(Credit: Andy Nietupski/Texas Stars)
Texas will face the Grand Rapids Griffins for their first series, travelling to Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids for games one and two before coming back to the H-E-B Center at Cedar Park to close out the series.
“They're all been pretty low-scoring games, they got some guys down from Detroit that'll have to help the key on,” Cameron Hughes said. “[Grand Rapids is] an overall good team. It'll be fun – both fun rinks. So that's just the best part of it.”
Ending the year off as the second seed in the division, Texas will have a much-needed 10-day layoff before heading up to Michigan. Even with the break, head coach Neil Graham is keeping his Stars sharp as they gear up for another playoff push.
“We had a couple hard [practices] and a day off, and another couple hard ones to ramp up for the game,” Kyle Capobianco said. “At this time, everyone's a little banged up. So this break has actually been a little bit nicer.”
Texas finished the season in a three-way tie for most road victories with two-time defending Calder Cup Champions, the Hershey Bears and the Laval Rocket, with 24. Their best road streak came in the middle of the season as they broke a franchise record, winning 10 consecutive games.
Looking at their road matchup against the Griffins, Texas has been successful in their four meetings with their divison rival going 3-1 this season in Grand Rapids.
“Something that's been more unique with this group, is just their willingness to help each other out,” Graham said. “Not only the individual get better, but understanding so it's going to make our team members better and closer for doing it.
For Graham, their success can be boiled down to simply establishing cohesion on and off the ice; it has certainly helped Texas, getting hot at the right moments and producing quality performances night in and night out.
“That closeness has shown up even more regularly and consistency on the ice, which at the end of the day is what matters most,” Graham said. “I think they've done a good job with their role recognition up and down the lineup in every position.”
One thing that has remained constant all season for Graham and co. is the message of “keeping your identity,” and nothing has changed in that department as they gear up for their looming playoff race and to establish a good start early in the tough Central Division.
“Something that's been more unique with this group, is just their willingness to help each other out,” Graham said. “Not only the individual get better, but understanding so it's going to make our team members better and closer for doing it.
For Graham, their success can be boiled down to simply establishing cohesion on and off the ice; it has certainly helped Texas, getting hot at the right moments and producing quality performances night in and night out.
“That closeness has shown up even more regularly and consistency on the ice, which at the end of the day is what matters most,” Graham said. “I think they've done a good job with their role recognition up and down the lineup in every position.”
One thing that has remained constant all season for Graham and co. is the message of “keeping your identity,” and nothing has changed in that department as they gear up for their looming playoff race and to establish a good start early in the tough Central Division.
“Something that is really a strength of this group is consistently showing up with our identity,” Graham said. “If we can maintain that, it's going to get us the best chance coming out of the early gates.”
With younger guys making strides this season as notable faces of Antonio Stranges, Arttu Hyry and AHL Rookie of the Year, Justin Hryckowian, becoming more established members of the team. Long-time Stars captain Curtis McKenzie reflected on this season and the growth that Texas has made.
“I thought our team grew a lot throughout the season,” McKenzie said. “It's been a lot of growing throughout the year and I think the group's ready and very excited to get the real hockey in the beginning.”
With younger guys making strides this season as notable faces of Antonio Stranges, Arttu Hyry and AHL Rookie of the Year, Justin Hryckowian, becoming more established members of the team. Long-time Stars captain Curtis McKenzie reflected on this season and the growth that Texas has made.
“I thought our team grew a lot throughout the season,” McKenzie said. “It's been a lot of growing throughout the year and I think the group's ready and very excited to get the real hockey in the beginning.”
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