Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Texas losses 5th Straight VS. Abbotsford, 5-2

It was another lack luster night at the Cedar Park Center as the Texas Stars lost their 5th straight and ended a 7 game home stand with a lack luster 2-5-0 record that on a team that is last in the Western Conference and has been out of the playoff race for a while now. Many players are looking to count down the number of days to end the regular season and get on with the off-season.

After one of the few big highlights of the night that included Colton Sceviour which scored both goals (Including a Penalty Shot late in the first) but other then that it was Abbotsford's Night with huge games from the likes of Ryan Howse who scored twice and almost had a hat trick at one point, as well as Andy Brandt & Leland Irving who didn't have a great night but made the critical saves that kept the Stars out of the game at huge portions of it.

Other then Sceviour they were very few other players that had strong nights, even players like Matt Fraser who had a 4 game goal scoring streak that was snapped back on back on March 13rd against the Oklahoma City Barons and Scott Glennie who despite getting an assist on Sceviour's 2nd goal, still finished the night with a -1 rating.

After a couple of days of practice coming up this week, Friday Night will most likely see the introduction of  both Jack Campbell & Austin Smith will both be looking to make their Pro Hockey Debut after seeing their NCAA & OHL Season's wrap up last weekend. Campbell is looking to put a rough Junior Season behind him that saw the Greyhounds finish 9th in the OHL West and missed the playoffs. While Smith is looking to continue what's been a very strong season included being the nation's leading goal scorer and looking to win the Hobey Baker Award when the Top 3 is announced next Thursday with the Winner being announced on April 6.

Abbotsford's Victory saw the Heat move up to 5th Place in the very tight AHL Western Conference Playoff Race by overtaking the Peoria Rivermen. If the AHL Playoffs started today, the Heat would come down to Texas to play the Houston Aeros in the AHL Western Conference Quarterfinals in the #4 VS. #5 Series.



From Austin, Texas: The Texas Stars (27-33-4, 58 Points, 15th Place) were defeated by the Abbotsford Heat (34-25-7, 75 Points, 5th Place) 5-2 at the Cedar Park Center on Monday Night. Left Wing Ryan Howse registered two goals for Abbotsford, including the game winner at 5:04 of the second period. Right wing Andy Brandt notched a goal and an assist while Center Brian Walter and defensemen Joe Piskula each added two assists. Forwards Adam Estoclet and Dustin Sylvester also scored as the Heat finished 6-2-0 against the Stars.

Abbotsford goalie Leland Irving stopped 22 shots, taking the team's road record to 22-11-3. Stars right wing Colton Sceviour put up both goals for the home team. Texas Goalie Tyler Beskorowany (10-18-0) stopped 26 saves in the loss. Texas travels to Oklahoma City on Friday, March 23rd at 7:30 PM.

The Stars got on the board late in the first period with a penalty shot from right wing Colton Sceviour. Sceviour's 18th tally of the season went in with 2:10 remaining in the first period and gave Texas a 1-0 lead.

The Heat tied the game 1-1 in the second period with a goal from center Dustin Sylvester. Sylvester found the back of the net with help from right wing Akim Aliu and defensemen Brian Connelly just 40 seconds into the second frame. Abbotsford jumped out to a 2-1 lead at 5:04. Left wing Ryan Howse beat Texas Goalie Tyler Beskorowany with assists from defensemen Clay Wilson and center Ben Walter. The Heat continued the scoring, generating a 3-1 lead with 6:44 left in the second period. Center Adam Estoclet snapped a wrist shot in for his fifth goal of the year. Walter and defensemen Joe Piskula added an assist on the club's third goal of the night.

The Stars cut into the Heat's Lead with 3:03 remaining. Right wing Colton Sceviour netted his second goal of the night as he poked the puck past Abbotsford Goalie Leland Irving. Left wing Francis Wathier and Center Scott Glennie each provided an assist on the tally that made it 3-2.

Abbotsford strengthen it's lead at 2:09 of the third period. Left wing Ryan Howse notched his second goal, giving the Heat a 4-2 lead. Defensemen Jon Piskula and and right wing Andy Brandt each supplied an assist. The Heat struck again with 6:03 to go in the final frame. Brandt tapped in his first goal of the season for a 5-2 lead. Forwards Carter Bancks and Pierre-Luc Letourneau-Leblond set up the play.

Texas stars a three game road trip on Friday, March 23 at Oklahoma City at 7:00 PM. The Stars then travel to Toronto for a 2 PM Faceoff against the Marlies on Sunday, March 25th. The Trip concludes on Tuesday March 27th at 6:00 PM against the Lake Erie Monsters. Texas returns home to face the Hamilton Bulldogs on Thursday, March 29th at 7:30 PM. Thursday's Game is a 3-2-1 night, featuring $3 Domestic Drafts, $2 Sodas & $1 Hot Dogs.

Individual tickets for all games are on sale now. Tickets are available at the Texas Stars Website 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 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.



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