CEDAR PARK, Texas – The Texas Stars rode their specials teams once again, topping the San Antonio Rampage 4-1. Goaltender Cristopher Nilstorp played in his first game in North America, stopping 18 of 19 shots. Nilstorp hails from Malmo, Sweden and his prior experience is in the Swedish elite leagues.
Neither team could mount much offense at the outset. Texas took a 1-0 lead at 14:31 of the first when Tomas Vincour flipped the puck over Rampage goaltender Dov Grumet-Morris’ shoulder.
Stars celebrate Chiasson goal (photo by Mitch Cooper)
Nilstorp lost his shutout bid late in the third period when Drew Shore netted a power play goal for the Rampage.
Texas was two for eight on the power play while limiting the Rampage to a single power play goal in two tries. Two things stood out in this game for the Stars. They are creating many more scoring chances with intense forechecking and sending players to the net, especially on the power play. And their forwards are hustling back into their defensive positions, hounding the opposition at every turn. In addition, the goaltending has been really good, thanks in part the ability of the defense to force the opposition to shoot from the outside and from the points.
Refs break up Roussel/Petrovic fight (Photo by Mitch Cooper)
The Stars have one final exhibition game in San Antonio and it is rumored that goaltenders Jack Campbell and Nilstorp will share the goaltending duties. This may be a clue that last year’s primary goaltender, Tyler Beskorowany, is headed for Idaho. The stars trimmed their roster today to er by releasing defenseman Jordan Hill and forward Scott Howes, and reassigning goaltender Josh Robinson to Idaho. The Stars open their season on the 13th of October in San Antonio, opening at home on the 14th against the Charlotte Checkers.
Contact the writer at: mitch.cooper@prohockeynews.com
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