Texas Stars lost out in a strong goaltending battle

Just like the Dallas Stars later in the day against the St. Louis Blues, the Texas Stars ended up losing out in a 2-0 shutout to the Rockford Ice Hogs where despite 32 saves for Andrew Raycroft. The offense couldn't muster anything past Carter Hutton who made 31 saves in the Shutout Victory. This was also Brad Lukowich's 1000th career Professional Game as well as they were looking to make his big night a success as well.

This keeps the Stars down in last in the West Division and 14th Place in the Western Conference. It also didn't help that the San Antonio Rampage pulled off a big victory over the Abbotsford Heat who have been battling hard for the Western Conference Lead against the Houston Aeros & Oklahoma City Barons. Next up for the Stars is a hot Chicago Wolves Team who's just 2 points back of the Mid-West Division Leading Charlotte Checkers.

Texas Stars 0  Rockford Ice Hogs 2  (0-0, 0-1, 0-1)

Press Release from the Texas Stars Website

Updated AHL Standings

From Rockford, Illinois: The Texas Stars (17-18-3) were defeated by the Rockford Ice Hogs (15-21-4 34 PTS) 2-0 in front 4717 fans at the BMO Harris Bank Center on Monday Afternoon. Rockford center Carter Hutton (6-5-1) recorded his first shutout of the season, stopping all 31 Texas shots for the win. Goalie Andrew Raycroft (3-2-1) made 32 saves in the defeat, as the team fell to 9-11-1 on the road this year. Ice Hogs Brandon Svendson scored the eventual game winning goal at 8:49 of the second period and Rockford added an insurance goal in the third by Jeremy Morin. Texas Captain Brad Lukowich played in his 1,000 pro game in the defeat. Stars right wing Colton Sceviour had his six game scoring streak snapped as the club was shutout for the first time all season. Texas travels to Chicago for a game Wednesday at 7:00 PM to face the Wolves.

After a scoreless first period, Rockford claimed a 1-0 lead with the only goal of the 2nd period. IceHogs center Brad Pirri snapped a shot to the Texas Net from the bottom of the right wing circle. Texas goalie Andrew Raycroft made the save, but couldn't control the rebound. Rockford center Brandon Svendson poked in the puck for his 1st goal of the season at 8:49, giving the Hogs a 1-0 lead through 40 minutes of play.

In the third period, Rockford's Jeremy Morin banged in a rebound for his ninth goal of the year and a 2-0 lead with 3:59 left on the clock. Ben Smith and Brian Fahey each had an assist on the power play that rounded out the scoring.

Texas concludes a four game road trip in Chicago on Wednesday at 7:00 PM. The team will return home on Friday, January 20th to host Peoria at 7:30 PM on Friday Night. The first 2,500 fans to Friday's game will receive a player magnet courtesy of Time Warner Cable. Friday is also 3-2-1 night presented by Community Impact featuring $3 domestic drafts, $2 Sodas and $1 Hot Dogs. The Stars take on the Houston Aeros at home on Saturday, January 21st at 7:00 PM. The first 2,500 fans to Saturday's game will receive a player card set compliments of Goodwill. Saturday is also State Farm Family Four Pack Night consisting of four tickets, four hot dogs and four sodas starting at $48.

Individual tickets for all four games are on sale now. Tickets are available at www.texasstarshockey.com/tickets/ or by calling 512-GO-STARS (467-8277).

2011-2012 season seat packages are on sale now. For more information on Texas Stars season tickets call 512-GO-STARS or visit www.texasstarshockey.com. Anyone interested in purchasing season tickets, suites, group tickets or mini-plans may call the Texas Stars front office.