New Poll Question: Can the San Antonio Rampage make the playoffs

With the San Antonio Rampage on the borderline of the AHL Playoff Race. The new poll Question takes a look at whatever or not the Rampage can make the playoffs for only the 3rd time in their history.

I want to hear for you with your comments on why or why not the Rampage will be making the playoffs this season.

All or nothing for the Texas Stars tonight in Hamilton for Game 7

As we reach tonight's Game 7 in Hamilton, Ontario with a Conference Championship and Calder Cup Spot on the line against the Hershey Bears. The Texas Stars are looking to be the first team since 2002 to be the first year team since the Chicago Wolves to win the Calder Cup Championship in their first season. Texas forced a Game 7 after Aaron Gagon scored to win the game 3-2 and force a Game 7 tonight.

The winner of tonight's game will head to Hershey, Pennsylvania for Game 1 of the Calder Cup Finals as the Bears finished the regular season with a league best 60 wins and 123 points to gain home ice advantage for the entire playoffs. The Bears have used to home ice to strong use as they beat the Bridgeport Sound Tigers in 5 games, then sweeped through Albany River Rats in the East Division Final.

In the Eastern Conference Final against Manchester, they were able to take down the Monarchs in 6 games. Perhaps the most impressive part of the playoffs for the Bears is the fact that they are a perfect 8-0 at home in the playoffs for the defending Calder Cup Champions.

Can either Aaron Gagon, Jamie Benn or Warren Peters can come up with another piece of magic to get the team to it's first ever Final, or will the additions of players like P.K. Subban and Ben Maxwell can make the difference for Hamilton after being sent back from Montreal after the Canadians were eliminated from the playoffs back on Monday Night? We will find out tonight!

Also for you fans in Austin, Cedar Park Center will be hosting a watching party as fans can watch the game on the big screen as they root the Stars to the Calder Cup Championship series tonight.
www.texasstarshockey.com/news/news/index.html?article_id=316


Other stories on tonight's Game:

Western Conference Final reaches Climax: http://theahl.com/tight-west-finals-to-reach-climax-in-game-7-p142833

Maxwell and Subban to return tonight: http://theahl.com/maxwell-subban-return-to-hamilton-p142829

Game 7 will be on XM Satellite Radio: http://theahl.com/game-7-to-air-on-xm-satellite-radio-p142831

Benn there, done that: http://theahl.com/benn-there-done-that-west-finals-all-square-p142782


From the Austin American Statesman: www.statesman.com

In Hamilton, Ontario: The Texas Stars have one last chance to do something that hasn't been done since 2002. The Stars are attempting to get to the AHL Calder Cup Championship Series in their very first AHL Season - a feat last accomplished by two teams 8 years ago.

For the Stars to do it, they need to prevent the Hamilton Bulldogs from advancing to the fourth time since 1997.

Texas is attempting to win its second straight series with a game 7 road victory, while the hometown Bulldogs have lost only twice at home during the playoffs - including Monday's victory by the Stars in Overtime.

"When your season is on the line, it's win or go home. You've got nothing to save it for," said Aaron Gagon, who scored the winning goal on Monday to square the Western Conference Final at three games apiece.

Hamilton coach Guy Boucher told hometown reporters Monday Night that he expects it come down to the wire once more tonight.

"There a hard team to beat," he said about the Stars. "I wouldn't be surprised if the seventh game goes to OT, too."

Stars coach Glen Guluzan says another fast start and sticking to his team's style will decide this series. "We just going to play our game," he insisted. "We know pretty much all there is to know about each other now and it's going to be a battle of wills. Game 7 usually is."

Hamilton announced that P.K. Subban and Ben Maxwell will be back in the lineup after the Montreal Canadians were eliminated from the Stanley Cup Playoffs by Philadelphia back on Monday Night. Subban had nine points and two game winners in the first round of the AHL playoffs before moving up to the parent team. He was Hamilton's third leading scorer during the regular season and Maxwell if fourth.

Gagon said it's hard to predict the impact returning players will have.

"Those guys are great players and i'm sure they going to help their team, but that dosen't change our game-plan doesn't change."

Stars goaltender Matt Climie said the team is ready to stay the course.

"We've got a lot of character guys in the dressing room, a lot of leadership, so its just the mindset of going out there and playing hard every shift and not taking anything for granted."

"We're not really worried about Hamilton right now," added Climie. "We're just worried about the Texas Stars and coming prepared to the rink, and really taking it one shift at a time.

Tonight's Winner advances to play the defending Calder Cup Champion Hershey Bears for the Calder Cup. The Bears, who have won the Cup 10 times in franchise history, eliminated the Manchester Monarchs on Saturday.

A dramatic OT Victory keeps the Stars Alive to force a Game 7 Wednesday Night

Thanks to a 51 save night from Matt Climie and a huge OT Goal by Aaron Gagon, the Stars were able to comeback from 1-0 and 2-1 deficits to be able to force a 7th and decivise game tomorrow night up in Hamilton, Ontario for the Western Conference Championship. The winner will take on the defending Hershey Bears as the Bears look to win back-to-back Calder Cup Titles and the club's 11th overall, which is a league best in the league's 75 year history.

In addition to Gagon, it was Shawn Mcculloch and Garrett Sanford who each had goals to tie the game at 1-1 and 2-2 in the 2nd period and early portion of the 3rd period for the Stars. Hamilton was able to keep a 1-0 & 2-1 leads with a couple of unlikely goal scores in Belle and Gabriel Dumont.

Texas has gone to 5-2 in this year's playoffs in OT and have won all 3 games of this series against the Bulldogs in the extra frame. So it's showing the league that the Stars turn up the pressure in the extra period despite 13-8 last night.


From the Texas Stars Website: www.texasstarshockey.com

In Hamilton, Ontario: The Texas Stars defeated the Hamilton Bulldogs 3-2 in OT on Monday Night in front of 2,613 fans at Copps Coliseum in Game 6 of the Western Conference Finals. Center Aaron Gagon scored the game winning goal 18:32 into overtime, tying the best-of-7 series at 3-3 focring a Game 7 on Wednesday Night in Hamilton. Goalie Matt Climie made 51 saves, including 28 in the third period and overtime combined to preserve the OT Victory. Bulldogs goalie Curtis Sanford stopped 35 Texas Shots in his third OT Loss of the playoffs. All of Sanford's OT Losses in the playoffs have been to Texas. Stars forward Scott Mcculloch and defensemen Garrett Stafford also scored the win. Game 7 will be in Hamilton on Wednesday Night, May 26 at 6:30 PM CDT.

In the 1st period, Hamilton opened the scoring with a goal at 16:58. Hunter Bishop played the puck to the net from the right wing circle and Matt Climie made the inital save, but could not control the rebound. Bulldogs forward Gabriel Dumont scooped up the rebound and backhanded the puck past Climie for his 2nd goal of the playoffs and a 1-0 Hamilton lead.

In the 2nd period, the Stars countered with a power-play goal at 9:04, tying the game at 1-1. Texas worked the puck with quick passes from Lindgren to Morin, who finally set up Garrett Stafford in front of the Hamilton net. Stafford snapped his third of the playoffs over the glove of Bulldogs goalie Curtis Sanford for the Stars goal. Hamilton would score a power play goal of its own before the end of the period. Bulldogs winger Brock Trotter found defensemen Shawn Belle in front of the Texas net. Belle fired a wrist shot at 17:51 past the outreached glove of Stars goalie Matt Climie, scoring his first goal of the playoffs and pushing Hamilton ahead 2-1.

In the 3rd period, Texas tied the game at 2-2 at 5:56. Righ wing Greg Rallo pitched the puck to the Hamilton net as left wing Scott Mcculloch snuck down the wing towards the Bulldogs net. Mcculloch redirected the puck past Curtis Sanford for his second goal of the playoffs. Travis Morin added an assist on the play and tied the game at 2-2 and forced Sudden Death OT.

Texas broke through with 1:28 left on the clock in the first OT. Jamie Benn played the puck to the Hamilton net, the puck rolled behind Curtis Sanford to the goal-line. Aaron Gagon reached and poked the puck over the line for his sixth of the playoffs and to win the game 3-2 at 18:32 of the extra frame.


Western Conference Finals Update

Game 1: Texas Stars 2 Hamilton Bulldogs 3 (1-2, 1-0, 0-0, 0-1) (OT)
http://theahl.com/stats/game-summary.php?game_id=1007311

Game 2: Texas Stars 1 Hamilton Bulldogs 3 (0-0, 1-2, 0-1)
http://theahl.com/stats/game-summary.php?game_id=1007312

Game 3: Hamilton Bulldogs 4 Texas Stars 5 (OT) (1-1, 1-2, 2-1, 0-1)
http://theahl.com/stats/game-summary.php?game_id=1007313

Game 4: Hamilton Bulldogs 1 Texas Stars 2 (OT) (0-0, 1-0, 0-1, 0-1)
http://theahl.com/stats/game-summary.php?game_id=1007314

Game 5: Hamilton Bulldogs 3 Texas Stars 0 (1-0, 2-0, 0-0)
http://theahl.com/stats/game-summary.php?game_id=1007315

Game 6: Texas Stars 3 Hamilton Bulldogs 2 (OT) (0-1, 1-1, 1-0, 1-0)
http://theahl.com/stats/game-summary.php?game_id=1007316

Game 7, 5/26: Texas Stars VS. Hamilton Bulldogs 6:30 PM CDT


To purchase tickets for the Calder Cup Playoff Games, check out the links

Ticketmaster: 1-800-745-3000 or at www.ticketmaster.com

Texas Stars Boxoffice: 512-GO-Stars


Series Tied 3-3


Game Boxscore

Texas Stars 3 Hamilton Bulldogs 2 (OT) (0-1, 1-1, 1-0, 1-0)

0-1 HAM: Gabriel Dumont (Bishop) 16:58 1st

1-1 TEX: Garrett Stafford (PP) (Morin, Benn) 9:04 2nd

1-2 HAM: Shawn Belle (PP) (Trotter, Desharnais) 17:51 2nd

2-2 TEX: Shawn Mcculloch (Rallo, Morin) 5:56 3rd

3-2 TEX: Aaron Gagon (Benn, Stephenson) 18:32 OT


Game Stats

SOG: TEX 38 HAM 53

PP: TEX 1/1 HAM 1/2

PIM: TEX 4 Minutes on 2 Penalties HAM 2 Minutes on 1 Penalty

Goalies: TEX Matt Climie 51 SVS on 53 Shots HAM Cedrick Deshardins 35 SVS on 38 Shots

ATT: 2613

3rd Star: Matt Climie (TEX)

2nd Star: Shawn Belle (HAM)

1st Star: Aaron Gagon (TEX)

Texas Stars VS. Hamilton Bulldogs Game 6 Preview

Here's a look at a preview for tonight's Game 6 of the AHL Western Conference Final between the Texas Stars & Hamilton Bulldogs. Texas is looking to force a Game 7 with a win on Wednesday Night, while Hamilton will advance to play Hamilton in the AHL Calder Cup Final with a win tonight.


