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Texas Stars

Texas Beats Hamilton 4-2 in Game 7, Advances to Calder Cup Finals

May 26, 2010 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Texas Stars News Release


Hamilton, ONT, Canada - The Texas Stars (12-6) defeated the Hamilton Bulldogs (11-8) 4-2 on Wednesday night in front of 5,121 fans at Copps Coliseum in Game 7 of the Western Conference Finals. The Stars scored four unanswered goals after trailing Hamilton 2-0 early in the second period, including three goals in the third period alone. Forwards Mathieu Beaudoin and Perttu Lindgren each had a goal and an assist in the decisive Game 7. Texas goalie Matt Climie (5-3) made 41 saves, including 32 in the first two periods, giving the Stars their second Game 7 win this postseason. Rookie Jamie Benn and defenseman Ethan Graham also netted goals in the team's sixth road win of the Calder Cup Playoffs. Hamilton goalie Curtis Sanford (5-4) stopped 16 Texas shots in the defeat. With the win, Texas will meet Hershey in the Calder Cup Finals.

The first period was nearly scoreless before a late goal by the Bulldogs at 19:51. Aaron Palushaj's centering pass bounced to center David Desharnais, who carried the puck to the bottom of the left-wing circle and snapped a shot to the Stars net. Texas goalie Matt Climie lunged for the save, but the puck deflected off his stick and into the net for the 1-0 Hamilton lead after one period of play. Desharnais' tenth goal of the playoffs marked the seventh straight playoff game Hamilton opened the scoring against Texas.

In the second period, the Bulldogs doubled their lead at 5:32 for a 2-0 cushion. Hamilton forward Max Pacioretty picked up a rebound off his second attempt and scored on the third try for his first goal of the playoffs. Texas would counter with an odd bounce in the Hamilton zone. Stars defenseman Ethan Graham floated a puck to the Bulldogs net and it bounced over the glove of goalie Curtis Sanford. Graham's second of the postseason was assisted by Warren Peters and Perttu Lindgren, trimming the Hamilton lead to 2-1 after two periods of play.

Texas continued to press Hamilton and tied the game at 9:15 of the third period. Right wing Mathieu Beaudoin snapped a shot past Sanford for his third goal of the playoffs and a 2-2 score. Texas added its third goal of the night with 6:00 left in the game. Beaudoin centered a pass for Perttu Lindgren for his sixth goal of the playoffs and a 3-2 Texas lead. The Stars rounded out the scoring with 1:27 left in regulation, as Jamie Benn finished off a two-on-one from Colton Sceviour for his 14th of the playoffs and a 4-2 final.

Western Conference Finals Schedule (best of seven):

Game 1 - Texas 2 at Hamilton 3 (OT)

Game 2 - Texas 1 at Hamilton 3

Game 3 - Hamilton 4 at Texas 5 (OT)

Game 4 - Hamilton 1 at Texas 2 (OT)

Game 5 - Hamilton 3 at Texas 0

Game 6 - Texas 3 at Hamilton 2 (OT)

Game 7 - Texas 4 at Hamilton 2 (TEX wins series 4-3)

To purchase a Calder Cup Finals playoff package, which offers fans the same seat for all three possible home games, fans may call 512-GO-STARS. To rent a suite for a home playoff game or book a group, those interested may call 512-GO-STARS. Individual tickets for playoff games at Cedar Park Center also can be purchased by calling Ticketmaster at 1-800-745-3000, visiting any Ticketmaster outlet or the Cedar Park Center box office, or online at ticketmaster.com.

2010-11 Season ticket packages to see the Stars play in their second season at the Cedar Park Center are on sale now, starting as low as $12.00 a seat. For more information on Texas Stars season tickets call (512) GO-STARS (467-8277) or visit www.TexasStarsHockey.com. Anyone interested in purchasing season tickets, suites, group tickets or mini-plans may call the Texas Stars front office.

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American Hockey League Stories from May 26, 2010


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