Stars Edge Monsters 4-3 In A Shootout

Mar 27, 2012

Texas Returns for Three-Game Home Stand Starting Thursday at 7:30 p.m.

Cleveland, OH - The Texas Stars (29-34-2-2, 62 points) defeated the Lake Erie Monsters (32-27-3-7, 74 points) 4-3 in a shootout at the Quicken Loans Arena on Tuesday night. Texas rookie goalie Jack Campbell (2-1-0) continued his stellar play, finishing with a career-high 36 saves, including eight in overtime to force a shootout. In his first pro shootout, Campbell stopped five of seven attempts to give the Stars their second straight road win. Rookie Taylor Vause sealed the win with the deciding goal in the seventh round of the shootout. Rookie forwards Austin Smith and Colton Sceviour also netted shootout goals for the Stars. Left wing Francis Wathier scored a goal in regulation and added an assist in his 400th pro game. Texas center Travis Morin scored his tenth goal of the year, tying the team record for points in a season with his 58th of the season. Forward Mike Hedden added his 14th goal of the year for the Stars, who posted back-to-back road wins to finish the road swing. Lake Erie goalie Cedrick Desjardins (12-9-5) stopped 28 of 31 shots in regulation and four of seven in the shootout defeat. Defenseman Cameron Gaunce, as well as forwards Greg Mauldin and Mike Connolly, each had a goal in the Lake Erie loss. Texas returns home for a three-game home stand starting Thursday with Hamilton at 7:30 p.m. at Cedar Park Center.

The teams were scoreless until 13:15 of the first period. Lake Erie defenseman Cameron Gaunce opened the scoring with 6:45 left in the period, potting a rebound for the 1-0 Monsters lead. Forwards Ryan Stoa and Brad Malone helped set up Gaunce’s fifth goal of the year, as Lake Erie carried a 1-0 lead into the first intermission.

Texas stormed back to take the lead with two goals in the last four minutes of the second period. Center Travis Morin picked off the puck and created his own breakaway. The Stars all-time leading scorer beat Lake Erie goalie Cedrick Desjardins with a backhander, netting his tenth goal of the year at 16:26 of the period for the 1-1 tie. Morin’s tally tied him for the team record with the most points in one season, bringing his total to 58 on the year. The Stars created a turnover in the Monsters zone at 18:39, with Mike Hedden capitalizing for his 14th goal of the year and a 2-1 Texas lead. Left wing Francis Wathier set up the goal as the Stars carried a one-goal lead into the break.

In the third period, the Monsters tied the game 2-2 just 3:54 into the final frame. Veteran forward Greg Mauldin put in a rebound for his 16th goal of the year. Texas countered to regain the lead at 7:54, left wing Francis Wathier swatted the puck away from defenseman Danny Richmond and into the Lake Erie net, scoring his 18th goal of the season for the 3-2 lead. Monsters center Mike Connolly slipped in a rebound with 1:59 left in regulation, tying the game 3-3 and forcing overtime.

After a scoreless overtime, the teams skated to a seven-round sudden-death shootout. Texas netted three goals from Colton Sceviour, Austin Smith and Taylor Vause. Goalie Jack Campbell stopped five of seven Monsters for the win. Lake Erie’s Ryan Stoa and Mike Connolly each scored in the shootout.

Texas returns home to face the Hamilton Bulldogs on Thursday, March 29th at 7:30 p.m. Thursday’s game is a 3-2-1 night, featuring $3 domestic drafts, $2 sodas, and $1 hot dogs. On Saturday, Texas will host Lake Erie at 7:00 p.m. at Cedar Park Center. The first 2,500 fans to the game will receive a Texas Stars hockey puck, compliments of BossyHD. Saturday is also State Farm Family four-pack night with four tickets, four hot dogs and four sodas starting at $48. On Sunday, Texas hosts Puck N Paws day at Cedar Park Center. The team will host Lake Erie at 5:00 p.m. and fans will be permitted to bring their dog to the game, while sitting in a designated pet-friendly section - equipped with water and relief stations. Fans wishing to bring their dog to the game will need to book their tickets in advance and show proof of recent shots / spay-neuter. Those planning on attending need to contact Peter Norosky at pnorosky@texasstarshockey.com or call 512-GO-STARS for more information.

Individual tickets for all games are on sale now. Tickets are available online at www.TexasStarsHockey.com or by calling 512.GO.STARS (467.8277). 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. Anyone interested in purchasing season tickets, suites, group tickets or mini-plans may call the Texas Stars front office.

--Texas Stars--