Landon Bow Leads Texas to 2-1 Shootout Win over Rockford
Dec 10, 2016Boxscore
Photos
Postgame Video
Shots:
Stars - 28
IceHogs - 37
Rookie Netminder Stops 72 of 74 Shots in Weekend Set vs. Rockford
CEDAR PARK, Texas -- Rookie netminder Landon Bow certainly let his play speak for himself as he backstopped the Texas Stars to victory in a back-to-back set against the Rockford IceHogs on Friday and Saturday night.
The 21-year-old Bow made his AHL debut in net for the Stars 10 minutes into the second period on Friday evening in relief of fellow goalie Maxime Lagace. In his 32:14 of ice time he made 34 of 35 saves, posted a .971 save percentage and led the team to a 8-4 victory over Rockford.
“I thought last night, when we put him in the at 3-3, he really settled our team down a little bit and gave us a little bit of confidence just to keep on playing,” said Texas Stars Head Coach Derek Laxdal. “Tonight he played the full game, and had a chance to prepare for the game, so it was nice to see him just kind of pick up where he left off last night.”
Bow, who was called up from the ECHL’s Idaho Steelheads on Nov. 27, was given the green light to make his first start in a Texas Stars sweater for Saturday’s rematch against the IceHogs. His performance would see the Alberta native make 37 of 38 saves, stop two breakaway chances and remain perfect in the shootout.
“They peppered us pretty hard there in the second and in bits of the third,” said Laxdal. “It wasn't our best game tonight, but we got a goaltending performance that helped us get along. I thought he was outstanding in the shootout, and he had a great save in overtime too. It was his night tonight.”
The “great overtime save” came just three minutes into the sudden death scenario.
“I thought he was going to do a drop pass and try to throw something cheeky in there,” said Bow. “But, I knew I’d have to stand my ground and watch him. I couldn't make the first move or otherwise I would get burned pretty bad.”
A high hockey IQ and a calm and collected mindset helped Bow block a shot that could have easily ended the game in favor of the other team. Instead, Texas and Rockford found themselves headed to the shootout for the second time in three games this season.
Forward Brendan Ranford scored the first shootout goal for the Stars with Captain Travis Morin netting the game-winner. Bow made saves on both shootout attempts from Rockford.
Three Stars: 1. Bow (TEX) 2. Morin (TEX) 3. Smith (TEX) |
Goaltenders: W - Bow L - Carruth |
Photo Credit: Andy Nietupski/Texas Stars