:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/3127545/img_7835.0.jpg)
The Texas Stars (4-6-0-1) have not had a very good start to the season under new coach Willie Desjardins but after an extended period of playing just one game in two weeks, it seems his team may be back on the right track. The Stars dropped Friday night's game against the Toronto Marlies despite grossly outplaying the visiting team for most of the game, then roared back in the final two minutes against Lake Erie to force overtime before eventually losing in the shootout.
The win against Lake Erie was especially notable, as it certainly seemed to highlight a big step forward for this group. The Stars had 21 shots in the first period and once again had mostly outplayed their opponent, yet special teams issues and two quick goals against found Texas down 4-2 midway through the third period. The Stars tied the game on a last-second goal by Matt Fraser and suddenly what seemed to be abject disaster turned into a possible turning point for the team.
On Sunday, the Stars needed so such theatrics against the talented Houston Aeros. From Hundred Degree Hockey:
The Stars earned two points in Houston thanks to solid goaltending, improved special teams and goals from their goal scorers. This was exactly the kind of game that the Stars needed to vault themselves into a good position with a few days off ahead of them. Goals from Cody Eakin, Tomas Vincour, Travis Morin and Antoine Roussel combined with 26 saves on 28 shots at Cristopher Nilstorp. The penalty kill went 5/6 and a power play goal helped pad the score.
The Dallas Stars put up a great highlight reel of the win, utilizing their tremendous "Game In Six Minutes" feature. You can see the highlights below: