San Antonio Slips By Texas 2-1 In Overtime
Jan 26, 2013Stars Claim Sole Possession of First Place With Overtime Point
SAN ANTONIO, TX – Tyler Sloan scored his first goal of the season to help the Texas Stars earn a point and take over sole possession of first place in the South Division and the Western Conference in a 2-1 overtime loss to the San Antonio Rampage Friday night at AT&T Center.
The Stars got off to a strong start as they held possession for almost the entire first minute of play. The Rampage counter punched perfectly as Jonathan Hazen raced down the right wing and scored on the team’s first shot of the game. Hazen beat Texas starter Richard Bachman with a quick wrist shot over the catching glove and into the top right corner of the net 61 seconds into the first period. The Stars challenged Jacob Markstrom, out-shooting San Antonio 12-8 in the frame, but the hosts carried the 1-0 lead into the first intermission.
Both goaltenders were tested in the second period. Late in the frame the Stars finally cracked the armor of Markstrom to draw level. Matt Fraser led a three-on-two rush up the right wing, then centered the puck to the trailing Tyler Sloan. Texas’ veteran defenseman swooped in and lifted a backhand over the glove of Markstrom to tie the game. Sloan’s goal, his first in a Stars uniform, came at 17:38 and was assisted by Fraser and Colton Sceviour.
After a very tense, but ultimately scoreless third period the game went to overtime. The deciding moment occurred shortly after Alex Chiasson was called for hooking, giving the Rampage a 4-on-3 power play. San Antonio capitalized on its opportunity as leading scoring Jon Rheault won the game with a one-timed power play goal with 41 seconds left in the extra session.
Jacob Markstrom stopped 35-of-36 shots to earn the win in goal for San Antonio, while Richard Bachman had 25 saves on 27 shots and took the loss for Texas. The Stars out-shot the Rampage 36-27 and went 0-for-5 on the power play, while San Antonio finished 1-for-6 with the man advantage. Matt Fraser’s second period assist extended his season-high point streak to eight games. The Texas All-Star now has 11 points (6 goals, 5 assists) during that streak.
The Texas Stars are home on Saturday, January 26th to square off with the San Antonio Rampage at 7:00 p.m. at Cedar Park Center. Saturday is Francis Wathier Mini Bobble Head Giveaway Night, presented by Cedar Park Jewelry. Pro-rated full and partial 2012-13 season seat packages are on sale now. For more information on Texas Stars season tickets call (512) GO-STARS (467-8277) or visit www.TexasStarsHockey.com.