh Melnick and Tye Felhaber being the two players closest to the net on the play.

Texas stays in town to complete the 3-in-3 weekend with a matinee against the Wolves tomorrow at 3 PM.

Tonight's lines:
Louis-L'Esperance-Kiviranta
Caamano-Gardner-Robertson
Felhaber-Melnick-Mersch
Mascherin-McClure

Heatherington-Cecconi
Hanley-Djuse
Nyberg-Bayreuther
Gleason

Oettinger

Injuries, scratches, and notes:
Cuglietta, Tufte, MacKay, Scarlett (scratch)
Kero (injury)

Tonight’s attendance was 4,306.

AHL Gamesheet - Texas at Chicago - December 21 2019