From the American Hockey League Website: http://theahl.com

Texas Stars Website: www.texasstarshockey.com

Hundred Degree Hockey: http://hundreddegreehockey.blogspot.com/2010/05/gameday-preview-stars-at-hamilton_24.html

Hamilton blanks the Texas Stars 3-0 in Game 5, as they take a 3-2 series lead as Game 6 is in Hamilton tonight.

Texas Stars were defated by the Hamilton Bulldogs 3-0 on Saturday Night in front of 5020 fans at Cedar Park Center in Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals. Bulldogs goalie Curtis Sanford stopped all 23 Texas shots, lifting Hamilton to a 3-2 series lead over the Stars. Hamilton center David Desharnais scored a goal and an assist as Hamilton claimed its fourth road win of the postseason. Texas Goalie Matt Climie made 30 saves in the defeat.

Western Conference Finals Update

Game 1: Texas Stars 2 Hamilton Bulldogs 3 (OT)

Game 2: Texas Stars 1 Hamilton Bulldogs 3

Game 3: Hamilton Bulldogs 4 Texas Stars 5 (OT)

Game 4: Hamilton Bulldogs 1 Texas Stars 2 (OT)

Game 5: Hamilton Bulldogs 3 Texas Stars 0 (Hamilton leads Series 3-2)

Game 6, 5/24: Texas Stars VS. Hamilton Bulldogs 7:30 PM EDT/6:30 PM CDT

*Game 7, 5/26: Texas Stars VS. Hamilton Bulldogs 7:30 PM EDT/6:30 PM CDT

*If Necessary


Saturday's other Action

Manchester Monarchs 2 Hershey Bears 3 (OT) (Hershey wins Series 4-2)

The Hershey Bears will get a shot of defending the AHL Calder Cup Championship. The Hershey Bears have been winning the Richard F. Canning Trophy as the AHL's Eastern Conference Champions for 2009-2010, claming the title with a 3-2 OT Victory over the Manchester Monarchs in Game 6 of the Best-of-7 series at the Giant Center in Hershey, PA., on Saturday Night.

The Bears are heading to the Calder Cup Finals for the 4th time in the last 5 years since they became the top development affiliate of the Washington Capitals in 2005-2006, and for the 22nd time overall, extending their own league record. Hershey has won a record 10 Calder Cup Titles in team history, most recently in 2006 and 2009.

Boyd Kane, the captain of the Bears 2006 Calder Cup Team, scored the series clinching goal on Saturday Night at 7:06 of the third period as the Bears set an AHL Record with their seventh overtime win of the postseason. Kane tallied his first goal of the postseason and become the seventh different Bear to score in OT in the postseason.


Series Subplots

Texas is 0-1 in Game 6's and 1-0 in games when facing elimination this spring.

Hamilton is 2-0 in Game 6's this postseason, both series clinching at home.

Texas center Warren Peters leads all skaters in the Calder Cup Playoffs with 50 penalty minutes, while Hamilton's Ryan White is second with 47.

Hershey on verge of the Calder Cup Final with 3-2 OT Win

In the 3rd OT Game of the AHL Eastern Conference Finals, the game took a while to get going as the Bears and Monarchs played Game 5 from the Verizon Wireless Arena in Manchester, New Hampshire as the teams were scoreless through 2 periods. Both goalies Neuvirth and Bernier each were busy as they stopped 16 & 18 saves through 2 periods.

From then on, the teams swapped goals as the 3rd period fireworks got going with 9 minutes left as Kyle Wilson and Chris Bourque in between Manchester's 2nd goal by Jacob Muzzin as the Monarchs scored both goals on the power play.

With the Bears having to comeback, it took it's first and only lead of the night Francois Bouchard midway through the 1st OT to win the game and take a 3-2 series lead for the Bears as Game 6 will return to Hershey on Saturday Night with a chance to end the Monarchs season and have a shot at the Calder Cup for the 2nd straight year.

One big thing that helped Hershey in the OT was the ability to tilt the ice in favor of them as they were able to out-shot the Monarchs 9-2 in the extra frame.


From the American Hockey League Website: http://theahl.com

From Manchester, New Hampshire: Hershey forward Chris Bourque tied the game at 19:09 of the third period, and Francois Bouchard scored 10:38 into OT to give Hershey a dramatic 3-2 road win over Manchester in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals on Thursday Night at the Verizon Wireless Arena.

The Bears took a 3-2 series lead in the best-of-7 series and can clinch their second straight trip to the Calder Cup Finals - and fourth in the last 5 years - with a win at home in Game 6 on Saturday Night.

The teams played scoreless hockey for 2 periods and into the early stages of the 3rd period before Monarchs forward Bud Holloway broke the deadlock on the power-play at the four minute mark, his seventh goal of the postseason.

Bears Center Kyle Wilson answered at 11:41 when he converted a backdoor feed from Boyd Kane to be Manchester Monarchs goalie Jonathan Bernier and tie the contest at 1-1.

It marked Hershey's first goal in span of 130:29 since Mathieu Perreult scored early in the third period of the club's overtime loss in Game 3. The Bears, who have never been shutout in back-to-back playoff games, suffered a 1-0 defeat in Game 4 on Tuesday.

The Monarchs moved ahead once again courtesy of another power play goal, as rookie defensemen Jacob Muzzin scored from the right circle of 17:26 for his first professional marker. Thomas Hickey earned his second assist of the night on the play, while Holloway picked up the other helper.

But with goaltender Michal Neuvirth pulled in favor of an extra attacker, Hershey found a way to tie it. Coming off a timeout, Bourque sent a shot from the right boards through some bodies and past Bernier with less then 51 seconds to play in regulation, while Alexander Giroux and Keith Aucoin.

Both teams had golden opportunities to end it in overtime, but Bochard finally crashed in for the Bears at 10:38 when he collected a rebound in the slot and fired it home before a sprawled-out Bernier was unable to recover from an initial shot by Perreault.

Hershey improved to 6-1 in overtime this postseason and handed Manchester just its second loss at home. Neuvirth finished 27 of 29 shots in the winning effort, while Bernier took the loss after making 32 shots for the Monarchs.


Hershey Bears lead the Series 3-2

Game Boxscore


Hershey Bears 3 Manchester Monarchs 2 (OT) (0-0, 0-0, 2-2, 1-0)

0-1 MAN: Bud Holloway (PP) (Hickey, King) 4:00 3rd

1-1 HER: Kyle Wilson (Kane, Pinizzotto) 11:41 3rd

1-2 MAN: Jacob Muzzin (PP) (Hickey, Holloway) 17:26 3rd

2-2 HER: Chris Bourque (Giroux, Aucoin) 19:09 3rd

3-2 HER: Francois Bouchard (Perreault, Bouqure) 10:38 OT


Game Stats

SOG: HER 35 MAN 29

PP: HER 0/2 MAN 2/3

PIM: HER 8 Minutes on 4 Penalties MAN 6 Minutes on 3 Penalties

Goalies: HER Michal Neuvirth 27 SVS on 29 Shots MAN Jonathan Bernier 32 SVS on 35 Shots

ATT: 2803

3rd Star: Jacob Muzzin (MAN)

2nd Star: Chris Bourque (HER)

1st Star: Francois Bouchard (HER)


Series Schedule

Game 1: Manchester Monarchs 2 Hershey Bears 4 (0-2, 0-1, 2-1)
http://theahl.com/stats/game-summary.php?game_id=1007304

Game 2: Manchester Monarchs 2 Hershey Bears 3 (OT) (1-1, 1-0, 0-1, 0-1)
http://theahl.com/stats/game-summary.php?game_id=1007305

Game 3: Hershey Bears 2 Manchester Monarchs 3 (OT) (1-0, 0-0, 1-2, 0-1)
http://theahl.com/stats/game-summary.php?game_id=1007306

Game 4: Hershey Bears 0 Manchester Monarchs 1 (0-0, 0-1, 0-0)
http://theahl.com/stats/game-summary.php?game_id=1007307

Game 5: Hershey Bears 3 Manchester Monarchs 2 (OT) (0-0, 0-0, 2-2, 1-0)
http://theahl.com/stats/game-summary.php?game_id=1007308

Game 6, 5/22: Manchester Monarchs VS. Hershey Bears 7:00 PM EDT

Game 7, 5/23: Manchester Monarchs VS. Hershey Bears 5:00 PM EDT

An unlikely goal scorer cuts the AHL Western Conference Final Series lead in Half in OT

Every team needs a player that's a stay at home defensemen to strictly help protect the blue-line. For the Texas Stars, Ethan Martin has been a jouneyman this season as he scored just 2 goals all year as he spent time with the Milwaukee Admirals, Norfolk Admirals and the Texas Stars this season.

Last night, he scored the OT Winner on a great slap shot one-timer from follow defensemen Andrew Hutchinson to give the Stars a 5-4 win and cut the Western Conference Finals Gap to 2-1.

With the win, the Texas Stars have gotten back into this series after taking their first lead of the series with Jamie Benn's 11th goal of the playoffs and were able to go up 3-1. Then after going up 4-3 with about 5 minutes left, a costly penalty by Aaron Gagon with just 2 minutes left allowed Bulldogs forward Ryan Russell to tie the game at 4-4 with just a minute and a half.

Then it was Martin's goal that got the Cedar Park Center going wild to win the game and force at-least a game 5 on Saturday Night.

From The Texas Stars Website: www.texasstarshockey.com

From Austin, Texas: The Texas Stars defeated the Hamilton Bulldogs 5-4 in OT on Wednesday Night in front of 4535 fans at Cedar Park Center for Game 3 of the Western Conference Finals. Hamilton leads the best-of-7 series 2-1. Forward Jamie Benn and Perttu Lindgren each had a goal and assists, as Texas improved to 5-1 at Cedar Park Center in the playoffs. Stars defensemen Adnrew Hutchinson dished out three assists, the two teams combined for five power-play goals on the night. Center Warren Peters and Aaron Gagon also scored in the Texas Victory. Texas Goalie Matt Climie made 31 saves in his second win of the playoffs. The Stars host Game 4 on Friday, May 21.

Hamilton opened the scoring at 4:44 of the first period when forward Ryan White picked up a rebound in front of the net and fired a shot past Stars goalie Matt Climie. White's fourth goal of the postseason put the Bulldogs ahead 1-0. Texas countered at 10:23 with a power play goal, tying the game at 1-1. Center Perttu Lindgren found a rebound in front of the net and chipped a shot over of Hamilton Goalie Curtis Sanford. Lindgren's fifth goal of the playoffs was assisted by defensemen Garrett Stafford and forward Jamie Benn.

