Texas Halted By Rockford Netminder to Close Road Trip
Mar 17, 2019|
Dahill Office Technology Corporation Three Stars: Shots: Goaltenders: |
ROCKFORD, Illinois – The Texas Stars, American Hockey League affiliate of the NHL’s Dallas Stars, were held out of the net for more than 40 minutes as Rockford IceHogs netminder Anton Forsberg made 34 saves to steal a 2-1 win at BMO Harris Bank Center tonight.
The opening period featured all the scoring needed for a decision. After the midway point of the game, Alexandre Fortin scored his fifth goal of the year to break open the scoreless game. Stars goaltender Philippe Desrosiers made a big save on Graham Knott before Spencer Watson circled behind the net for a wrap around. Desrosiers made a save at the post, but Fortin broke to the post to poke the puck into the net.
Two and a half minutes later the Stars found a way to tip the puck past Forsberg. Colin Markison broke into the offensive zone and stopped at the top of the left circle before sending a hard pass over to Denis Gurianov who was streaking toward the right post. The winger deflected the puck into the net for his 19th goal of the season and now has goals in back to back games.
The IceHogs notched the eventual game winning goal less than two minutes later. Andreas Martinsen slipped his second of the season into the net with two minutes left in the period giving him two goals in the last three games. After the puck came off the right wing wall, William Pelletier fired a shot to Desrosiers pads before Martinsen cut across the crease. He kicked the puck to his forehand before tapping the puck under the cross bar.
Texas generated several chances in the game including three power play opportunities. The Stars came up empty on 30 shots across the second and third periods, hitting the post twice down the stretch. Desrosiers exited the net in the final two minutes with 23 saves to help Texas in their final push. Forsberg held down the crease to take Rockford’s 30th win of the year and overtake Texas for fourth place in the Central Division.
The Stars battle with the Grand Rapids Griffins on Wednesday to open a four-game homestand in Cedar Park, Texas. The Stars will play eight of their final 11 games on home ice including a final pair of games against the IceHogs on Apr. 5 and 6.
Photo Credit: Rockford IceHogs