Hyry, Capobianco Save Stars Late, Beating Colorado 3-2 in OT Thriller

(Credit: Andy Nietupski/Texas Stars)

The ever-so-persistent Texas Stars managed to find a way to win Saturday night. A late goal by Arttu Hyry, his second of the night, pushed the game into overtime. 

Kyle Capobianco found the back of the net for the unassisted game-winning overtime goal for the 3-2 win.

“I’m proud of the way we elevated our game,” head coach Neil Graham said. “There’s moments where intensity was required and then there were moments where composure was required. I thought we did a good job of balancing both.”

After struggling for the first 40 minutes, the Colorado Eagles finally started to gain traction in the final period. 

Colorado found the back of the net on both of their power plays in the third period, capitalizing on their second just before the penalty expired. Hyry and Michael Karow were left in disbelief as they sulked in the freshly scored-on crease.

With time running out, Hyry came up big for the Stars when they needed him most. 

On their 6-on-5 opportunity, Antonio Stranges connected with Hyry in front of the crease. On just his second shot on goal all night, Hyry found the back of the net tying the game up at 2-2 with 1:06 left, reinvigorating the once-somber crowd.

“Obviously, that late, we knew we were going 6-on5 as soon as possible,” Hyry said. “[We] tried to calm ourselves, and don’t rush the chances and make plays.”

Hesitant in overtime, Capobianco exploited the Eagles' shallow play in the extra period. Taking control of the puck on a turnover, the blue liner faced nobody as he cruised his way to the net.

On the first and only shot in overtime, Capobianco banked his attempt in the low slot for the game-sealing goal, immediately facing the crowd as the lights of the H-E-B Center at Cedar Park shrouded the ice in victory green.

Hyry has recaptured some moxie on his two shots on goal tonight; both found the back of the net. This was his eighth multi-point game this season. The AHL rookie currently has the second-most goals on the Stars roster, with 19 on the year.

“Like any guys that can put pucks into the back of the net, you’re going to go through a stretch where you don’t," Graham said about Hyry. “What I like is, he’s so diligent with his preparation… Tonight was a great example of what he means for our group.”

Capobianco has been on a goal-scoring streak. The veteran defenseman has scored three goals in his past five games. All three goals have come at home, with his overtime goal tonight being his first game-winner this season.

Remi Poirier had one of his better outings this season, despite allowing two power play goals tonight. Poirier still managed to stop 27 out of 29 shots for a 0.931 save percentage for his eighth win on the season.

Texas will conclude its series with Colorado Saturday night at the H-E-B Center at Cedar Park. Puck drop is scheduled for 7 PM.

Tonight's Lines
Romano-Hughes-Lind
Pettersen-Hyry-Blümel
Stranges-Hryckowian-McKenize
Wheatcroft-Becker-McDonald

Looft-Petrovic
Capobianco-Krys
Karow-White

Poirier

Injuries, scratches and notes
Ertel, Seminoff, Arcuri, Kyrou, Punnett (scratch)

Tonight's attendance was 6,388.

AHL Gamesheet - Texas v. Colorado - February 21 2025