The game remained tied at 1-1 until 12:46 of the middle frame when Benn scored on a power play. Benn stickhandled from the right-wing pads into the Hamilton's crease, forcing the puck past Sanford for the go-ahead goal. Lindgren and Andrew Hutchinson notched assists on Benn's team leading 11th goal of the playoffs.

The goal marked the first lead of the series for Texas. The Stars increased their lead 3-1 with 2:42 remaining in the middle frame. Center Aaron Gagon picked up a rebound at the left wing circle and fired a shot past Sanford. Winger Francis Wathier and Center Greg Rallo tallied assists on Gagon's fifth goal of the playoffs. Hamilton cut the Texas lead to 3-2 after winger Mike Glumac fired a one-timer from the high slot past Climie on the stickside. Glumac's team leading tenth goal came at 18:20 of the period.

At 7:39 of the third period, Hamilton tied the game 3-3 with a power play goal by Brock Trotter scored from the corner off a one-timer. The Stars went ahead 4-3 at 15:01 when Forward Warren Peters found a rebound in the Hamilton crease. Peters fourth goal of the postseason was assisted by Raymond Sawada and Andrew Hutchinson. With just 1:33 remaining in the third period, Hamilton tied the game 4-4. Center Ryan Russell scored his sixth goal of the playoffs, a power play goal that sent the game to overtime.

In the extra session, the Stars struck early, getting the game winner just 2:13 into overtime. Defensemen Andrew Hutchinson and Ethan Graham worked the puck along the blueline. Graham blasted a one-timer from the point, as the puck banged off a Bulldogs defender and into the Hamilton net for his first goal of the playoffs and a 5-4 Texas Win.


Western Conference Finals Update:

Game 1: Texas Stars 2 Hamilton Bulldogs 3 (OT)
http://theahl.com/stats/game-summary.php?game_id=1007311

Game 2: Texas Stars 1 Hamilton Bulldogs 3
http://theahl.com/stats/game-summary.php?game_id=1007312

Game 3: Hamilton Bulldogs 4 Texas Stars 5 (OT) (Hamilton leads Series 2-1)
http://theahl.com/stats/game-summary.php?game_id=1007313

Game 4, 5/21: Hamilton Bulldogs VS. Texas Stars 7:30 PM

Game 5, 5/22: Hamilton Bulldogs VS. Texas Stars 7:00 PM

Game 6: Texas Stars VS. Hamilton Bulldogs 6:30 PM*

Game 7: Texas Stars VS. Hamilton Bulldogs 6:30 PM*

*If Necessary


Game Boxscore

Hamilton Bulldogs 4 Texas Stars 5 (OT) (1-1, 1-2, 2-1, 0-1)

1-0 HAM: Ryan White (Conboy, St. Denis) 4:44 1st

1-1 TEX: Perttu Lindgren (PP) (Stafford, Benn) 10:23 2nd

1-2 TEX: Jamie Benn (PP) (Lindgren, Hutchinson) 12:46 2nd

1-3 TEX: Aaron Gagon (PP) (Wathier, Rallo) 17:18 2nd

2-3 HAM: Mike Glumac (Russell) 18:20 2nd

3-3 HAM: Brock Trotter (PP) (Desharnais, Benoit) 7:39 3rd

3-4 TEX: Warrenn Peters (Sawada, Hutchinson) 15:01 3rd

4-4 HAM: Ryan Russell (PP) (Trotter, Benoit) 18:27 3rd

4-5 TEX: Ethan Graham (Hutchinson, Mcculloch) 2:13 OT


Game Stats

SOG: HAM 35 TEX 34

PP: HAM 2/5 TEX 3/4

PIM: HAM 10 Minutes on 5 Penalties TEX 12 Minutes on 6 Penalties

Goalies: HAM Cedridk Deshardins 29 SVS on 34 Shots TEX Matt Climie 31 SVS on 35 Shots

ATT: 4535

3rd Star: Brock Trotter (HAM)

2nd Star: Jamie Benn (TEX)

1st Star: Ethan Graham (TEX)

Jonathan Bernier edges Neuvirth in Goaltenders Duel

Game 4 in Manchester, New Hampshire saw a goaltenders duel as Jonathan Bernier and Michal Neuvirth made 43 of 44 saves combined as Bernier was just a little bit better as Dwight Kings scored the game's only goal midway through the game to get this series tied at 2-2 after losing the first 2 games in Hershey, Pennsylvania.

Game 5 on Saturday will be huge as Manchester will look to sweep the 3 home games and have a shot of knocking out the defending Calder Cup Champion Hershey Bears. After Game 5 on Thrusday, the series will return to Hershey on Saturday for game 6, then if needed a Game 7 would be on Sunday Night to determine the AHL Eastern Conference Champions and who will play for the AHL Calder Cup Championship either against Hamilton or Texas.

Game 3 of the Texas Stars VS. Hamilton Bulldogs will be tonight from the Cedar Park Center in Austin where Texas needs to get a win to at-least realistically keep their hopes alive of winning the series and advancing to the Calder Cup Championship in their teams first year.


From the American Hockey League Website: http://theahl.com

In Manchester, New Hampshire: Baz Bastien Award Winner Jonathan Bernier made 18 saves for the AHL Leading third shutout of the post-season as Manchester evened up the Eastern Conference Final by eaking out a 1-0 win over Hershey in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Final on Tuesday at the Verizon Wireless Arena.

The Monarchs, who dropped the first 2 contests on the road, have recovered with a pair of home-ice victories to tie up this best-of-7 at two games apiece heading into Game 5 in Manchester on Thursday Night.

The series is now guaranteed in return to Giant Center in Hershey for Game 6 on Saturday. If needed, Game 7 would be on Sunday Night in Hershey as well.

Rookie Dwight King notched the only goal of this one for the Monarchs at 9:11 of the 2nd period, with Bud Halloway and Andrei Loktionov picked up assists.

Holloway, Manchesters leading postseason score with 12 points (6G 6A) in 14 games had been scoreless through the first three games of this series before earning his helper in Game 4. Loktionov, meanwhile, now shows a point in four of his last five games (1G 3A).

The Bears, who averaged league-high total of 4.08 Goals per game and 34.17 Shots per game entering Tuesday, managed just 5 shots in the first period, six in the 2nd period, and seven in the 3rd period.

Hershey suffered its first shutout since a 5-0 loss at W-B/Scranton on 2/13, and not including shutouts, the Bears have now lossed consecutive games for the first time since falling to W-B/Scranton and Binghamton on 10/23-24.

Hershey goaltender Michal Neuvirth stopped 25 of 26 shots in the losing effort on Tuesday.

Manchester secured its 1-0 victory of the postseason, following a win over Worcester by that score in Game 5 of the Division Finals on May 5.


Series Tied 2-2

Game Boxscore

Hershey Bears 0 Manchester Monarchs 1 (0-0, 0-1, 0-0)

0-1 MAN: Dwight King (Holloway, Loktionov) 9:11 2nd


Game Stats

SOG: HER 18 MAN 26

PP: HER 0/3 MAN 0/5

PIM: HER 15 Minutes on 6 Penalties MAN 11 Minutes on 4 Penalties

Goalies: HER Michal Neuvirth 25 SVS on 26 Shots HER Jonathan Bernier 18 SVS on 18 Shots

ATT: 2386

3rd Star: Michal Neuvirth (HER)

2nd Star: Jonathan Bernier (MAN)

1st Star: Dwight King (MAN)


Series Schedule

Game 1, 5/12: Manchester Monarchs 2 Hershey Bears 4 (0-2, 0-1, 2-1)
http://theahl.com/stats/game-summary.php?game_id=1007304

Game 2, 5/15: Manchester Monarchs 2 Hershey Bears 3 (OT) (1-1, 1-0, 0-1, 0-1)
http://theahl.com/stats/game-summary.php?game_id=1007305

Game 3, 5/17: Hershey Bears 2 Manchester Monarchs 3 (OT) (1-0, 0-0, 1-2, 0-1)
http://theahl.com/stats/game-summary.php?game_id=1007306

Game 4, 5/18: Hershey Bears 0 Manchester Monarchs 1 (0-0, 0-1, 0-0)
http://theahl.com/stats/game-summary.php?game_id=1007307

Game 5, 5/20: Hershey Bears VS. Manchester Monarchs 7:00 PM EDT

Game 6, 5/22: Manchester Monarchs VS. Hershey Bears 7:00 PM EDT

Game 7, 5/23: Manchester Monarchs VS. Hershey Bears 5:00 PM EDT*

*If Necessary

Manchester Snaps Winning streak, cuts Calder Cup Conference Final lead to 2-1

The Manchester Monarchs ended the Hershey Bears 7 game winning streak which goes back to the 1st Round Series Clincher against the Bridgeport Sound Tigers last night as Manchester was able to just control the Bears which hasn't been done very much in this years playoffs.

Despite going down 2-0 early in the 3rd period which included Alexander Giroux's playoff leading 11th goal to go up 2-0 just 4 minutes into the 3rd period.

However, just a minute and half later the tide began to turn as Manchester Right Winger John Zeiler to make it 2-1. Then the Monarchs were able to control the momentum from the 2nd period on. But until Gabe Gauthier scored nearly midway through the 2nd period, it was looking like that Michal Neuvirth was having the game of his life as he was able to stop 35 of 37 shots through regulation.

Justin Azevedo was the hero of the game and was named the game's first star with his OT Winner just 2:45 into the extra period as this series saw the 2nd straight game in OT in this series. Game 4 will be back in Manchester, New Hampshire tonight as the Monarchs will look to tie this series and force the Eastern Conference Final to at-least comeback for a game 6 later in the series.

From the American Hockey League Website: http://theahl.com

Trailing 2-0 in the series and 2-0 in the game, Manchester responded with three straight goals to take a 3-2 win over Hershey in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals on Monday at Verizon Wireless Arena.

Justin Azevedo notched the game-winner just 2:43 into the extra session, sending the Monarchs to their first-ever victory in the Conference Finals round after losing six straight games to the Bears.

With the victory, the Monarchs cut the series deficit to 2-1 heading into Game 4 on Tuesday Night. Mondays victory also guarantees that the series will extend to Game 5 in Manchester on Thursday Night.

Alexander Giroux put Hershey on top with a power play goal 17:26 into the first period, and after a scoreless second, Mathieu Perreault extended the Bears edge 2-0 at 3:55 of the third frame. Chris Bourque assisted on both markers to take over the league with 20 points (6G 14A) in 12 postseason contests.

But staring in the face of a 3-0 daunting series deficit, Manchester battled back. John Zeiler put the home team on the board at 5:44 of the third, and Gabe Gauthier followed with the equalizer only 1:38 later.

