Stars Hold on After Wild Second Period for 4-3 Win

Jan 27, 2018

Boxscore Photos Video Three Stars: 1. Bayreuther (TEX) 2. Markison (TEX) 3. Gurianov (TEX) Shots: Stars - 22 Heat - 29 Goaltenders: W - McKenna L - Gillies

CEDAR PARK, Texas - It was a wild second period followed by a nailbiting finish as the Texas Stars edged the Stockton Heat by a 4-3 final on Saturday in front of a sold out crowd at H-E-B Center at Cedar Park.

Both teams combined for five goals in the second period, including four the in first six minutes. Gavin Bayreuther's goal held up as the game-winner as the Stars won their fourth game in their last five and moved back into second place in the AHL's Pacific Division after the San Antonio Rampage lose their game Saturday against San Jose.

Texas returns from the All-Star Break on Friday when they visit the Rampage at 7:30 p.m. CST.

Tied at 1 entering the second, Morgan Klimchuk deflected a goal past Mike McKenna for the Heat (20-15-2-3) at 1:21 to make it 2-1. Sixteen seconds later, Colin Markinson took advantage of a Stockton turn over in front of the net to snap home his fifth of the year. Denis Gurianov finished off a partial breakaway at 3:49 of the second to give the Stars a 3-2 lead, but Brett Pollock scored on a break of his own at 5:55 to knot the score again.

Julius Honka's crossing pass with six minutes to play in the second set up Bayreuther on the doorstep for the game-winner and the rookie's fourth of the season.

Both teams traded power play goals in the first as Spencer Foo scored the Heat and Brent Regner one-timed home his fourth of the year for the Stars.

McKenna stopped 26 of 29 shots for his ninth win of the year. Stockton's Jon Gillies suffered his first career loss to the Stars in seven games with 18 saves.

Both teams went 1-for-3 on the power play.

Photo Credit: Derek Sparta/Texas Stars