Stars Run Out of Steam on Short Rest, Fall 4-0 to Wolves

(Credit: Chicago Wolves)

Playing on short rest, the Stars fell to the Chicago Wolves (29-23-3-0) 4-0 at Allstate Arena in Rosemont, Illinois. Managing just ten shots in the final 40 minutes of play, fatigue played a factor in the game. Texas lost a close 4-2 game in Rockford the previous night and had to deal with a quick turnaround for a 3 PM game against the Wolves (along with losing an hour to Daylight Savings Time). The Stars (32-19-3-0) were also without Luke Krys, Chase Wheatcroft and Kyle McDonald, all due to injury.

The first period saw both teams play well-disciplined hockey with only one penalty in the period. The Stars however, pushed the tempo of the game and outshot Chicago 18-8. The best scoring chance occurred when Matěj Blümel had a breakaway opportunity with five minutes remaining in the first period, but was denied by Wolves' goaltender Spencer Martin. The lone Texas power play carried over to the second period with 26 seconds remaining, and the game tied at 0-0.

In a reversal of the first period, the beginning of the second was dominated by special teams. Within the first five minutes of the frame, Texas had a carry-over power play and had back to back penalties (delay of game and roughing) that resulted in no goals. 

The luck for the away team ran out with 23 seconds remaining when a fluky play gave Chicago a 1-0 lead. Blümel was attempting a pass to a teammate in front of Magnus Hellberg, but the puck was deflected off of Bradly Nadeau's skate into the back of the net. There was nothing Hellberg could have done on the play; it was just a very unfortunate break for the Stars. 

Just over three minutes into the third period, a potentially pivotal play occured. The Wolves seemingly went up 2-0 on a Juha Jääskä goal. But, upon further review by the officials, the goal was disallowed as it was determined he used a "kicking motion" keeping the score at 1-0.


Just a little over five minutes into the third, Alex Petrovic was called for boarding. This time the Wolves did cash in on the power play. Nick Swaney sent a wrist shot over Hellberg's right shoulder for a two goal lead for the home team.

If there was any hope of the Stars getting back into the game, those quickly faded when Justin Robidas scored on a rebound. The son of former Dallas Stars player Stéphane Robidas, Justin put the home team up for good, scoring his 14th on the season. The last of the scoring occurred when Austin Wagner scored on an empty net with just over a minute left in the game making it 4-0.


Next up, Texas returns home to Cedar Park to play the Cleveland Monsters on Friday March 14th at 7 PM.

Today's lines
Blümel-Hryckowian-McKenzie
Stranges-Hughes-Romano
Pettersen-Hyry-Lind
Ertel-Becker-Seminoff

Capobianco-White
Looft-Petrovic
Karow-Kyrou

Hellberg

Injuries, scratches and notes
Poirier, Krys,Wheatcroft, McDonald (injury)

Today's attendance was14,018.

AHL Gamesheet - Texas at Chicago - March 9 2025