Gauthier has now netted a goal in four straight games (5G) and six of his last seven contests (7G 1A). The teams were deadlocked at 2-2 until Azevedo's game winner early in the overtime period, which was assisted by D.J. King.

Manchester improved to 4-1 in overtime this postseason while handling the Bears their first OT loss after five straight victories. Hershey's seven game winning streak overall also came to an end, as the Bears fell for the first time since a 4-1 loss to Bridgeport on April 18 in Game 4 of the East Division Semifinal series.

Manchester goalie Jonathan Bernier made 23 saves between the pipes and improved to a perfect 9-0 postseason when he allows two or fewer goals in a game.


Hershey Bears Lead Series 2-1


Game Boxscore

Hershey Bears 2 Manchester Monarchs 3 (OT) (1-0, 0-0, 1-2, 0-1)

1-0 HER: Alexander Giroux (PP) (Bourque, Aucoin) 17:26 1st

2-0 HER: Mathieu Perreault (Bourque, Beagle) 3:55 3rd

2-1 MAN: John Zeiler (Muzzin) 5:44 3rd

2-2 MAN: Gabe Gauthier (Loktionov, Hickney) 7:22 3rd

2-3 MAN: Justin Azevedo (King) 2:43 OT


Game Stats

SOG: HER 25 MAN 40

PP: HER 1/5 MAN 0/7

PIM: HER 26 Minutes on 9 Penalties MAN 12 Minutes on 6 Penalties

Goalies: HER Michal Neuvirth 37 SVS on 40 Shots MAN Jonathan Bernier 23 SVS on 25 Shots

ATT: 2372

3rd Star: Chris Bouruqe (HER)

2nd Star: Andrei Loktionov (MAN)

1st Star: Justin Azevedo (MAN)


Series Schedule

5/12, Game 1: Manchester Monarchs 2 Hershey Bears 4 (0-2, 0-1, 2-1)
http://theahl.com/stats/game-summary.php?game_id=1007304

5/15, Game 2: Manchester Monarchs 2 Hershey Bears 3 (OT) (1-1, 1-0, 0-1, 0-1)
http://theahl.com/stats/game-summary.php?game_id=1007305

5/17, Game 3: Hershey Bears 2 Manchester Monarchs 3 (OT) (1-0, 0-0, 1-2, 0-1)
http://theahl.com/stats/game-summary.php?game_id=1007306

5/18, Game 4: Hershey Bears VS. Manchester Monarchs 7:00 PM EDT

5/20, Game 5: Hershey Bears VS. Manchester Monarchs 7:00 PM EDT

5/22, Game 6: Manchester Monarchs VS. Hershey Bears 7:00 PM EDT*

5/23, Game 7: Manchester Monarchs VS. Hershey Bears 5:00 PM EDT*

AHL Game 2's, Hershey and Hamilton contuine to march towards Final

Tey were a pair of Calder Cup Semifinal Game 2's over the weekend as the Hamilton Bulldogs and Hershey Bears are strolling towards a matchup in the AHL Calder Cup Final. The League's top 2 teams have used tight games so far in their first 2 wins as the Bulldogs used 2nd period goals from Ryan Russell and Alex Henry to counter a goal scored by Warren Peters to go up 2-1 at the 2nd intermission.

Then a 3rd goal by Mike Glumac put the game away for the Bulldogs. For the league's best defensive team during the regular season as they gave up just 182 goals in 80 games. So far in 2 games against Texas, the Bulldogs have given up just 3 goals on 43 shots which included an OT Winner in Game 1 just 14 seconds into Game 2. Texas is looking to use some home cooking and some desperation to comeback in this series as Game 3 will be on Wednesday Night.

In the East Final between Hershey and Manchester, the Bears have a 7 game winning streak going after a 3-2 OT Win where the Hershey duo of Chris Bourque and Alexander Giroux continue to lead the league in playoff scoring with 18 points each in 11 games played.

Unless something dramatically changes happen in this series, expect the top teams in both conference to faceoff for the AHL Calder Cup Title as both the Bears and Bulldogs are up 2-0 in their best-of-7 series as the series shift to Manchester, New Hampshire and Austin, Texas this week. Can either team make this series, or will see two quick series that will go by fast.


Texas Stars VS. Hamilton Bulldogs Game 2 on Sunday Afternoon: www.texasstarshockey.com

From Hamilton, Ontario: The Texas Stars were defeated by the Hamilton Bulldogs 3-1 on Sunday in front of 2897 fans at the Copps Coliseum in Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals. Hamilton forward Brock Trotter set up two goals, including the game winner goal by defensemen Alex Henry at 4:52 of the 2nd period.

Bulldogs Curtis Sanford stopped 22 Texas shots for his 4th straight win. Texas goalie Matt Climie made 27 saves in his 2nd straight defeat. Stars Center Warren Peters scored the only Texas goal of the night. Game 3 is at 7:30 PM at the Cedar Park Center on Wednesday Night.

After a scoreless first period, the Bulldogs opened the scoring with a power play goal 28 seconds into the middle frame. Brock Trotter sent a cross-ice pass to the right wing circle of a Ryan Russell one-timer. Russel shot zipped by Texas Goalie Matt Climie for the 1-0 Hamilton led and his fifth goal of the playoffs. Hamilton made it 2-0 at 4:52 as a Texas Power Play expired. Brock Trotter blocked a pass at center and worked the puck deep to the Texas Crease.

Trotter dropped a pass from defensemen Alex Henry, who scored his 2nd goal of the playoffs, giving the Bulldogs a 2-0 lead. Texas trimmed down Hamilton's lead to 2-1 prior to the end of the period. Center Warren Peters picked up behind the Hamilton net-minder and played the puck off the back of Bulldogs goalie Curtis Sanford for his third goal of the playoffs at 17:40. Defensemen Andrew Hutchinson and Dan Jancevski each picked up an assist on the one timer.

In the third period, the Bulldogs regained their two goal lead at 10:59. Grant Stevenson set up Mike Glumac for a one-timer from the top of the left wing circle. Glumac's ninth goal of the postseason finished off a two-on-one rush for Hamilton and extended the Bulldogs lead to 3-1.


Western Conference Final Update

Game 1: Texas Stars 2 Hamilton Bulldogs 3 (OT)
http://theahl.com/stats/game-summary.php?game_id=1007311

Game 2: Texas Stars 1 Hamilton Bulldogs 3

Game 3, 5/19: Hamilton Bulldogs VS. Texas Stars 7:30 PM

Game 4, 5/21: Hamilton Bulldogs VS. Texas Stars 7:30 PM

Game 5, 5/22: Hamilton Bulldogs VS. Texas Stars 7:00 PM*

Game 6, 5/24: Texas Stars VS. Hamilton Bulldogs 6:30 PM*

Game 7, 5/26: Texas Stars VS. Hamilton Bulldogs 6:30 PM*

*If Necessary


The Series shifts to Cedar Park, Texas for Games 3 through 5. Game 3 will be on Wednesday, May 19 at 7:30 PM, then Game 4 on Friday, May 21 at 7:30 PM. If possible, Game 5 will be on Saturday Night, May 22 at 7:00 PM at the Cedar Park Center. If, necessary Games 6 and 7 would be played back in Hamilton, Ontario, starting with Game 6 on Monday May 24 at 7:30 PM EDT/6:30 PM EDT. Game 7 would be slated for Wednesday May 26 at 7:30 PM EDT/6:30 PM CDT.


For Tickets

Cedar Park Boxoffice: 512-467-8277

By visiting any Ticketmaster Outlet or at www.ticketmaster.com or at 1-800-745-3000


Hamilton Bulldogs Lead Series 2-0


Game Boxscore

Hamilton Bulldogs 3 Texas Stars 1 (0-0, 2-1, 1-0)

1-0 HAM: Ryan Russell (PP) (Trotter, Desharnais) 0:28 2nd

2-0 HAM: Alex Henry (Trotter) 4:52 2nd

2-1 TEX: Warren Peters (Hutchinson, Jancevski) 17:40 2nd

3-1 HAM: Mike Glumac (Stevenson, Belle) 10:59 3rd


Game Stats

SOG: TEX 23 HAM 30

PP: TEX 0/4 HAM 1/2

PIM: TEX 36 Minutes on 6 Penalties HAM 38 Minutes on 7 Penalties

Goalies: TEX Matt Climie 27 SVS on 30 Shots HAM Curtis Sanford 22 SVS on 23 Shots

ATT: 2897

3rd Star: Warren Peters (TEX)

2nd Star: Curtis Sanford (HAM)

1st Star: Brock Trotter (HAM)




Hershey Bears VS. Manchester Monarchs Game 2 on Saturday Night. From the American Hockey League Website: http://theahl.com

From Hershey, Pennsylvania: Chris Bourque finished off a nifty two-on-one by firing a shot home short side from the right wing at 10:28 of overtime, lifting Hershey to a 3-2 come-from-behind from victory on Saturday before a standing room crowd of 10,726 fans at the Giant Center.

The defending Calder Cup Champions Bears improved to a perfect 5-0 in OT games this postseason and took a 2-0 series lead on the Monarchs in the Eastern Conference Finals, which will shift to Manchester for Game 3 on Monday Night.

Keith Aucoin picked up the primary assist on the game winning goal after being sent on the two-on-one by Boyd Kane, who earned the other helper. Bourque's shot went in as the net came off its moorings behind the Monarchs goalie Jonathan Bernier, but it was determined that the net had been pushed off by Manchester Defenders, allowing the goal to stand.

Hershey, which trailed 2-1 heading into the 3rd period, improved to an impressive 4-1 in the playoffs when trailing after the 2nd period. The only game the Bears have lost in the playoffs was Game 4 of the East Division Semifinal against the Bridgeport Sound Tigers.

Bourque also scored in the first period to give the Bears a 1-0 lead, but the Monarchs grabbed a 2-1 advantage on a pair of strikes from Gabe Gauthier, one of which came on the power-play.

Gauthier now tallied a goal in five of the last six games, and he has registered at least a point in all six of those contest (6G 1A).

Manchester's lead lasted until 3:35 of the third period, when Bears forward Steve Pinizotto buired his fourth goal of the playoffs. Aucoin also earned an assist on that marker.

Hershey Goalie Michael Neuvirth earned that victory with 31 saves on 33 shots in net, while the Baz Bastien Award Winner made 37 saves in the losing efforts for the Monarchs.


