TORONTO – The Stars defeated Toronto 4-2 at Ricoh Coliseum on Sunday. In just his second pro start, Texas rookie goalie Jack Campbell (1-1-0) carried a shutout into the third period and finished with 32 saves for his first pro win. Rookies Matt Fraser, Mike Hedden and Taylor Vause also tallied markers, as Texas improved to 4-2-0-0 all-time against Toronto. Center Travis Morin added two assists, moving within one point of tying the team record for most points in a season. Left wing Francis Wathier sealed the win with an empty-net goal, ending the team’s six-game losing skid.
Toronto goalie Jussi Rynnas (9-8-1) stopped 18 of 21 shots in the loss. Marlies forwards Greg Scott and Marcel Mueller each scored in only the team’s tenth loss of the year at home.
The Stars claimed a 1-0 lead with the lone goal of the opening period. Rookie center Taylor Vause picked off the puck in the Marlies zone. The 20-year old snapped a wrist shot from the high slot, over the shoulder of Jussi Rynnas, and into the Toronto net. Vause’s first goal as a pro gave Texas a one-goal lead.
Texas made it 2-0 at 3:01 of the second period after Mike Hedden put in a rebound for his 13th goal of the year. Left wing Shawn Wellar and defenseman Maxime Fortunus added assist on the play, making it 2-0 Stars.
Toronto got on the board at 3:40 of the third and final period. Forward Marcel Mueller scored his 13th goal of the season from Nazim Kadri, trimming the Stars lead to 2-1. Texas countered to regain the two-goal lead at 14:52. Rookie Matt Fraser extended his team record for most goals in a season, potting his 31st tally of the year. Forwards Scott Glennie and Travis Morin each had an assist on the play to give Texas a 3-1 lead. Toronto pulled within a goal with 2:16 remaining in regulation. Greg Scott finished off a centering pass from Ryan Hamilton, netting his 18th goal of the year and cutting the Stars lead to 3-2. Texas left wing Francis Wathier scored his 17th goal of the season with 16-seconds left in the third period. Morin had the lone assist on the play, giving the Stars a 4-2 win.
Texas concludes a three-game road trip on Tuesday, March 27th at Lake Erie at 6:00 p.m. (CT). Texas returns home to face the Hamilton Bulldogs on Thursday, March 29th at 7:30 p.m.
Comment@prohockeynews.com
You must be logged in to post a comment.