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| (Credit: Mark Newman / Grand Rapids Griffins) |
Remi Poirier stepped up in a big way for the Texas Stars this evening as the second-year netminder halted 26 shots en route to his first AHL shutout, a 2-0 final in Grand Rapids. Texas got goals from Matej Blümel and Scott Reedy in the effort, but truly gutted out a gritty, tight game.
Speaking to Scott White earlier this week, he cautioned that the Stars cannot look past Grand Rapids any year no matter where they are in the standings or what injury issues Detroit might have. The Griffins showed that they can play tight hockey games tonight. Texas was one goal better and earned the ENG to boot.
The first was a scoreless tie with the Griffins leading on shots 9-4. Things got started in the second with Blümel's 12th of the year coming at 4-on-4. It was a shot that Hutchinson got, but then didn't, as it trickled past him. Reedy had the primary assist with Michael Karow picking up the second apple.
More grind-it-out hockey came just in time for this squad. Texas has been living and dying on the strength of their offense with much focus on Mavrik Bourque and Logan Stankoven. Neither one had a point, the first time that's happened in over a month (Nov 8) and just the third time it's happened all year. It shows a strong signal that this team is more than just one line, more than just two players. Supporting scoring will be essential as this team looks to surprise in the spring from the preseason expectations.
Finally, in the final minute of the game, Reedy found twine with the goalie pulled, earning the 2-0 scoreline and pushing Texas above a 0.700 win percentage.
They retain first place in the Central Division by a healthy and growing margin at 31 points. Milwaukee is behind them with 25 points and a game in hand.
These two teams play again on Friday. The Stars will head to Chicago on Saturday and then Grand Rapids visits Texas twice more to close out the pre-holiday schedule.
Tonight's lines
McKenzie-Bourque-Stankoven
Blümel-Bäck-Karlström
Stranges-Damiani-Caamano
Wheatcroft-Seminoff-Reedy
Pouliot-Kyrou
Grushnikov-Petrovic
Karow-White
Poirier
Injuries, scratches and notes
Jake Murray, McDonald, Berard (scratch)
Bayreuther (out - ankle)
Tonight's attendance was 6,123.
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