Stars Break Back Against Wild for 6-3 Win
Dec 12, 2018|
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CEDAR PARK, Texas – The Texas Stars, American Hockey League affiliate of the NHL’s Dallas Stars, scored five goals in the second half of tonight’s game against the Iowa Wild to earn a come-from-behind 6-3 victory. The matchup at H-E-B Center at Cedar Park extended the Stars win streak to four straight games.
Texas was able to answer an early Wild lead in the first period as Michael Mersch began a two-goal night at 14:52 of the opening frame. The Stars winger posted up in front of goaltender Kaapo Kahkonen at the end of a Stars power play, looking for a deflection. Roope Hintz found his linemate and launched a shot toward the net for the redirection. After the break, the Wild notched a second period goal early to post the 2-1 advantage and forcing another Stars response.
In transition, Erik Condra directed a pass from Sam Laberge onto the net. Before Kahkonen could cover the puck, the veteran forward reached out and knocked the puck into the net to tie the game. Condra’s 12th goal of the season was his first of two in the game and also extended his point streak to 11 straight games. His streak ties a franchise record set in the 2012-13 season and gave the alternate captain 18 points (8-10=18) in the streak.
Texas continued to pour on the offense as Colton Hargrove set up Colin Markison after breaking up a play at the blue line. Markison’s third goal of the season made it 3-2 at the second intermission and gave Hargrove his 100th career point.
After a slew of penalties against the Wild, Texas took advantage and notched back to back power play goals. Adam Mascherin scored his 11th of the year on a 5-on-3 and was followed by Mersch’s second of the game less than two minutes later. Texas led the contest 5-2 and would add an empty net goal in the final 20 seconds of the game.
The Wild did score one goal with 11 minutes to play, earning a power play goal during a 5-on-3 opportunity of their own. Texas ended the game with 30 shots on goal and a 2-for-4 performance on the men advantage. The Wild tested Landon Bow with 28 shots but the netminder earned his third straight win with 25 saves. The Wild were 1-for-5 on the power play and Kahkonen suffered the loss with 24 saves at the horn.
Photo Credit: Andy Nietupski