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(Credit: Texas Stars) |
The Stars were unable to find the back of the net despite a 20-shot third period as they fell to the Admirals 4-0 in the second game of a back-to-back. The Admirals were the more desperate hockey team, having lost five of their last six games. This desperation motivated them to defeat the Stars for the first time this year.
The shutout snapped the Stars’ five-game win streak and Artu Hyry’s franchise record-tying 11-game point streak. “Today was, you know, a one-off, and we now have to make sure it is a one-off,” Texas Stars head coach Neil Graham said. “We kept it positive as a group. No one feels good about the way we played, and sometimes, you have to take a look in the mirror to continue to grow as a team. This is another opportunity for us to reflect.”
The Texas defense had a difficult time handling the relentless Milwaukee forecheck. They continually turned over and iced the puck from their defensive zone. This puck mismanagement fueled the Admirals' offense throughout the game.
“Their forecheck matched their work rate,” Graham said. “Our decision making didn't have enough urgency. We weren't direct enough. We didn't take the simple option enough, especially early through the game, and then you're fueling their transition and they're getting some looks off of turnovers. ”
Former Texas Stars goaltender Matt Murray earned his first shutout of the season for the Admirals, stopping 30 shots on goal. Murray was not overly taxed during the first two periods of the contest, but he was integral in surviving the Stars' third-period barrage. The Stars faithful saluted their former netminder Murray as he was announced as the game's first star.
“You got to give [Murray] a ton of credit,” Graham admitted. “He did a great job in the third. We were trailing, we were throwing a lot at him, and he's an excellent goaltender. We've had him here for a couple years, and we have nothing but respect for him. He's done a great job in Milwaukee this year. He's off to the All-Star game, and tonight was Matt Murray's game, so tip your hat and congratulate him.”
The difference in intensity between the two teams was evident from the very beginning of the game. The Admirals recorded the first five shots on goal before Anthony Angello opened the scoring after a defensive zone turnover from Texas.
Texas had one solid pushback shift, recording their first two shots on goal almost seven minutes into the game. However, that shift proved irrelevant, as Milwaukee deposited their second goal of the night only two minutes after their first, giving them a 2-0 lead by the end of the first period.
In the second period, the Stars broke through some of the Admirals’ forecheck, leading to a few breakaway chances for Texas. However, a combination of Murray's skill and strong backchecking turned away those opportunities.
The only goal of the middle frame came from the Admirals. After several dangerous offensive zone shifts from Texas, Milwaukee established the cycle. Ryder Rolston shook off Lian Bichsel in front of the net and deflected a point shot past Magnus Hellberg to take the 3-0 lead.
The Stars put together a valiant third-period comeback attempt, outshooting the Admirals 20-5. However, Matt Murray turned away all 20 shots and cruised his way to a shutout against his former team.
Tonight was the Stars’ fourth consecutive sellout. Coach Graham was very appreciative of the fans after the game. “We just appreciate them. I think the atmosphere in our rink is the best. The energy they bring fuels us. We're back on the road, but we can't wait to get back in front of them. It's not the result we want for them, but we know they're in the fight with us.”
The Stars will look to bounce back next Saturday, January 25th, in Iowa against the Wild.
Tonight's Lines
Stranges-Hyry-Pettersen
Romano-Hughes-Lind
Wheatcroft-Becker-McKenzie
Ertel-McDonald
Bichsel-White
Looft-Krys
Karow-Petrovic
Kyrou
Hellberg
Injuries, scratches and notes
Blümel, Hryckowian (callup)
Seminoff, Arcuri, Looft (scratch)
Tonight’s attendance was 6,778, the fourth consecutive sellout for Texas.
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