NFL, MLB, NHL, NBA, CFL stats



Texas Stars

Nilstorp, Stars Blank Barons 3-0

December 21, 2012 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Texas Stars News Release


OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - Cristopher Nilstorp stopped all 21 shots he faced to record his second consecutive shutout, leading the Texas Stars to a 3-0 win over the Oklahoma City Barons Friday night at Cox Convention Center. The win extended the Stars point streak to a season-high eight games (6-0-1-1).

The Stars fired lots of shots at Barons' starting goalie Yann Danis in a scoreless first period, out-shooting their hosts 15-6 even with Oklahoma City having two power plays, while Texas only had one.

In the second period the Barons had three more power plays, but could not find the net. Instead it was red hot rookie Reilly Smith who struck first. Cody Eakin's shot hit off Danis and flew up in the air and Smith batted the puck out of the air, at waist height, and into the net to give the Stars a 1-0 lead at 8:21. The Barons protested the call, claiming a high stick, but the goal stood and Eakin and Maxime Fortunus were credited with the assists.

Oklahoma City turned up the pressure in the third period, but with Texas goalie Cristopher Nilstorp standing tall in net, it opened up the Barons to the counter attack. Luke Gazdic scored a beautiful insurance goal at 10:39, blasting a shot from the left faceoff circle over the glove of Danis and into the top right corner of the net. It was his first goal of the season, assisted by Antoine Roussel and Max Fortunus, and it gave the Stars a 2-0 lead. The Barons pulled Danis with two minutes left in regulation, which set the table for Brandon Dillon to intercept a pass at the red line and score on the empty net from the neutral zone at 19:16, capping off the scoring in a 3-0 Texas win.

Cristopher Nilstorp finished with 21 saves on 21 shots for his 11th win of the season and his second straight shutout in goal for the Stars. Nilstorp is now on a shutout streak of 146:31, his second longest of the season. Yann Danis took the loss for Oklahoma City, stopping 23-of-25 shots. Texas out-shot the Barons 26-21 in the game and went 0-for-2 on the power play. The Stars penalty killers held the AHL's No. 1 ranked power play to an 0-for-5 night.

Texas completes its two-game weekend set with the Oklahoma City Barons on Saturday, December 22nd at 7:00 p.m. at Cox Convention Center. The Stars' next home game is scheduled for Thursday, December 27th against Oklahoma City at 7:30 p.m. at Cedar Park Center. Thursday's game is an H-E-B Night, a $3 Beer Night and features a post-game open ice session. Pro-rated full and partial 2012-13 season seat packages are on sale now. For more information on Texas Stars season tickets call (512) GO-STARS (467-8277) or visit www.TexasStarsHockey.com .

Check out the Texas Stars Statistics

• Discuss this story on the American Hockey League message board...

American Hockey League Stories from December 21, 2012


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