The final game of a six-game road trip can be a grind—especially when four regular starters are sidelined. That was the situation for the Texas on Tuesday at Tech CU Arena against the San Jose Barracuda.
Missing from action were: Arttu Hyry, Cameron Hughes (call-ups), Artem Shlaine and Trey Taylor. The Stars dug deep and came from behind in the third period to win 2-1, ending their road trip with a 3-3 record.
Due to injuries and call-ups, the Texas dressed 11 forwards and seven defensemen for the first time this season. With lines in flux, the visitors struggled to find rhythm early and spent much of the opening period under pressure. The Barracuda outshot the Stars 14–5 in the frame, but Texas managed to escape without conceding, thanks in large part to several key shot blocks.
San Jose broke through just over five minutes into the second period when Filip Bystedt beat Rémi Poirier low on the stick side. Texas had a prime chance to respond moments later when Sean Chisholm sprung for a shorthanded breakaway, but was turned aside by Laurent Brossoit.
As the period wore on, the physicality ramped up. Heavy hits and post-whistle scrums became routine. Barracuda forward Brendan Hoffmann powered to the net hard and collided with Poirier, causing him to get knocked backward, but no penalty was assessed on the play.
The frustration from the Stars bench was evident as several calls went against them. At one point, head coach Toby Petersen was visibly animated, shouting at officials following a delay-of-game penalty.
Needing a spark offensively, Texas found it almost immediately to start the third period. Just over a minute in, Cross Hanas pounced on a rebound from Matthew Seminoff and beat Laurent Brossoit to tie the game.
Just 16 seconds later, Dylan Hryckowian gave the Stars a 2–1 lead, scoring his first professional goal and extending his point streak to three games. Not only was the goal clutch, it proved to be the game-winner.
Strong defensive play by Texas, combined with timely saves from Poirier (43 saves), carried them through the remainder of the contest, securing a 2–1 victory and two crucial road points.
Next up: The Stars return to the H-E-B Center on Friday April 3rd at 7PM to take on the Chicago Wolves.Tonight’s lines
Hanas-Lind-Seminoff
Martino-Becker-Hryckowian
Stranges-Scott-McKenzie
McDonald-Chisholm-
J. Poirier-Karow
Minnetian-Kolyachonok
R. Poirier
Injuries, scratches and notes
Hyry, Hughes (callup)
Taylor, Ertel, Looft (scratch)
Wheatcroft, Tuomaala, Shlaine (injury)
Tonight’s attendance was 1,512
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