Amerks' Five Goal Second Beats Stars 9-4

How much is there you can say about a game that ended 9-4? Texas had the game tied at two after spotting Rochester a two goal lead in the first. Unfortunately, Texas's two goals were part of a seven goal second period and the other five were Rochester's. It was an uncharacteristic game as sterling defensive players like Sceviour and Wathier were both minus-4. I couldn't watch the game live, so here's the Stars release on the game.

The Texas Stars (21-23-2-2, 46 points) were defeated by the Rochester Americans (22-18-6-3, 53 points) 9-4 in front of 5,675 fans at the Blue Cross Arena on Friday night. The Americans scored five times in the second period en route to a home victory over the Stars. Eight different Rochester skaters picked up a multi-point night in the win, led by Zack Kassian and Travis Turnbull, who both netted a pair of goals. Turnbull finished with a game-high three points and linemate Corey Tropp also picked up three points (all assists). Texas forward Mike Hedden scored once and added two assists for his first three-point night in the AHL. Rookie Matt Fraser, center Travis Morin and center Mathieu Tousignant also scored in the defeat. Rochester goalie Drew MacIntyre (8-11-2) got the win with 24 saves. Texas goalie Andrew Raycroft (7-7-1) suffered the loss, stopping 13 of 19 shots before he was pulled at 12:30 of the second period in favor of Tyler Beskorwany. The Stars travel to Hamilton to take on the Bulldogs on Sunday, February 12th at 2:00 p.m. (CT).

Rochester claimed a 1-0 lead by opening the scoring at 11:13 of the first period. Left wing Zack Kassian snapped a wrist shot from the left-wing Texas circle, beating Stars goalie Andrew Raycroft for the games first goal. Kassian’s 14th goal of the season was assisted by defenseman Brayden McNabb for the 1-0 lead. Rochester increased its lead to 2-0 at 16:40 off a deflection by right wing Maxime Legault. Defenseman Shaone Morrison sent a point-shot to the Texas net and Legault tipped in his fifth goal of the season for the two-goal lead.

In the second period, Texas charged out of the gates, striking for a pair of goals in the first three minutes. Rookie Matt Fraser opened the team’s scoring with a power-play goal at 2:05 of the period. Forwards Mike Hedden and Ryan Garbutt each had an assist on Fraser’s 22nd goal of the year. The Stars tied the game 2-2 just 59-seconds later. Winger Mike Hedden blasted a slapshot from the high-slot, beating Drew MacIntyre for his seventh goal of the year. Defensemen Dan Spang and Jace Coyle each had an assist on the play. Rochester countered by scoring five times prior to the end of the middle stanza. Mark Voakes tipped in a rebound at 3:51 of the period, giving the Amerks a 3-2 lead. Forward Derek Whitmore connected for his team-leading 18th of the season, a power-play goal at 8:56 that made it 4-2 Rochester. The Amerks scored their second power-play goal of the evening at 11:17. Forward Paul Szczechura tallied his tenth goal of the year for a 5-2 lead. Right wing Jonathan Parker tallied his third goal of the season at 12:30, making it a 6-2 game in favor of the home team. His goal ended Andrew Raycroft’s night, as he was pulled after making 13 saves on 19 shots. The Amerks closed out the second period with a shorthanded goal by Kassian, his second goal of the night, making it 7-2 after two periods of play.

In the third period, Texas trimmed the Rochester lead to 7-3 off Mathieu Tousignant’s second goal of the season at 2:01 of the period. The Amerks answered back at 5:41 on Travis Turnbull’s first goal of the night, giving Rochester an 8-3 lead. The Stars countered with a power-play goal at 13:59 of the third period. Texas center Travis Morin tipped a Jordie Benn shot, scoring his eighth goal of the year and cutting the home team’s lead to 8-4. Rochester closed out the scoring with Turnbull netting his tenth goal of the season at 14:11 for the 9-4 final.

Injuries, scratches, and notes:
Sawada, Labrie (injury)

Tonight's attendance was 5,675.

AHL Gamesheet - Texas at Rochester - February 10 2012