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.

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.

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)

Chicago goes up 3-0, holds on to win 4-2 and go up 2-0

Like the Philadelphia Flyers, the Chicago Blackhawks were able to win the first 2 games on the road as both teams have been playing a very fast, and up-and-down style of hockey as the Blackhawks are now up 2-0 after taking the first 2 games in San Jose by out speeding and out playing the Sharks.

A much better defense and more blocked shots kept the shot totals down as the shots were 27-22 in favor of San Jose (oppose to over 40 for both teams in Game 1).

Players like Andrew Ladd got back on the scoring sheet after scoring his 2nd goal of the playoffs. While Dustin Byfuglien is having a break-out playoff run with his 6th goal of the post-season who's doubled his goal output from his playoff run last year. And is starting to develop into a dangerous goal score and is not afraid to rough it up on the ice as well.

Jonathan Toews and Kris Verstegg also scored in the game. While Patrick Marleau scored twice in the loss as he increased this year's playoff goal total to 5.

Chicago is looking to use some home cooking to help them advance to the team's first Stanley Cup Final since 1992


From the National Hockey League Website: http://www.nhl.com/

Thorton Frustrations in Game 2: www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=529578

In San Jose, California: The Chicago Blackhawks had home Wednesday after nine days on the road. They might want to think about getting hotel rooms, ordering room service and using the visitors dressing room at the United Center.

If the hawks can find a way to maintain their road mentality in their own barn fro Games 3 and 4 against San Jose, the series could be over by Sunday Evening.

Chicago took another step toward advancing to the Stanley Cup Final on Tuesday at HP Pavilion with a 4-2 victory in Game 2 of the Western Conference Final. They grabbed a 2-0 series lead in the series with their seventh straight win on the road, which breaks an 18 year old club record and ties a playoff record for consecutive road victories.

The last team to reel off seven straight road wins in the playoffs was Colorado in 1999. Three others did it, too - 1980 and 1982 NY Islanders as well as the 1995 New Jersey Devils. All three of those teams won the Stanley Cup as well.

"It's an honor, something that we've worked hard as a team to get," said Blackhawks Dustin Byfuglien, who scored his sixth goal of the playoffs, proving anything he touches turns to gold right now. "We have to focus home now and be ready to go when we get back. It's definitely going to be nice to get back home and get in front of our fans, They're going to be very loud,"

They were loud inside the Shark Tank again Tuesday, and again the home team got off to a good start. But for the 2nd straight game, the Sharks couldn't capitalize of the good start - and eventually they waited under the Blackhawks relentless pressure.

It started with Andrew Ladd's goal 12:48 into the first period and continued in the 2nd when Byfuglien and Jonathan Towes scored 90 seconds apart to put the Hawks up 3-0 before the game was halfway over.

"Somehow we have to harness what we start with and continue on," Sharks coach Todd Mclellan. "We can't let little bumps in the road slow us down. I'm not sure it's about skating any faster. It's the puck movement. We don't continue to do what we started to do. We try and force it a little bit more. All of a sudden we look slower."

Ladd's wrist shot from beyond the top of the left faceoff circle went through Niclas Wallin and past goalie Evgeni Nabokov, who might have been screened by his own defensemen.

Traffic in front of Nabokov was the difference on both Byfuglien's and Toews goals. They scored on deflections of perimeter shots because they won battles for position near the blue paint.

Patrick Marleau got the Sharks on the board with a power play goal with 8:52 left in the 2nd, but Troy Brouwer extended the Blackhawks 6:18 into the third period when he went hard to the net and got a piece of Nicklas Hjalmarsson's blast from the left point.

"We'll take them anyway we can", said Toews, who now has points in 11 straight games and leads the NHL with 16 assists and 23 points. "Tonight we got a couple of ugly ones in front of the net. If we keep doing things right, we'll keep having success."

After combining for 85 shots in Game 1, a 2-1 Chicago victory, the Sharks and Hawks limit the offensive chances in Game 2 and combine for 49 shots.

However, Hawks goale Antti Niemi, who stopped 44 of 45 shots in Game 1 Sunday, was again solid with 25 saves - and the Blackhawks once again limited any timely offensive production from the Sharks big line of Marleau, Joe Thorton, and Dany Heatley.

Marleau had both goals, but his first was on the power-play when the Hawks already had a 3-0 lead and his second came at even strength with just 4:28 left to play in the 3rd period.

Heatley had only two shots on goal and now just two goals in his last 19 games. Thorton was a minus 2 and took a bad slashing penalty when he whacked David Bolland in the wrists before the official could drop the puck on an in zone faceoff for the Sharks.

"We're working hard, but we're not working hard enough," Sharks defensemen Dan Boyle said. "I don't know. I've got to watch the film. Obviously as a man, we've got to look in the mirror. Pretty sure we can and we'll all see our game needs to be elevated."

Byfuglien made it 2-0 because he won his patch on the ice from Sharks captain Rob Blake and tipped Patrick Kane's seemingly harmless shot from the top of the slot past Nabokov and deflected Duncan Keith's shot from the right point. Byfuglien was also in front of the net.

"We have two days here now to look at that," Mclellan said how the Sharks plan to handle the Blackhawks presence in front of Nabokov when the series resumes on Friday in Chicago. "We'll look at the video. We'll certainly sit with our defensive group and our goaltenders and make sure were still approaching it properly."

Even though he didn't have the last change, Chicago coach Joel Quenneville was able to get the matchup he wanted - Dave Bolland, Kris Versteeg and Ladd against Thorton, Marleau and Heatley - for good stretches.

There was also some extra curricular activity in the last minute of the game. Ryan Clowe, Heatly, Ladd and Brent Seabrook were all given matching roughing minors, but Clowe we also got a 10 minute misconduct for losing his cool.

San Jose had better find its composure in Chicago or the trip home could come quickly.

"I expect them to respond. "It's as simple as that," Mccellan said. "Throughout this playoff we've built character. This gives us an opportunity now to add that. We've always boasted about our leadership in the locker room. We'll need that now."


Chicago Blackhawks Lead the Series 2-0.

Chicago Blackhawks 4 San Jose Sharks 2 (1-0, 2-1, 1-1)

Game Center: www.nhl.com/ice/boxscore.htm?id=2009030322

1-0 CHI: Andrew Ladd (Keith, Versteeg) 12:48 1st

2-0 CHI: Dustin Byfuglien (Kane, Toews) 6:59 2nd

3-0 CHI: Jonathan Toews (PP) (Keith, Kane) 8:29 2nd

3-1 SJS: Patrick Marleau (PP) (Thorton, Boyle) 11:08 2nd

4-1 CHI: Troy Brouwer (Hjalmarsson, Hossa) 6:18 3rd

4-2 SJS: Patrick Marleau (Heatley, Boyle) 15:32 3rd


Series Schedule

Game 1: Chicago Blackhawks 2 San Jose Sharks 1 (0-1, 1-0, 1-0)
www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2009030321

Game 2: Chicago Blackhawks 4 San Jose Sharks 2 (1-0, 2-1, 1-1)
www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2009030322

Game 3, 5/21: San Jose Sharks VS. Chicago Blackhawks 7:00 PM CDT

Game 4, 5/23: San Jose Sharks VS. Chicago Blackhawks 2:00 PM CDT

Game 5, 5/25: Chicago Blackhawks VS. San Jose Sharks 8:00 PM CDT*

Game 6, 5/27: San Jose Sharks VS. Chicago Blackhawks 7:00 PM CDT*

Game 7, 5/29: Chicago Blackhawks VS. San Jose Sharks 7:00 PM CDT*

*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)

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.

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