The Hershey Bears lead the Series 2-0

Game Boxscore

Manchester Monarchs 2 Hershey Bears 3 (OT) (1-1, 1-0, 0-1, 0-1)

0-1 HER: Chris Bourque (Beagle) 3:07 1st

1-1 MAN: Gabe Gauthier (PP) (Lewis, Clifford) 13:58 1st

2-1 MAN: Gabe Gauthier (Bagnall, Elkins) 1:07 2nd

2-2 HER: Steve Pinizzotto (Bouchard, Aucoin) 3:35 3rd

2-3 HER: Chris Bourque (Aucoin, Kane) 10:28 OT

Game Stats

SOG: MAN 33 HER 40

PP: MAN 1/4 HER 0/4

PIM: MAN 15 Minutes on 6 Penalties HER 15 Minutes on 6 Penalties

Goalies: MAN Jonathan Bernier 37 SVS on 40 Shots HER Michal Neuvirth 31 SVS on 33 Shots

ATT: 10,726

3rd Star: Jonathan Bernier (MAN)

2nd Star: Michal Neuvirth (HER)

1st Star: Chris Bourque (HER)



Series Schedule

Game 1: Manchester Monarchs 2 Hershey Bears 4 (0-2, 0-1, 2-1)
http://theahl.com/stats/game-summary.php?game_id=1007304

Game 2: Manchester Monarchs 2 Hershey Bears 3 (OT) (1-1, 1-0, 0-1, 0-1)

Game 3, 5/17: @ Manchester 7:00 PM (EDT)

Game 4, 5/18: @ Manchester 7:00 PM (EDT)

Game 5, 5/20: @ Manchester 7:00 PM (EDT)*

Game 6, 5/22: @ Hershey 7:00 PM (EDT)*

Game 7, 5/23: @ Hershey 5:00 PM (EDT)*

*If Necessary

Hamilton takes 14 seconds to edge Stars in Game 1, Benn scores twice

Even though Jamie Benn scored both goals for the Texas Stars hoping to win the series opener for the 3rd time in the Calder Cup Playoffs. Hamilton goals scored by David Desharnias and Brock Trotter scored during the game. It was Trotter's 2nd of the game in OT that took just 14 seconds to win the Western Conference Final Opener in Hamilton, Ontario to win Game 1.

Jamie Benn's 2 goals takes him to 10 which is in a 3 way tie for first in goals with Hershey Teammates Alexander Giroux and Andrew Gordon. It wasn't enough to to take down the Bulldogs like the Stars did with Chicago back in the West Division Finals.

Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals takes place this afternoon as the Stars look to tie the series while Hamilton will look to take a 2-0 series lead.

From the Texas Stars Website: www.texasstarshockey.com

From Hamilton, Ontario: The Texas Stars were defeated by the Hamilton Bulldogs 3-2 in OT on Friday Night in front of 2,977 fans at Copps Coliseum in game 1 of the Western Conference Finals. Hamilton leads the best-of-7 1-0. Brock Trotter scored a power-play goal 14 seconds into overtime, lifting the Bulldogs over the Stars in the series opener. Trotter finished with two goals in the game. Stars rookie Jamie Benn scored two goals, as Texas dropped its first Game 1 of the playoffs. Hamilton Center David Desharnias and added two assists in the first win of the series for Hamilton. Hamilton goalie Curtis Sanford stopped 18 Texas Shots in the defeat. Texas Goalie Matt Climie made 35 saves in the OT Loss. Game 2 is at 1:00 PM CDT in Hamilton back at the Copps Coliseum.

Hamilton scored the first goal of the night just 5:22 into the opening period. The Bulldogs capitalized on an early power play, as Center David Desharnais scored on a rebound in the Texas Crease and snapped the shot past Texas Goalie Matt Climie for his seventh goal of the playoffs. Texas countered with a power-play goal of its own at 11:01. Captain Landon Wilson sent a cross-ice pass to Benn in the Hamilton Zone to make it 1-1. Hamilton regained the lead prior to the end of the period at 15:23. Hamilton forward Aaron Palushaj set up Desharnais in the high slot for a shot that was tipped on its way to the Texas net. Winger Brock Trotter was given credit for his sixth goal of the playoffs, pushing the Bulldogs back on top at 2-1.

Late in the 2nd period, Texas scored its second power-play goal of the night. Defensemen Maxime Fortunus worked the puck from the right point to the left point for Dan Jancevski. The Stars defender sent a cross-ice pass the right wing circle for Benn. The Texas Rookie blasted a one-timer past Sanford for his second goal of the night and a 2-2 score at 18:15.

After a scoreless third period, the two teams headed to OT. Just 14 seconds into the extra frame, the Bulldogs capitalized with the 2nd power-play goal of the night. Desharnais played the puck to the crease and Trotter slid the rebound into the Texas net for his seventh goal of the playoffs to make it a 3-2 win. Trotter's second goal of the net was also assisted by Ryan Russell.


Western Conference Final Update

Game 1, Texas Stars 2 Hamilton Bulldogs 3 (OT)

Game 2, Texas Stars VS. Hamilton Bulldogs 1:00 PM

Game 3, Hamilton Bulldogs VS. Texas Stars 7:30 PM

Game 4, Hamilton Bulldogs VS. Texas Stars 7:30 PM

Game 5, Hamilton Bulldogs VS. Texas Stars 7:00 PM*

Game 6, Texas Stars VS. Hamilton Bulldogs 6:30 PM*

Game 7, Texas Stars VS. Hamilton Bulldogs 6:30 PM*

*If Necessary


Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals will be at 1:00 PM CDT in Hamilton. The Series will then shift to Cedar Park for Games 3 through 5. Game 3 on Wednesday and Game 4 on Friday will both get underway at 7:30 PM. Then Game 5 on Saturday Night will get going at 7:00 PM. Then if necessary, Games 6 and 7 would be played back in Hamilton, starting with Game 6 on Monday May 24 at 6:30 PM CDT. Game 7 would also be slated for 6:30 PM CDT on Wednesday May 26.


Hamilton Bulldogs Lead Series 1-0


Game Boxscore

Texas Stars 2 Hamilton Bulldogs 3 (OT) (1-2, 1-0, 0-0, 1-0)

0-1 HAM: David Desharnais (PP) (Glumac, Benoit) 5:22 1st

1-1 TEX: Jamie Benn (PP) (Wilson, Lindgren) 11:01 1st

1-2 HAM: Brock Trotter (Desharnais, Palushaj) 15:23 1st

2-2 TEX: Jamie Benn (PP) (Jancevski, Fortunus) 18:15 2nd

2-3 HAM: Brock Trotter (PP) (Desharnais) 0:14 OT


Game Stats

SOG: TEX 20 HAM 38

PP: TEX 2/4 HAM 2/6

PIM: TEX 12 Minutes on 6 Penalties HAM 8 Minutes on 4 Penalties

Goalies: TEX Matt Climie 35 SVS on 38 Shots HAM Curtis Sanford 18 SVS on 20 Shots

ATT: 2977

3rd Star: Brock Trotter (HAM)

2nd Star: Jamie Benn (TEX)

1st Star: David Desharnais (HAM)

Texas Stars VS. Hamilton Bulldogs Game 1 Preview

We are down to 4 in the AHL Calder Cup Playoffs. On Wednesday Night it was the Hershey Bears that beat Manchester 4-2 in the Series opener as the Bears go 9-for-9 in the playoffs as they have pulled off sweeps of Albany and Bridgeport in the first 2 Rounds.

Now it's the Western Conference's turn to start as the Hamilton Bulldogs having a huge amount of experience in the playoffs as they have reached the Conference Finals for the 3rd time in the last 7 years.

While the Texas Stars look to ride their great first year run and make some history to win the Calder Cup in their team's first year down in Austin.

It's also the 2nd straight year it's the Lone Star State VS. Canada in the AHL Western Conference Finals as the Manitoba Moose beat the Houston Aeros in 6 games in last year's Conference Finals.


From the Texas Stars Website: www.texasstarshockey.com

This is the first time that the Texas Stars will meet the Hamilton Bulldogs in the Calder Cup Playoffs. The Stars sweeped Rockford in the first round and edged Chicago in 7 games of the 2nd round to advance to the Western Conference Finals. Hamilton took out both Manitoba and Abbotsford in six games in the first and 2nd rounds, advancing to the 3rd round matchup with Texas. The two teams meet twice during the regular season with team winning on the road.

Hamilton beat Texas in the first regular season meeting on October 24 at Cedar Park Center, a 2-1 SO Win. The Stars won 5-0 at Hamilton in the 2nd meeting of the season on 2/16 at Copps Coliseum. The win was only Texas victory against a Canadian Based Team all season.

Texas went 22-14-4 on the road in the regular season and is 4-2 in the postseason. The Stars have outscored their opponents 23-17 in the first six road games of the playoffs. The Bulldogs are 5-1 in the playoffs at home, outscoring their opponents in the first six home games 22-8.

Hamilton tied Hershey for the fewest regulation losses and finished with the 2nd highest point total in the AHL, with a 52-17-11 regular season record. The Bulldogs racked up 115 points, 16 ahead of the Stars 99 points in the Regular Season.

#1N Hamilton Bulldogs VS. #2W Texas Stars

Game 1, 5/14: @ Hamilton 6:30 PM

Game 2, 5/16: @ Hamilton 1:00 PM

Game 3, 5/19: @ Texas 7:30 PM

Game 4, 5/21: @ Texas 7:30 PM

Game 5, 5/22: @ Texas 7:00 PM*

Game 6, 5/24: @ Hamilton 6:30 PM*

Game 7, 5/26: @ Hamilton 6:30 PM*

*If Necessary


Stars Call up Richard Bachman from Idaho.

The Texas Stars announced on Monday that goalie Richard Bachman has been called up from the Idaho Steelhounds (ECHL).

Bachman was in the ECHL's National Conference Finals with Idaho, playing in 8 Kelly Cup Playoff Games. The rookie netminder was 6-2 in the postseason with a 1.43 GAA, one shutout and a .959 SV%. Bachman ranked first in the postseason in goals against average and second in save percentage.

The 22 year old, played in seven regular season games for Texas in the 2009-2010 season, going 4-3 with a 2.03 GAA, one shutout and a .933 SV%. In 35 regular season appearances with Idaho, Bachman went 22-7-4 with a 2.28 GAA and a .910 SV%. He finished first in the ECHL in goals against average, fourth in save percentage, tied for sixth in wins and led the league with 4 shutouts.

Stars Playoff Notes

Rookies Travis Morin and Jamie Benn lead Texas in postseason scoring. Benn has a team leading 8 goals and 15 points overall, ranking first among all AHL Rookies in playoff scoring and for tied for second overall in the AHL. Morin has a team high eight assists and 11 points in 11 playoff games. Defensemen Andrew Hutchinson is third on the team in scoring followed by Center Perttu Lindgren. Hutchinson has registered four goals and added 5 assists, while Lindgren has four goals and four assists.

Morin is tied among all AHL Rookies in playoff scoring. Hutchinson is third among all AHL Defensemen in playoff scoring, while Dan Jancevski and Maxime Fortunus are tied for 7th with 7 points each. Fortunus and Benn are tied for the league lead with a +10, followed by Jancevski's +9, Jamie Benn leads the Stars with 37 SOG, followed by Landon Wilson's 34 and Greg Rallo's 31.

