Rockford Takes Extra Point in OT as Texas Starts Key 3-in-3 Weekend

(Credit: Brad Repplinger / Rockford IceHogs)

Texas embarked on a difficult road 3-in-3 tonight in Rockford, emerging with a single point after an overtime loss. In a season series dominated by tight games, it was no surprise that the game made its way to the extra frame. 

It was an even game start to finish as neither club led by more than a goal and finished each of the first three periods tied as well. Dylan Wells was a monster in net for Rockford, especially through the first two periods where he stopped 30 of 32 shots.

Tanner Kero drew first blood in the opening frame as he chased his own rebound at the net and beat Dylan Wells for the 1-0 score. Luke Philp kept it tight with a goal of his own, his 15th of the season, just four minutes later.

In the second, David Gust went first for the IceHogs. His shot from the right wing side deflected off the stick of a defending Alex Petrovic and past Matt Murray for the 2-1 lead. The Stars answered with a power play marker with Marian Studenic tipped Thomas Harley's shot from the point. Studenic, fresh off his stint in Dallas, had two points on the night.

The third period was quiet as both teams slowed down their shot pace, totaling just seven each. Some misfires and sloppy play on both ends contributed.

For the umpteenth time in the series, Rockford and Texas needed OT for the second point. It didn't take long. Despite winning the faceoff, the Stars gave up the golden goal. A 2-on-1 saw Lukas Reichel pass to Alex Vlasic for the W just 45 seconds into the frame.

The Stars head to Milwaukee with the top spot in the Central Division on the line. The Admirals, who are idle this evening, sit at 61 points. After tonight's game, the two teams have both played 47 games, and the Stars lead the Ads by just one point.

Tomorrow's game is an early start at 6 PM in Wisconsin.

Injuries, scratches and notes
Karlstrom (callup)
Headrick, Stranges, Damiani, Khudobin (scratch)
Rosburg (out for season - upper-body injury)

Tonight's attendance was 4,717.

AHL Gamesheet - Texas at Rockford - February 17 2023