Texas drops opener in Pacific Division finals

Mike McKenna made 34 saves but it wasn’t enough as the Texas Stars fell in the Pacific Division finals opener 2-1 to the Tucson Roadrunners in overtime in Tucson, Ariz.

Michael Bunting scored his second goal of the night (third of the playoffs) at 8:53 into overtime to lift the Roadrunners to the win and a 1-0 lead in the best-of-seven series.

Brian Flynn scored late in the third period to help the Stars extend the game. He was assisted by Brent Regner and Travis Morin on the power play. The goal came with just 3:35 left in regulation.

After a scoreless first period, Bunting gave the Roadrunners the lead at 13:40 into the second period. He scored on a power play, assisted by Mike Sislo and Mario Kempe.

Adin Hill picked up the win in net for Tucson. He made 23 saves on the 24 shots. Hill’s shutout streak ended at 168 minutes, 48 seconds. McKenna also took a shutout streak into the game that ended at 166:05.

The Stars had seven days off before Wednesday’s game but nearly came away with the road win to start the series.

Texas cashed in on one of its two power-play opportunities while killing four of the five penalties it faced.

The Stars have another chance to try to steal a road win Friday before returning to the H-E-B Center at Cedar Park for three straight games.