Arttu Hyry, Matěj Blümel Continue Hot Streaks, Propel Stars to Fifth Straight Win

(Credit: Manitoba Moose)

The Texas Stars (17-11-1-0), looking to win their fifth straight in a row and close out 2024 victoriously, overcame a slow start to defeat the Manitoba Moose (7-18-0-1) at Canada Life Centre 3-1. The Stars were led by Arttu Hyry and Matěj Blümel, who scored their 14th and 15th goals, respectively, of the season. Magnus Hellberg led the Stars in the pipes, stopping 22 shots and getting his 14th victory.

The first period was dictated by both teams looking to establish the forecheck. Midway through the period, the teams combined for a total of just four shots. It appeared Gavin White collected his first AHL goal when his wristshot from the slot beat Thomas Milic, but the goal was disallowed for goaltender interference. The period ended with no goals, and the away team with a 6-4 shot advantage.

The second period started with the Moose getting a two-on-one and Kevin Conley firing a shot blocker side to Hellberg, which he promptly brushed aside.

Just over seven minutes in, Hyry outmuscled Moose defender Simon Lundmark and flicked a shot over the left shoulder of Milic. It was Hyry's fourth goal in the last two games, his third straight game with a goal and extended his point streak to ten games. His goal briefly tied him for team lead with Blümel. Justin Ertel was credited with the assist, his first AHL point.

The second period looked to be ending with the Stars up 1-0 when Manitoba defensemen Dimitry Kuzmin was called for cross-checking with just over a minute remaining. The away team wasted little time when Cameron Hughes carried the puck into the Moose zone, occupying two defenders. The puck found its way to Kyle Capobianco who combined with Hyry for a Blümel tap-in goal. It was Blümel's 15th goal of the season, retaking the team lead. Shots favored the Stars 17-11 after two periods.

Texas, still looking to apply forechecking pressure, forced a bad Manitoba outlet pass from behind their own goal where Kole Lind was the beneficiary. He took the pass between the circles and did not miss. He beat Milic for his seventh goal of the season, giving the visitors a 3-0 lead 3:40 into period three.

The Moose, trying to get back into game, got a goal back when Axel Jonsson-Fjallby took a long pass and split two defenders for a breakaway goal. It was his second goal of the season and cut the lead to 3-1 with just over five minutes played in the third.

The rest of the third period saw each team trading scoring opportunities with no additional goals being scored. The Stars played sound, disciplined hockey the rest of the way. The victory improved Hellberg's record to 14-4-1-1.

The Stars return home to the H-E-B Center at Cedar Park on Friday, January 3rd at 7 PM against the Tucson Roadrunners.

Today's lines
Hughes-Hyry-Blümel
Stranges-Lind
McDonald-Pettersen-Wheatcroft
Seminoff-Becker-Ertel

Capobianco-Krys
Petrovic-Kyrou
White-Karow
Looft

Hellberg

Injuries, scratches and notes
Hryckowian (callup)
McKenzie (international duty, Spengler Cup)
Bichsel, Romano (scratch)

Lian Bichsel was technically on the roster for today's game and scratched. That has more to do with his physical location, not being in Winnipeg for the game, than a statement about his position with the team.

Today's attendance was 6,483.

AHL Gamesheet -Texas at Manitoba - December 31 2024