Goalie Brent Krahn has a 2.32 GAA and a .928 SV%. Matt Climie has a 3.31 GAA and a .928 SV% in three games played.

Regular Season VS. Hamilton

Texas Winger Mathieu Beaudoin and defensemen Andrew Hutchinson lead the Stars in scoring in the regular season series. Both skaters posted a goal and two assists for three points in two games. Defensemen Garrett Stafford, as well as forwards Aaron Gagon, Warren Peters and Raymond Sawada also had two points in two games.

Goalie Matt Climie went 0-0-1 with a 0.93 GAA and a .974 SV%. Richard Bachman was 1-0-0 and had a shutout, which was his first Career Shutout in the AHL back in February.


Texas Stars Game 1 Party

The Texas Stars will once again will have a team party, this time at the Third Base Grill and Bar in Round Rock. The party tonight gets going at 5:30 PM with the puck drop scheduled for 6:30 PM.

Look for a variety of Food & Drink Specials, The Texas Stars Ice Girls, Merchandise, Giveaways and so much more.

Location: Third Base Grill in Round Rock

Phone Number: 512-388-BASE

Website: www.thirdbaseaustin.com/index.php/round-rock

Tonight's Schedule

With none of the major league playoffs all off last night, plus the start of the Memorial Cup Tonight. It means two things, first is that the season is almost over. Also we are starting to get ready for the Conference Finals in both the NHL & AHL plus the start of the Memorial Cup as the Brandon Wheat Kings will take on the Windsor Spitfires tonight from the Westman Place in Brandon, Manitoba.

This kicks off the Round Robin part of the tournament that will go to May 19 (only 1 Game per day in this Event). Then on Saturday will be the tournament debut of the two other teams as the Calgary Hitmen will play the Moncton Wildcats on Saturday Afternoon.

Also in the NHL, it's the final game of the 2nd Round as the Flyers will look to make some history as only the 3rd team in NHL History to comeback from a 3-0 series deficit as the 1942 Toronto Maple Leafs and the 1975 NY Islanders are the only other NHL Teams to do so. The winner of this game will host the Montreal Canadiens on Sunday Night. Regardless of the Matchup, it's officially going to be an underdog Conference Final as it's going to be a 6th or 7th seed against the 8th seeded Montreal Canadiens.

The AHL will start their Western Conference Finals tonight in Hamilton, Ontario as the Hamilton Bulldogs take on the expansion Texas Stars in Game 1 tonight. Texas is the first expansion team since the 2003 Binghamton Senators to make the Conference Finals in their first year. If they were to win this series and make the Calder Cup Final against either the Hershey Bears or the Manchester Monarchs for the Calder Cup Championship this season.

Then Windsor taking on Brandon in the opening day of the Memorial Cup as it should be a battle of top 6 forwards. For the Spitfires, you know the names of Taylor Hall and Cam Fowler. However, another name that could be interesting to see is Adam Henrique who scored 20 goals in the post season, Scott Timmins (11 Goals), plus Dale Mitchell & Zach Kassian with 7 goals each in the playoffs will be others to watch as well.

Brandon may have one of the top forward groups in the entire major juniors (WHL, OHL, QMJHL). A great combo of size, speed and scoring ability will make them very dangerous. Especially when players like Matt Calvert, Scott Glennie and Brayden Schenn are on the ice.

Every game gets bigger and better as we get all the way to the Stanley Cup in Mid June as the season as hockey fans are getting close to the end of the season.


NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs

Conf. SF Game 7: Philadelphia Flyers VS. Boston Bruins 6:00 PM on Versus

Series Tied 3-3, the winner will host the Montreal Canadians in the Conference Finals.


Stories on tonight's Game.

BOS VS. PHI Ready set for Game 7: www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=529072

PHI Looks to Make History: www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=529083

Who has the Edge? www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=529141


AHL Calder Cup Playoffs

Conf. Finals Game 1: Texas Stars VS. Hamilton Bulldogs 6:30 PM CT/7:30 PM ET


Stories on tonight's Game.

Bulldogs, Stars ready for West Final: http://theahl.com/bulldogs-stars-ready-for-west-finals-p142640

Look for the Texas Stars VS. Hamilton Bulldogs Preview.

Bulldogs Palushaj productive: http://theahl.com/bulldogs-palushaj-productive-clairvoyant-p142650


2010 Memorial Cup

4/15, RR Game 1: Windsor Spitfires VS. Brandon Wheat Kings 7:00 PM

4/16, RR Game 2: Calgary Hitmen VS. Moncton Wildcats 2:00 PM


Stories from this Tournament

Brandon to wear Special Jerseys for opener: www.mastercardmemorialcup.com/news.php?id=1475&y=2010

Brandon ready to defend the Home Ice: www.mastercardmemorialcup.com/news.php?id=1480&y=2010

Rogers Sportsnet to have Internet Broadcast of Games: www.mastercardmemorialcup.com/news.php?id=1479&y=2010

Memorial Cup Notebook: www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/juniors/2010/05/14/king_memorial_notebook/

Brandon Preview: www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/juniors/2010/05/11/memorial_cup_preview_brandon/

Calgary Preview: www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/juniors/2010/05/11/memorial_cup_preview_calgary

Windsor Preview: www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/juniors/2010/05/11/memorial_cup_preview_windsor

Moncton Preview: www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/juniors/2010/05/11/memorial_cup_preview_moncton

Hershey wins Game 1 with a Fast Start in the AHL Eastern Conference Finals

12 days off for the Hershey Bears didn't affect them that much as a goal just 16 seconds spring- boarded the Bears to a game 1 victory where they scored 3 unanswered goals to go up 3-0 before winning 4-2 against the Manchester Monarchs.

Defensemen Sean Collins scored just 16 seconds to get his first goal of the playoffs. Others who joined in on the scoring include Andrew Gordon with his 10th of the playoffs, which ties him for the team lead.

Michal Neuvirth gave up just 1 goal for most of the game as he stopped 24 of 26 shots in the game. Other then a Loktionov goal that made things interesting for a little bit. The Bears were pretty solid all around on defense to prevent the Monarchs had a hard time making this a game at all. Which included getting out-shot 24-15 in the first 2 periods.

This makes Hershey a perfect 9-0 in this year's playoffs and the Bears are looking strong towards defending the AHL Calder Cup Championship this year.


From the American Hockey League Website: www.theahl.com

Hershey jumped out to a 2-0 lead after the first period and doubled up Manchester 4-2 on Wednesday before a crowd of 7,718 fans at Giant Center in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals.

Michal Neuvirth, the reigning Calder Cup Playoff MVP, earned the victory by stopping 24 of 26 shots in the game, improving to a perfect 7-0 this postseason.

Coming off a 12 day layoff, the Bears wasted no time in regaining their scoring touch, but it came from an unlikely source. Defensemen Sean Collins tallied his first goal of the playoffs just 16 seconds after the opening face-off, with assists going to Chris Bourque and Mathieu Perreault.

Andrew Gordon's power play made it 2-0 at 10:02 of the open period, and Steve Pinizzotto built a 3-0 lead for Hershey on an unassisted marker 7:25 into the middle stanza.

Manchester forward Andrew Gauthier closed the game scoring with 3:50 to go in regulation. Monarchs goalie Jonathan Bernier also made 24 saves in net, but he suffered just his 3rd loss of the postseason.

After two days off, the teams will collide for Game 2 in Hershey on Saturday Night.


Hershey Bears lead the Series 1-0

Game Boxscore

Manchester Monarchs 2 Hershey Bears 4 (0-2, 0-1, 2-1)

0-1 HER: Sean Collins (Bourque, Perreault) 0:16 1st

0-2 HER: Andrew Gordon (PP) (Aucoin, Giroux) 10:02 1st

0-3 HER: Steve Pinizzotto (Unassisted) 7:25 2nd

1-3 MAN: Andrei Loktionov (Muzzin, Clifford) 12:32 3rd

1-4 HER: Karl Anzer (Kane) 14:18 3rd

2-4 MAN: Gabe Gauthier (Moller, Lewis) 16:10 3rd


Game Stats

SOG: MAN 26 HER 28

PP: MAN 0/3 HER 1/5

PIM: MAN 15 Minutes on 6 Penalties HER 11 Minutes on 4 Penalties

Goalies: MAN Jonathan Bernier 24 SVS on 28 Shots HER Michal Neuvirth 24 SVS on 26 Shots

ATT: 7718

3rd Star: Chris Bourque (HER)

2nd Star: Michal Neuvirth (HER)

1st Star: Steve Pinizzotto (HER)

AHL Calder Cup Western Conference Final Preview

Here's the AHL's Western Conference Preview as the Texas Stars took down the Chicago Wolves in a tough, back-and-fourth 7 game series to continue their strong first season in the AHL. In their way of a shot of a Calder Cup Title is the Hamilton Bulldogs who knocked out a tough Abbotsford Heat Team which was being called as one of the most dangerous underdog teams in this AHL Playoffs.

The Series gets underway tomorrow in Hamilton, Ontario at Copps Coliseum as the battle will pit the Lone Star State vs. Canada for the 2nd straight year in the AHL Conference Finals. Last year, it was the Houston Aeros VS. the Manitoba Moose as Manitoba eventually won the series and lost to the Hershey Bears in 6 games.

Hershey is looking to defend their title this year. They currently playing the Manchester Monarchs in the Eastern Conference Final which got underway last night.

Last night, the Bears won Game 1 4-2 in Penn. last night. With the Stanley Cup & Calder Cup now entering the Conference Finals. Expect to look for full recaps and boxscores for every game until both leagues crown their champions.

The Junior Scene is entering their final event of the season as the Memorial Cup gets underway tomorrow as the Brandon Wheat Kings will play the defending champion Windsor Spitfires from Brandon, Manitoba.

From the American Hockey League Website: www.theahl.com

The puck will drop from the Copps Coliseum on Friday Night with the Hamilton Bulldogs meeting the Texas Stars for the American Hockey League Western Conference Championship.

The first year Stars earned a trip to the AHL's Final Four with a dramatic 6-5 victory in Chicago on Tuesday Night, rallying from 2-0, 4-2 and 5-4 down to advance on Jamie Benn's goal 4:57 into overtime. The 20 year old Benn, who notched 22 goals during the NHL Regular Season in Dallas during the regular season, is tied for 2nd in the entire AHL in playoff scoring with 15 points (8G 7A) in 11 games and tied with teammate Maxime Fortunus for the league lead with a +10.

Brent Krahn (7-3, 2.32 GAA, .928 SV%) started every playoff game for Texas before an injury in Game 6 against Chicago returned Matt Climie to the crease. Climie, who helped Houston to the Western Conference Finals last spring, had a 2.46 GAA and a .919 SV% in 42 regular season games for the Stars and the Game 7 win on Tuesday Night.

