Texas Stars Win Streak Snapped at Four in Loss to Colorado Eagles

(Credit: Colorado Eagles)

It is no secret that playing the Eagles on their home ice in Loveland, CO, is tough. If the energy and noise from the home crowd doesn’t get you, the high altitude will. While Texas is used to playing in a loud arena, 'altitude legs' seemed to get the best of the Stars as they fell to the Colorado Eagles at Blue Arena, 5-3. 

With 5,089 fans in attendance, Texas came into tonight’s game riding a four-game win streak. Tonight’s match saw three lead changes, with both teams leading twice, but ultimately the Eagles would be the team to come away with the W tonight.

Early in the first period, the Stars and the Eagles took turns passing around the puck and setting up plays, but it was the Eagles that would strike first. Jacob MacDonald snuck one past Texas netminder Remi Poirier at 4:01 to give the Eagles the lead, but Christian Kyrou would rise to the challenge to knot the score at one on a Texas power play with assists from Kole Lind and Cameron Hughes. The celebration would be short lived as Alex Petrovic was charged with a hooking penalty with just under a minute left in the frame.

After the intermission, Texas returned to the ice looking a bit more lively and ready to challenge the Eagles, who came into the frame with 1:49 of man advantage. Texas was able to hold off the Eagles and would see a renewed energy to take back the lead.

On a Stars power play, rookie Justin Hryckowian lit the lamp to give Texas a 2-1 lead with assists by Lian Bichsel and Chase Wheatcroft. It was Hryckowian's fourth goal of the season in just seven games.

The clubs would continue to trade possessions as things seemed to just get a bit chippy. Luke Krys would get a two-minute penalty for slashing, which Texas killed, only to see Lian Bichsel immediately booked with a delay of game penalty. Texas would once again stop the Eagles from scoring, but the back and forth was starting to take its toll. 

With just under five minutes left in the second period, Eagles Jake Wise would get one past the Texas goalie. Shortly after the Eagles’ goal, tensions flared on both sides.. Colorado's Chase Bradley, Ondrej Pavel and Tye Felhaber as well as Stars Kyle Looft and Krys all served roughing minors in the back half of the period, which ended 2-2.

Tapping their reserve tanks for the third period, Texas struggled to get back on track. Just 35 seconds into the frame, Matthew Phillops found the back of the net for the 3-2 home side lead. 

With time ticking and Texas looking increasingly gassed, the Eagles would continue their shots on goal barrage with the Eagles Jason Megna sneaking one past Poirier to make it 4-2. With just under three minutes left in the game, Poirier headed to the bench, but the Eagles manage to get a shot into the empty net and extended their lead 5-2.

Krys got one back to set the final score at 5-3.

The second game of the road trip is set for tomorrow: Saturday, November 2 at 8:05 PM.

Injuries, scratches, and notes:
Capobianco, Hellberg (callup)

Arcuri, White, Romano (scratch)

Gavin White was recalled from Idaho on Thursday.

Tonight's attendance was 5,089.

AHL Gamesheet - Texas at Colorado - November 1, 2024