Gameday Thread: Texas Stars @ Grand Rapids Griffons, 6 p.m. CT

Texas Stars (9-7-1-1) @ Grand Rapids Griffons (10-6-1-1)

December 1, 2012 - 6:00 p.m. CT

Van Andel Arena, Grand Rapids, MI

The Texas Stars moved up to No. 9 in the Western Conference on Friday after a 3-1 win over Grand Rapids, continuing a turnaround following a very poor start to the season. The Stars are now 6-2-1-1 in their past ten games and have managed to string along a few very good games against decent competition. The Stars outshot the Griffons 32-23 in the game, overcoming a 1-0 first period deficit to get the win.

Alex Chiasson and Jordie Benn both had goals while Reilly Smith likely had the best game of his pro career so far, finishing with 1 goal and plus-2 rating while putting five shots on net. Chiasson finished with two points, a plus-2 rating and four shots on goal.

From Stephen Meserve of Hundred Degree Hockey:

Reilly Smith drove the net on his brother, Brendan, with the puck kicking out to the point after the initial shot. Brenden Dillon's point shot was tipped by Alex Chiasson out front for the 3-1 lead. Despite Reilly's lack of a point on the scoresheet for the play, he was instrumental in making it happen.

Texas needed to make a big stand at the end of the game, killing a late Travis Morin penalty. They did so with facility, continuously clearing the puck and killing clock.

The win put Texas at 9-7-1-1 on the season. They are two games above .500 for the first time since the second game of the season.

The Stars face the Griffons once again on Saturday night. Let's talk about it!!!