The Bulldogs are in the Conference Finals for the fourth time in nine years, tied with Hershey and Chicago for most appearances since the league's expansion in 2001, after the North Division champions finished off Abbotsford with a 4-0 win in Game 6 on Monday Night. Curtis Sanford (2-0, 1.00 GAA, .968 SV%) who along with Cedrick Desjardins (6-4, 2.62 GAA, .902 SV%) formed the top goaltending tandem in the AHL during the regular season, earned his first career playoff shutout in the series clincher.

Mike Glumac leads the Bulldogs with 8 postseason goals, Andre Benoit is first with 8 assists and David Desharnais is also atop the scoring page with 13 points as Hamilton has gotten offensive contributions from 19 different players during the playoffs so far.


Western Conference Final Schedule (All Start Times are CDT)

Game 1, 5/14: @ Hamilton 6:30 PM

Game 2, 5/16: @ Hamilton 1:00 PM

Game 3, 5/19: @ Texas 7:30 PM

Game 4, 5/21: @ Texas 7:30 PM

Game 5, 5/22: @ Texas 7:00 PM*

Game 6, 5/24: @ Hamilton 6:30 PM*

Game 7, 5/26: @ Hamilton 6:30 PM*


Series Notes:

The Western Conference Finals series is a battle of rookie AHL Head Coaches, with Louis A.R. Peri Award Winner Guy Boucher leading his Hamilton Bulldogs against Glen Guluztan's Texas Stars. The Bulldogs owned the AHL's top ranked defense in the regular season while the Texas Stars were tied for 2nd. Hamilton is vying for its fourth trip to the Calder Cup Finals (1997, 2003, 2007). Texas is the first AHL Team to reach the Conference Finals in their inaugural season since the Binghamton Senators in 2003. The Stars roster features three former Calder Cup Champions in Landon Wilson (1999), Andrew Hutchinson (2004), and Dan Jancevski (2007), who captured it with Hamilton in 2007. Hamilton enters the series with a 6-0 postseason record when Mike Glumac (8-2) scores a goal, and Texas is 6-0 when Jamie Benn (8G 7A) records a point. The Bulldogs are second in the AHL in a playoff penalty killing at home (92.9%) but last on the road (63.0%). Since a 5-0 home loss to Texas on 2/16. Hamilton is 26-7-3 overall and a 16-3-1 at Copps Coliseum.

5/11 Stanley Cup Update and Tonight's Schedule

Just one game in action last night as the Chicago Blackhawks routed the Vancouver Canucks 5-1 with the help of a 3 goal 2nd period thanks to a trio of unlikely goal scorers with Troy Browuer scoring his first of the playoffs this season. Also Kris Versteeg and David Bolland who eached scored their 3rd goal of the playoffs to make it 3-0 Blackhawks just before the end of the 2nd period.

Vancouver who after winning Game 5 in Chicago were looking to win again and force a Game 7. But it was 2 goals in just 36 seconds that started the rout and it was the beginning of the end of the 2nd period. Vancouver was hoping to keep up the SOG after out-shooting the Blackhawks 13-12 in the first period. But the Canucks were shocked after the first 2 goals.

If it thought it couldn't get any worse, then another unlikely goal-scorer in Dave Bolland scored with less then 30 seconds left to make it 3-0 on the PK. Despite just a couple of penalty minutes in the game, the special teams couldn't be a factor in the game.

In the 3rd, the Canucks were looking to get back in the 3rd period when Shane O'Brien scored just 3 minutes into the 3rd period to make it 3-1 on a wrist shot from Alex Burrows to give Vancouver some hope. However, Patrick Kane put the Blackhawks up to 3 with a wrist shot to give the Blackhawks a 4-1 lead. Then just 25 seconds it was Dustin Byfuglien that scored his 4th of the playoffs to put the game at the 5-1 final score.

The Western Conference Finals are now set as the top 2 seeds between the San Jose Sharks and the Chicago Blackhawks with the series expected to start up probably sometime this weekend for the Western Conference Title.

The last 4 is all set in the American Hockey League and the Conference Final gets underway tonight between the Hershey Bears & Manchester Monarchs. Hershey has been off since April 29 when the Bears sweeped the Albany River Rats in 4 games straight that just 6 days. Manchester had to beat Worcester in a rough-and-tumble 6 game series. Will rust hurt the Bears hopes of a 2nd straight Calder Cup Title.

In the East tonight, both series are in action as the Canadians will look to pull off another major upset as Game 7 is tonight in Pittsburgh. In the Boston VS. Philadelphia Series, after the Bruins won Games 4 and 5 to force a Game 6 tonight in Philadelphia.

In the Juniors, we are just 2 days away from the start of the Memorial Cup as the OHL Champions Windsor Spitfires will take on the Memorial Cup Host Brandon Wheat Kings on Friday Night from the Westman Place in Brandon, Manitoba.

Then in Green Bay Wisconsin, it all comes down tonight as the Green Bay Gamblers have comeback to win Games 3 & 4 on the road in North Dakota to force tonight's game 5 where the winner skates the Clark Cup. One big thing in this game is that Fargo Force Captian Chase Grant is injured and is out of the lineup tonight.

Chicago Blackhawks 5 Vancouver Canucks 1 (0-0, 3-0, 2-1)
www.nhl.com/ice/gamecenter.htm?id=2009030246

Chicago VS. Vancouver Game Story: www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2009030246


The Western Conference Finals is now set as the San Jose Sharks and Chicago Blackhawks will battle it out for the Western Conference Title and a spot in the Stanley Cup Finals. Expect the series to start later this week or this weekend.


Tonight's Schedule (All Start Times are CDT)

NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs

Game 7: Montreal Canadians VS. Pittsburgh Penguins 6:00 PM

Game 6: Boston Bruins VS. Philadelphia Flyers 7:00 PM


AHL Calder Cup Playoffs

Game 1: Manchester Monarchs VS. Hershey Bears 6:00 PM


USHL Clark Cup Playoffs

Game 5: Fargo Force VS. Green Bay Gamblers 7:05 PM


Memorial Cup Tournament

5/14: Windsor Spitfires VS. Brandon Wheat Kings 7:00 PM

Resilent Stars comeback three times to win in OT, Advances to the Western Conference Final against Hamilton

After coming back from 2-0, 4-2 and 5-4 down in Game 7 of the AHL West Division Finals. A late goal by Andrew Hutchinson with just 6 minutes left, the Stars were able to force OT where the next goal would advance them to the Western Conference Finals against the Hamilton Bulldogs.

Unlike Game 2 where the Stars and Wolves went to OT on Mother Day, this time, it took all of 5 minutes for Jamie Benn to score his 8th goal of the Calder Cup Playoffs on a solo run to knock out the Wolves. And advance to the Western Conference Finals to play the Hamilton Bulldogs which gets underway on Friday Night.

From the Texas Stars Website: http://www.texasstarshockey.com/

From Chicago, Illinois: The Texas Stars defeated the Chicago Wolves 6-5 in OT on Tuesday Night in-front of 3,958 fans at the Allstate Arena in Game 7 of the West Division Final. Right Wing Jamie Benn beat Chicago Goalie Drew Maclntyre 4:57 into overtime, lifting the Stars to the Wolves and into the Western Conference Finals. Texas over-came a pair of two goal deficits and a one goal deficit with with 10:15 left in the 3rd period to defeat the Wolves in the 15th game Game 7 in AHL History to go into overtime. Defensemen Andrew Hutchinson and Maxime Fortunus each scored third period goals to complete the Texas comeback.

Fortunus finished with a goal and two assists. The Stars out-shot the Wolves 24-6 in the third period and overtime combined. Forward Travis Morin, Scott Mcculloch and Aaron Gagon also posted goals in the first Game 7 in Texas Stars history. Stars goalie Matt Climie made 24 stops in his first postseason win of the 2010 Calder Cup Playoffs. Chicago Drew Maclntyre made 47 saves in the loss. The Stars begin the Western Conference Finals in Hamilton on Friday. Game 1 is scheduled for Friday, May 14 at 7:30 PM EDT.

The first period featured a pair of goals on both sides over a wild two minutes of play. Chicago opened the scoring with the first two goals of the night, starting the scoring with Spencer Machacek's sixth goal of the playoffs and a 1-0 Wolves lead. Machacek packed the puck from behind the Texas net off the skate of goalie Matt Climie, giving the Chicago lead at 3:22. Chicago added to its one minute later as Brett Sterling scored his fourth goal of the series at 4:22 for the 2-0 Wolves lead.

The Stars countered with a pair of goals in just 20 seconds, tying the game at 2-2. First, Landon Wilson was stuffed on a breakaway shot at 4:55, but Travis Morin swooped in and put the rebound in for his third goal of the postseason, trimming the Stars deficit to 2-1. The Stars tied the game 2-2 just 20 seconds later with another goal. Rookie Scott Mcculloch picked up a rebound off a Maxime Fortunus shot and scored the first Calder Cup Playoff Goal of his career at 5:15. The Wolves claimed the lead prior to the end of the opening frame. Machacek stole the puck from a Stars defensemen and raced in for a shorthanded breakaway. Machacek snapped a wrist shot five-hole at 18:09, giving the Wolves a 3-2 lead at the 1st intermission.

In the 2nd period, the Wolves doubled their lead just 2:16 into the middle frame. Joey Crabb sent a cross ice pass to the Stars crease, catching a streaking Tim Stapleton for the 4-2 Wolves Lead. Stapleton's fourth goal of the playoffs was also assisted by Matt Andersen. Texas countered midway through the 2nd period at 9:10. Defensemen Trevor Ludwig sprung center Aaron Gagon for a breakaway. Gagon cruised in on Chicago Goalie Drew Maclntyre, beating him five-hole for the 4-3 Wolves lead.

In the third period, the Stars clawed their way back into the game at 4:09 of the final frame. Defensemen Maxime Fortunus ripped open a one-timer past Chicago's Maclntyre, scoring his 2nd of the game to tie the game 4-4. Chicago answered back at 9:45 of the third period, regarding a 5-4 lead. Sterling played the puck to the Stars net and it bounced off a Texas Defender.

Center Jason Krog lifted a backhander off the cross-bar and into the Texas Net for his fifth goal of the playoffs, giving the Wolves a one goal lead with half a period to play. Texas tied the game once again, knotting the scoreboard at 5-5. Fortunus sent off the puck along the blue-line for Andrew Hutchinson in the Chicago Zone. Hutchinson blasted a one-timer past Wolves goalie Maclntyre, scoring his fourth goal of the playoffs and tying the game 5-5, forcing sudden-death OT.

