From the Heat. The Abbotsford Heat lost to the Texas Stars (AHL affiliate of the Dallas Stars) 5-0 on Friday night at Cedar Park Center. The Heat are now second place in the West Division with a 23-13-1-1 record and 48 points.
Photo by Christina Shapiro/Texas Stars
A strong first period, solid goaltending, and good special teams play was the story for the Texas Stars in the game. Secondary scoring stepped up for Texas as Brett Ritchie led the way with three points (2-1-3) and was named first star.
The Stars opened the scoring at 5:27 on the power play from Ritchie. Less than two minutes later, they added to their lead at 7:01 with a goal from Francis Wathier. Justin Dowling closed out the period with a goal at the 13:23 mark and gave the Stars a 3-0 lead after 20 minutes. The Stars put 20 shots towards Joey MacDonald, while the Heat had six shots on Cristopher Nilstorp.
In the second period, both MacDonald and Nilstorp stopped every shot they faced and the Stars took their 3-0 lead into the third period.
The Stars scored twice and put the game away in the third period with goals from Ritchie at 2:30 and Travis Morin at the 10:16 mark.
The Heat went zero for three on the power play and finished five out of seven on the penalty kill.
Cristopher Nilstorp picked up the win in goal stopping all 26 shots he faced, while Joey MacDonald was charged the loss turning away 38 of 43 shots.
The Heat continue their six-game road trip on Saturday against the San Antonio Rampage (AHL affiliate of the Florida Panthers). After the road trip, the Heat will return home and begin an eight-game home stand starting with the Utica Comets on January 24th and 25th at the Abbotsford Entertainment and Sports Centre. For tickets please call 1-877-452-HEAT (4328) or visit us online at www.abbotsfordheat.com.