Josh Melnick Plays Hero in Stars 2-1 OT Win Over Wolves

The Texas Stars started off their 2020 slate of games with a 2-1 overtime victory over the Chicago Wolves. Josh Melnick scored the game winner in dramatic fashion just in time for a five-game homestand.

Former Texas captain Curtis McKenzie broke open the low scoring affair with a goal nearly eight minutes into the contest. Goaltender Landon Bow was otherwise sublime, stopping the rest of the 25 shots he faced.

The Stars earned 33 seconds of 5-on-3 time in the second period but couldn’t take advantage. Chances were few and far between for the road team as they were severely outshot in the first two periods 21-10.

There was no panic, however. Michael Mersch found a greasy goal from Oscar Dansk’s front porch that tied the game with 32 seconds left in the second period. The teams played zero sum hockey in the final frame to force overtime.

Michael Mersch had the game tying goal.
(credit: Chicago Wolves)

The Wolves began extended play with possession and nearly ended the game with a shot off the post. The Stars headed the other way, got the change they wanted, and set up in the offensive zone. Melnick found Emil Djuse on the weak side for a perfect one timer play, only Djuse fanned on the attempt.

To his credit, Djuse calmly gathered the puck, retreated, and made a soft pass back down to Melnick. The bottom six forward attempted a toe drag to beat the defender and nearly lost possession. Instead, Melnick swatted the puck past Dansk far side to win the game.

The Stars head back to Cedar Park for the next couple of weeks for some home cooking. They first take on the Grand Rapids Griffins on Saturday.

Injuries, scratches, and notes:
MacKay, Gleason (scratch)
Mascherin, Caamano (injury)

Tonight’s attendance was 3,635.

AHL Gamesheet - Texas at Chicago - January 2 2020

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