In OT, the Stars out-shot the Wolves 9-2 and continually pressured the Chicago net. Jamie Benn won a battle along the left-wing wall in the Wolves zone. Benn snapped a shot from the bottom of the left wing circle that deflected off the pads of the goalie Drew Maclntyre and into the net at 4:57, giving Texas the 6-5 OT Win ousting the Chicago Wolves from the playoffs.


West Division Finals Update

Game 1: Texas Stars 4 Chicago Wolves 3 (OT)

Game 2: Texas Stars 3 Chicago Wolves 4 (2OT)

Game 3: Chicago Wolves 5 Texas Stars 3

Game 4: Chicago Wolves 2 Texas Stars 3

Game 5: Chicago Wolves 3 Texas Stars 5

Game 6: Texas Stars 0 Chicago Wolves 2

Game 7: Texas Stars 6 Chicago Wolves 5 (OT)


To purchase a Calder Cup playoff Package, which offers fans the same seat for all 16 possible playoff home games, fans may call 512-GO-STARS. To rent a suite for a home playoff game or book a group, those interested may call 512-GO-STARS. Ind. tickets can be purchased for playoff games at Cedar Park Center also can be purchased by calling Ticketmaster at 1800-745-3000, visiting any Ticketmaster outlet or the Cedar Park Box office, or online at http://www.ticketmaster.com/


Texas Stars Win Series 4-3, The Texas Stars will play the Hamilton Bulldogs in the Western Conference Semifinals.

Game Boxscore

Texas Stars 6 Chicago Wolves 5 (OT) (2-3, 1-1, 2-1, 1-0)

0-1 CHI: Spencer Machacek (Holzapfel) 3:22 1st

0-2 CHI: Brett Sterling (Vishnevskiy, Welch) 4:22 1st

1-2 TEX: Travis Morin (Wilson) 4:55 1st

2-2 TEX: Scott Mcculloch (Beaudoin, Fortunus) 5:15 1st

2-3 CHI: Spencer Machacek (Unassisted) 18:09 1st

2-4 CHI: Tim Stapleton (Crabb, Anderson) 2:16 2nd

3-4 TEX: Aaron Gagon (Ludwig, Stafford) 9:10 2nd

4-4 TEX: Maxime Fortunus (Sceviour, Benn) 4:09 3rd

4-5 CHI: Jason Krog (Sterling, Stewart) 9:45 3rd

5-5 TEX: Andrew Hutchinson (Fortunus, Benn) 13:50 3rd

6-5 TEX: Jamie Benn (Unassisted) 4:57 OT

Game Stats

SOG: TEX 53 CHI 29

PP: TEX 0/4 CHI 0/1

PIM: TEX 2 Minutes on 1 Penalty CHI 8 Minutes on 4 Penalties

Goalies: TEX Matt Climie 24 SVS on 29 Shots CHI Drew Maclntyre 47 SVS on 53 Shots

ATT: 3958

3rd Star: Maxime Fortunus (TEX)

2nd Star: Spencer Machacek (CHI)

1st Star: Jamie Benn (TEX)

AHL Calder Cup Conference Finals

With the Texas Stars winning Game 7 in OT to advance to the American Hockey League Conference Finals. The schedule for the last 4 is all set. The Eastern Conference Final between the Hershey Bears & Manchester Monarchs will get going tomorrow night while the Western Conference will begin in Hamilton, Ontario as the Hamilton Bulldogs will face the Texas Stars for the right to faceoff for the 2010 AHL Calder Cup Championship.

Look for things like team leaders and previews tomorrow. Until then, here's the schedule for both series. All Start Times are CDT.

Eastern Conference Finals

#1E Hershey Bears VS. #3A Manchester Monarchs

Game 1, 5/12: @ Hershey 6:00 PM

Game 2, 5/15: @ Hershey 6:00 PM

Game 3, 5/17: @ Manchester 6:00 PM

Game 4, 5/18: @ Manchester 6:00 PM

Game 5, 5/20: @ Manchester 6:00 PM*

Game 6, 5/22: @ Hershey 6:00 PM*

Game 7, 5/23: @ Hershey 4:00 PM*

*If Necessary


Western Conference

#1N Hamilton Bulldogs VS. #2W Texas Stars

Game 1, 5/14: @ Hamilton 6:30 PM

Game 2, 5/16: @ Hamilton 1:00 PM

Game 3, 5/19: @ Texas 7:30 PM

Game 4, 5/21: @ Texas 7:30 PM

Game 5, 5/22: @ Texas 7:00 PM*

Game 6, 5/24: @ Hamilton 6:30 PM*

Game 7, 5/26: @ Hamilton 6:30 PM*

*If Necessary

Texas Stars VS. Chicago Wolves Game 7 Preview

With the 7th and deciding game tonight up in Chicago. The winner of tonight's game will be moving on the Western Conference Finals against the Hamilton Bulldogs who ousted the Abbotsford Heat in 6 games last night with a 4-0 victory in Hamilton, Ontario.

The big story going into tonight as Texas' starting goaltender Brent Krahn was injured late in the first period, then Matt Climie had a strong showing by stopping 26 of 27 shots in the 2-0 shutout.

To replace Krahn for tonight, the Texas Stars have brought up Richard Bachman's of the Idaho Steelheads, which is the Dallas Stars ECHL Affiliate

From the Texas Stars Website: www.texasstarshockey.com

The winner of Game 7 will advance to the AHL Western Conference Final. Chicago forced the 7th and series decisive game with a 2-0 shutout in Game 6 on Sunday Night. Texas won Game 1 in Chicago, as well as Games 4 and 5 in Cedar Park Center. Chicago won Game 2 and 6 at home. And also took Game 3 at Texas.

This is the first time Texas meets Chicago in the Calder Cup Playoffs. The Stars swept the Rockford Icehogs to advance to the West Division Finals. Chicago edged Milwaukee in seven games to get to their 2nd round matchup with Texas. The two teams met eight times during the regular season with each team winning four times. The road team went 3-1-0 in the regular season series. So far in the postseason, the road team is 2-4.

Texas went 22-14-4 on the road in the regular season and is 3-2 in the postseason. The Stars have outscored their opponents 17-12 in their first five road games of the playoffs. Chicago had one of the best home records in the AHL with a 29-8-3 record at Allstate Arena in the regular season. The Wolves are 5-2 in the playoffs at home, outscoring opponents in the first seven home games 25-17. The first two games of this series in Chicago went to overtime, including double overtime in Game 2. Chicago has outscored Texas 9-7 in the three games at Allstate Arena in this series.

West Division Finals Update: Series Tied 3-3

Game 1: Texas Stars 4 Chicago Wolves 3 (OT)

Game 2: Texas Stars 3 Chicago Wolves 4 (2OT)

Game 3: Chicago Wolves 5 Texas Stars 3

Game 4: Chicago Wolves 2 Texas Stars 3

Game 5: Chicago Wolves 3 Texas Stars 5

Game 6: Texas Stars 0 Chicago Wolves 2

Game 7: Texas Stars VS. Chicago Wolves 7:00 PM


Series Leaders

Chicago's Anthony Stewart leads all skaters in the West Division Finals with six goals in six games played. Stewart posted two goals in Game 2 and Game 5. Texas rookie Jamie Benn is tied with Chicago's Brett Sterling for second in scoring of the West Division Finals with 7 points each. Defensemen Andrew Hutchinson and Dan Jancevski, along with the Left Wing Francis Wathier, each have five points in the six game series. Stars center Aaron Gagon and Perttu Lindgren are second on the team with three goals against the Wolves.

Texas goalie Brent Krahn is 3-3 with a 3.10 GAA and a .905 SV% against Chicago. Wolves Goalie Peter Mannino is 2-3 with a 3.40 GAA and a .874 SV% against the Stars. Chicago's Drew Maclntyre pitched a shutout in Game 6, stopping all 28 Texas Shots. Stars goalie Matt Climie is 0-0 in 62 minutes of work with a 1.93 GAA and a .939 SV%.

The Wolves have gone 8-25 on the power play against the Texas Stars in the West Division Finals, including 3-6 in Game 3 on Tuesday Night at Cedar Park Center. Chicago has scored at least one power-play goal in every game of this series. Texas is 4-24 on the power-play against Chicago in the playoffs after going 2/28 in the regular season against the Wolves. The Stars have been outscored 19-18 in the series.

Richard Bachman recalled from Idaho

The Texas Stars have announced on Monday that goalie Richard Bachman has been recalled from the Idaho Steelhounds, the Dallas Stars ECHL Affiliate.

Bachman was in the ECHL's National Conference Finals with Idaho, playing in 8 Kelly Cup Playoff Games. The rookie netminder was 6-2 in the postseason with a 1.43 GAA, one shutout and a .959 SV%. Bachman ranked first in the postseason in goals against average and 2nd in SV%.

The 22 year old, played in seven regular season games for Texas in 2009-2010, going 4-3 with a 2.03 GAA, one shutout and a .933 SV%. In 35 regular season appearances with Idaho, Bachman went 22-7-4 with a 2.28 GAA and a .910 SV%. He finished first in the ECHL in GAA, 4th in SV%, tied for 6th in wins and led the league with 4 shutouts.

Stars Playoff Notes

Rookies Travis Morin and Jamie Benn in postseason scoring. Benn has a team-leading seven goals and 13 points, raking first among AHL Rookies in playoff scoring and fourth overall in the AHL. Morin has a team-high seven assists and nine points in 10 playoff games. Defensemen Andrew Hutchinson and center Perttu Lindgren are tied for third on the team with 8 points in 10 games. Hutchinson has registered three goals and five assists, while Lindgren has four goals and four assists. Morin is tied for 2nd among all AHL Rookies in playoff scoring. Hutchinson is tied for fifth among AHL Defensemen in playoff scoring, while Dan Jancevski is tied for seven points. Jancevski leads all AHL skaters with a +10 in the postseason. Jamie Benn leads the Stars with 30 shots on goal, followed by Greg Rallo's 28 and Landon Wilson's 27.

Goalie Brent Krahn sits sixth among AHL Goaltenders with a 2.32 GAA and a .928 SV%. Matt Climie is third with a 1.93 GAA against average and a .939 SV% in two appearances.


Stars Watching Party

The Texas Stars will be having a Game 7 Watching Party at Hayahsa Sushi and Grill in Cedar Park as the team looks to advance to the Western Conference Finals against the Hamilton Bulldogs. The Series should be getting underway later this week or this weekend in Hamilton, Ontario as the Bulldogs have clinched home-ice advantage for the entire Western Conference Playoffs.

Specials include Half Price Appetizers, Food & Drink Specials, The Team Ice Girls, giveaways and so much more. The party starts at 6:00 PM with the game starting at 7:00 PM.

Address: 1335 E. Whiteston Blvd. Suite T-140 in Cedar Park

Phone #: 512-986-7176

Website: www.hayashigrill.com