Bibeau's Brilliance Stops Stars in 3-1 Loss

Dec 22, 2017

Boxscore Photos Three Stars: 1. Bollig (SJ) 2. McCarthy (SJ) 3. Bibeau (SJ) Shots: Stars - 30 Barracuda - 29 Goaltenders: W - Bibeau L - Bow

SAN JOSE, Calif. - Antoine Bibeau made 29 saves in the game, but his third-period performance is what shut down the Texas Stars in a 3-1 final on Friday night at SAP Center.

Bibeau made 13 saves in the final period, including a sliding blocker save on a Texas odd-man rush and another point-blank stop on Denis Gurianov in the slot to maintain the Barracuda's one-goal lead before an empty-net goal sealed the win. Brian Flynn also hit the crossbar in the third for Texas (17-11-1-1).

It was the first time Texas has suffered losses in consecutive games since Nov. 4 and 5. The Stars close out their three-game road trip Saturday against the Bakersfield Condors at 9 p.m. CST.

Landon Bow was equally impressive in net for the Stars, stopping 26 of 28 shots, and robbed Brandon Mashinter of a goal when he sprawled out on his back and reached out with his glove to stop the San Jose forward from stuffing the puck in at the goal post.

John McCarthy's power-play goal midway through the first gave the Barracuda (13-11-0-2) a 1-0 lead. Bow stopped the initial point shot and McCarthy's rebound attempt in front before the veteran forward cashed in on a third chance.

Bollig made it a 2-0 lead for San Jose after forcing a turnover in front of the Texas net. Late in the second, Curtis McKenzie fed Brian Flynn in front of the net for a one-timer goal and his eighth goal of the year that would cut the San Jose lead in half.

Texas outshot the Barracuda in the third, 13-7, in a final push to tie the game, but Mashinter added an empty-net tally with a minute to play.

Texas finished 0-for-3 on the power play. San Jose went 1-for-2.

Photo Credit: San Jose Barracuda