Iowa's lucky charms gives Stars a point

March 17, 2006 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Iowa Chops News Release


ROCHESTER, NY - The Iowa Stars continued their longest consecutive road trip with a stop at one of the oldest franchises in the American Hockey League, the Rochester Americans. Despite going into the third period down 3-0, the Stars battled back, tying the score at three and sending the game into overtime. After a scoreless overtime, the Americans were able to post a 4-3 shootout win. Iowa was able to grab a point on idle Omaha, placing them just four points out of the final playoff spot.

The Stars spotted the Rochester Americans a three-goal lead through the first two periods. The Americans received a goal from defenseman Jeff Jillson at 17:45 of the first period. Just :10 seconds into the second period, center Matt Hendricks potted a shorthanded goal on Iowa goalie, Mike Smith. It was the 10th such goal scored against Iowa this season. With a goal from Kamil Kreps, the Americans took a 3-0 lead into the second intermission. The Americans out-shot the Stars 29-14 over the first two periods.

The story of the night however was the 1:22 minute offensive out-burst put forth by the Stars beginning at 14:43 of the third period. With goaltender Mike Smith pulled in favor of the extra attacker, a 6 on 3 advantage, Loui Eriksson scored a power-play goal. After picking-up an assist on the first goal, Junior Lessard scored his team-leading 22nd goal of the season. The goal came after Toby Petersen won the face-off and Lessard fired a wrist-shot from the top of the slot. Only :37 seconds later, with Brian Fahey trailing the play, Eriksson left a drop-pass for the trailing defenseman who then fired a shot between the legs of goaltender Michael Leighton. Lessard recorded his third point of the night with an assist. Iowa out-shot Rochester 12-5 in the final period.

By virtue of tying the score and sending the contest into overtime, the Stars guaranteed themselves a point in the standings. Iowa carried the momentum into the overtime, out-shooting Rochester 4-3 in the extra session, however both goalies made key saves sending the two teams to the shootout.

Eriksson scored Iowa's lone goal in the shootout. Matt Hendricks and Greg Jacina scored for Rochester, giving them the 4-3 win.

Stars goaltender Mike Smith faced 37 shots in the loss. Five of six Smith's shootout losses have been by the score of 4-3.

Shots - IOWA: 30; ROCHESTER: 38

Attendance was 6,559. Power-play chances: IOWA: 1 for 11; ROCHESTER: 1 for 6

NEXT GAMES: The Stars finally wrap-up their six-game road trip with a Sunday, March 19th game in Toronto. Iowa returns home for three games on Saturday, March 25th against Houston, Sunday the 26th and Tuesday the 28th against San Antonio. Doors open for all games, one-hour before face-off. All ticketing information can be obtained by calling 515-23-STARS or by visiting iowastarshockey.com.



American Hockey League Stories from March 17, 2006


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central