Stars Even Up Series Heading Back to Texas!

Jun 2, 2018

Boxscore Photos Three Stars: 1. Bayreuther (TEX) 2. McKenna (TEX) 3. Engvall (TOR) Shots: Stars - 24 Marlies - 22 Goaltenders: W - McKenna L - Sparks

TORONTO - After the two teams combined for 11 goals in the series opener, Game 2 of the Calder Cup Finals was much more on script as the Texas Stars edged the Toronto Marlies by a 2-1 final on Sunday evening in front of 8,219 fans at Ricoh Coliseum.

Goaltenders Mike McKenna of the Stars and Garret Sparks of the Marlies delivered bounce-back performances for their teams in net. Gavin Bayreutther's power-play goal early in the third held up as the game-winner as the Stars evened up the best-of-seven at 1-1.

Game 3 comes Tuesday in Texas at H-E-B Center at 7 p.m. CT.

The Marlies opened the scoring late in the first on Ben Smith's second of the series, deflecting a point shot from Travis Dermott.

Curtis McKenzie knotted things up three minutes into period two on breakaway goal for his league-leading eighth of the playoffs. Brent Regner and Dillon Heatherington tallied the assists as Heatheringon sprung McKenzie on pass up the middle of the ice.

Bayreuther's power-play winner came at 4:31 of the third from the blue line past a screened Sparks for his second of the playoffs.

Photo Credit: Toronto Marlies