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| (Credit: Ross Bonander/Texas Stars) |
In a game that was ultimately meaningless for the standings, Texas closed the season with a 1-0 loss to the visiting Manitoba Moose. The Stars will now head to Grands Rapids to start their playoff run against the Griffins with two away before returning home the first full week of May.
With their playoff position already decided, Texas rested some of their biggest guns. Kyle Capobianco, Cameron Hughes and Justin Hryckowian all took a seat in the press box for game 72.
"The guys in the room [have] outstanding character, really," said Texas head coach Neil Graham postgame. "The way this team has come together, the way they care for each other on and off the ice. It's a special group. Every year you're going to have your ups and downs, and I've really enjoyed working with this group."
Texas definitely started on time with an early 4-0 shot advantage. Manitoba's first shot of the game came on a semi-breakaway, which was deftly grabbed by Remi Poirier. Texas had the only power play of the period but did not convert. The Stars finished the period with a 10-7 shot lead.
The Stars got into penalty trouble in the second taking five minors and leading to the night's only goal. With Justin Ertel already booked for a high-sticking double minor, Matthew Seminoff cleared the puck over the glass and gave Manitoba 104 seconds of 5-on-3.
The Moose took their time, but they finally found twine to the top corner with Dylan Coghlan stepping into the shot. The Stars shut down all the remaining chances.
Remi Poirier certainly earned his second star honor in the final frame with a few highlight reel, aggressive puck plays. Twice, Poirier skated out to play a puck on a breakaway. A third play saw him hit the lizard tongue poke check on an attacking Moose skater.
"Rems is Rems," said Graham with a chuckle. "I think we've been able to holster the flying poke check for 71 games. And I'm not shocked he snuck one in. I'm pretty sure he gave me a wink as he did it as I was having a heart attack."
Off one of those aggressive plays, it would have appeared that Texas got a goal. Christian Kyrou, reinserted into the lineup tonight for the first time since March 21, thudded one into the net along the ice and five hoke on Domenic DiVincentiis. There was no question on the ice from the referees, who immediately waved off the tally.
As the time wound down, Texas struggled to clear its zone and get Poirier to the bench. The Stars had about a minute of solid zone time at the end of the contest, including nine seconds after a timeout, but could not break through.
Now the Stars await their date with Grand Rapids with the schedule to be announced shortly.
Tonight's lines
Blümel-Hyry-Lind
McKenzie-Scott-Romano
Pettersen-Becker-Wheatcroft
Ertel-Chisholm-Seminoff
Taylor-Krys
Karow-Kyrou
Looft-White
Poirier
Petrovic (callup)
Thomson, Bergsland, Hryckowian, Arcuri, Capobianco, Hughes, Martino, Punnett, Shlaine
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