Rockford extends series with power-play goal
The Texas Stars played a third straight overtime game Thursday night but fell short this time as the Rockford IceHogs won 3-2 in Rockford, Ill., in the American Hockey League’s Calder Cup playoffs.
Victor Ejdsell scored two goals and assisted on a third to lead the IceHogs to their first win of the bestof-seven Western Conference finals. Texas now leads 3-1 and played Friday night at Rockford before the series shifts back to the H-E-B Center at Cedar Park on Monday and Tuesday if necessary.
The Stars scored on two power-play goals, but it wasn’t enough in their eighth overtime contest in the playoffs. They’re 6-2 in those games.
Ejdsell ended the game the way he started it, with a goal. He broke through for Rockford 6 minutes, 24 seconds into the first period with help from Viktor Svedberg.
Travis Morin tied the game almost 10 minutes later on a power play. Curtis McKenzie and Justin Dowling assisted on the score.
Matt Mangene gave the Stars their only lead when he scored with less than a minute remaining in the second period. Gavin Bayreuther and Roope Hintz assisted on Texas’ second power-play goal. The Stars went 2 for 5 with the advantage.
Luke Johnson tied the game in the third period, assisted by Cody Franson and Ejdsell.
Colin Marksion was called for tripping 37 seconds into the overtime, leading to Ejdsell’s game-ending score. Matthew Highmore and Gustav Forsling assisted on the IceHogs’ lone power-play goal.
Mike McKenna took the loss despite making 33 saves. Jeff Glass earned the win saving 28 of the 30 shots.