Stars Down IceCaps in OT for Second Straight Game

Recap

The Calder Cup finals have been marked by alternating periods of dominance by each team.

The first period and early second period featured 6 power play opportunities - 2 for Texas, and 4 for St. John's, including a 2 man advantage in the second period. St. John's special teams came through with a short handed goal by Ben Chiarot in the first period, and a power play goal by Kael Mouillierat in the second. The other IceCaps goal was by Carl Klingberg, at even strength, early in the second period.

But the Stars roared back with goals by Travis Morin and Curtis Mackenzie, to narrow the IceCaps' lead to 3-2 after 2 periods. Brett Ritchie scored late in the third period (17:51) to send the game into overtime, when Morin scored the OT winner for the second consecutive game.

Some Thoughts

• Have you ever seen a series where the two teams seem to take turns dominating? The wild swings in momentum are reminiscent of a wrestling match. The IceCaps need to find that energy that they showed in the latter part of game three, and the early part of game four.
• The Stars are showing the confidence that comes from being the best in the league during the regular season.
• With a 3-1 series lead, the Stars have "the hammer" going into game 5 on the Rock, where they can wrap up the series with a win tomorrow.
• Travis Morin now has five goals and two assists in the Calder Cup Finals against St. John's, including the two overtime winning goals. He's showing why he was the league MVP.
• Carl Klingberg looked great for the IceCaps, using his speed and size to create havoc around the Stars' net.
• Michael Hutchinson made many spectacular saves, but could not quite close the door to "steal" a victory for the IceCaps, in the way that he did in game two of the series.