Stars Grab a Point in 2-1 Final at Tucson
Mar 9, 2018|
Three Stars: Shots: Goaltenders: |
TUCSON, Ariz. - A month after their previous matchup ended in an overtime thriller, it was more of the same on Friday night in the desert as Mike Sislo was the hero again giving the Tucson Roadrunners a 2-1 overtime win over the Texas Stars at Tucson Arena.
Sislo snapped his 18th of the season off the post from the left circle midway through the overtime period to beat Landon Bow after the rookie goaltender made 11 of his 25 saves in the third period alone to help Texas get a point in the standings. Sislo also scored the game-winner in the February 10th matchup between the two teams in Cedar Park, which also was a 2-1 final.
Texas (31-21-6-3) and Tucson (31-17-4-1) wrap up their season series Saturday at 8:05 p.m. CST.
Sislo had been shut down all night long by the Stars' goaltender with quality scoring chances on six Roadrunner power plays, but his final chance of the night handed Tucson their ninth overtime win of the year -- one behind the Stars, who lead the AHL with 10 wins in overtime this season.
After a scoreless first, Carter Camper buried a power play goal six minutes into the second period to open the scoring from the right circle. With 5:45 remaining in the middle frame, Texas responded on a scrum in front of the net as Samuel Laberge jammed a loose puck past Tucson's Hunter Miska for his fifth of the season.
The offense stayed quiet throughout the third, forcing bonus hockey for the second straight meeting.
Texas finished 0-for-3 on the power play. Despite the loss, the Texas lineup did receive a boost as Curtis McKenzie returned from a 14-game absence. He leads Texas with 21 goals on the year.
Photo Credit: Tucson Roadrunners