Rockford Takes Seesaw Contest Over Texas in OT 6-5

Glennie celebrates his first period goal with teammates. (Credit: Portraits by Deena)
In a back and forth contest in which neither team ever led by more than one goal, Texas fell to Rockford this afternoon 6-5 in overtime. Texas scored three power play goals but allowed a shorthanded tally as well. The penalty kill was flawless until the overtime period, in which they allowed the game-winner. Scott Glennie picked up two goals and an assist in the game, and Brad Lukowich finished off a strong weekend with a goal and assist of his own.

Coach Pyle felt like the team played hard enough to win. "We scored five goals at home; we should win," he said. "With injuries, we don't make excuses. We just come out and battle hard every day."

Texas opened up the scoring with Glennie's fifth of the year slipping past Hutton on a scramble play in front. Rockford tied things up just two minutes later off a point shot that found twine. Just over a minute after than, Ben Smith pushed the Hogs ahead on the game's 8th shot. The Stars rounded out the period with a power play goal from the captain. Lukowich's third of the year and second in as many games made it clean from the point to the back of the net.

Texas opened the second on the power play, but it was Rockford scoring the goal on the penalty. Former Star Brandon Segal beat Brenden Dillon down the left wing side to pot his twelfth of the season. It was a tough break as it looked like Segal would not get the shot off due to Dillon's defense, but ultimately did, beating Beskorowany on the far side of the net.

The Stars roared back on the power play at the midway point of the game. Matt Fraser was first, scoring his team leading 19th, to tie things at three all. Ryan Garbutt went next, falling down as he scored to make things 4-3. Texas would finish the second up by one in the track meet of a game.

Rockford got the better of Texas in the third. Dylan Olsen's point shot also made it through to tie things at four three minutes in. Scott Glennie continued his excellent night, however, beating Carter Hutton coming down the right wing side for a 5-4 lead.

With the clock running down, Rockford got the equalizer. In a scarmble in front of the net, it seemed like Tyler Beskorowany had the puck covered. It popped free to pugilist Rob Flick, who scored his first of the season. "We've got to find a way to find that puck. In that situation, we expect that puck to be had."

With overtime imminent, Texas had a fateful penalty call. With just 2.2 seconds remaining, Ryan Garbutt took a slashing call. It was the easiest possible call to make for the referees, as the Rockford blue liner's stick snapped in two on the play.

"I was really disappointed with Garbutt for that penalty he took. He's been taking a lot of stupid penalties. Two seconds left in the game, that's not being a team guy. That hurts all of us."

The Stars would take it to overtime, with Francis Wathier practically sitting on the puck in the faceoff circle to kill the clock. In OT, the always dangerous 4-on-3 PP did work. Travis Morin was taken out of the play on what looked like a trip and Rockford had a 4-on-2 advantage, leading to Brandon Pirri's 15th of the season and the game winner.

The Stars are in action again on Wednesday against the Abbotsford Heat before hitting the road for four games, including a weekend set against the Griffins and Admirals.

Tonight's lines:
Gazdic-Lowe-Godard
Glennie-Sceviour-Wathier
Garbutt-Morin-Fraser
Hedden-Roman-Schultz

Labrie-Dillon
Fortunus-Lukowich
Coyle-Berube

Beskorowany

Injuries, scratches, and notes:
Sawada, Tousignant, Spang (injury)
Hauswirth (scratch)
Larsen, Vincour, Benn, Bachman (callup)

Dan Spang was a surprise scratch this afternoon. The team indicates he is out with a minor upper body injury. "I've gotta think he's OK [for Wednesday]," said Coach Pyle. "Better safe than sorry."

No word on the condition of Scott Glennie, who took a hard hit in the third and skated off immediately. He came out for a few shifts afterwards but ultimately sat out most of the back half of the third. He was seen testing out his left knee on the ice after the hit.

Tonight's attendance was 5,179.

AHL Gamesheet - Texas v. Rockford - January 8 2012

Comments

  1. Thank you for these notes after the games, I know the fans (like me) love 'em!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Any word on expected time of return for Sawada and Tousy? I could really go for some more 25 - 13 - 23 line right now.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Well, Sawada is close I think, but do you really want that line back together? The plus-minus was horrendous. They have to improve defensive play to make sense as a line.

    ReplyDelete

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