CEDAR PARK, Texas – Goalie, John Muse made 33 saves and is now 7-1-0 on the season, his heroics in making some important saves certainly kept Charlotte in the game. The 23 year old Boston College alumni, who has won two NCAA national championships, stepped up to the plate for the Checkers. With Mike Murphy injured and Justin Peters on NHL recall, Muse has been exceptional in the Charlotte goal.
Zac Dalpe, who has had playing time in the NHL this season, put the Checkers ahead halfway through the opening period from a pass from Chris Terry. Texas came right back and Angelo Esposito tied the score at 1-1.
Two goals from Jerome Samson, one at the end of the second period the other in the third put Charlotte in the driving seat. Texas Star’s Ryan Garbutt pulled one back with seven minutes to play. Half a minute later Jared Staal scored his first goal of his professional career when he deflected a Matheiu Roy shot to make the score 4-2 Checkers.
In the third period Charlotte were outshot 18-7, the Stars narrowed the gap when Travis Morin beat Muse with a shot that kept low. With Charlotte leading 4-3 the final minutes were hectic with Texas hitting a goal post, however the Checkers held on for another road win.
The season series with Texas Stars finished 2-2-0, Charlotte are now six points ahead of there nearest rivals in the Mid-West Division
Charlotte go back on the road for games in Milwaukee on Friday February 10 and Peoria on February 11. The team returns to Time Warner Cable Arena Sunday February 12, against Norfolk, face-off 6p.m.
EddieMitchell@ProHockeyNews.com
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