Stars shut out Western Conference's first place team
Published on April 1, 2007 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Iowa Chops News Release
DES MOINES, IA - The Iowa Stars welcomed the Manitoba Moose to Wells Fargo Arena for the first time this season for a Sunday afternoon game. The Stars shutdown the number one team in the Western Conference, earning a 1-0 shutout over the Moose. Sunday's win was twice-as-nice, as the San Antonio Rampage posted a 1-0 win over the Peoria Rivermen. Peoria's loss and Iowa's win, gives the Stars a six-point cushion for the final playoff spot in the West Division.
After a long bus ride back from Milwaukee for Iowa and a short day trip from Omaha for the Manitoba Moose, the Moose carried a majority of the play for a good portion of the first period. The Moose out-shot the Stars 10-0 to open the game. When the Stars did notch their first shot of the game they made it count. Iowa's Junior Lessard redirected a centering pass from rookie Chris Conner for the 1-0 lead with 4:56 left in the first period. Shane Endicott garnered the other assist, his fourth assist in his last two games. Manitoba ended the period with a 10-three shot advantage, the lowest first period total for Iowa this season.
Iowa and Manitoba played a back-and-forth second period with neither team able to sustain constant pressure. Both teams were whistled for two penalties apiece. The best chance of the period for Iowa came off the stick of Shane Endicott at the 10:30 mark. Manitoba Goaltender Drew MacIntyre stacked his pads like a fresh plate of pancakes to deny the opportunity. Iowa out-shot the Moose 10 to six in the period.
The Stars withstood a flurry of shots late in the third period, but the Stars defensemen and goaltending was up to the challenge. Iowa Goalie Dan Ellis stopped all 11 shots in the period, including a three-or-four shot flurry in the closing minutes.
Dan Ellis denied the Western Conference's first place team, third overall in the 27-team AHL, on all 27 shots. The Saskatoon, Saskatchewan native now has 27 wins on the season and has won six of his last eight games. He now has four shutouts this season.
With a goal tonight, Iowa's Junior Lessard is one shy of scoring 50 career goals in an Iowa uniform. He has 23 this year and 26 last season.
Shots: IOWA: 20; MANITOBA: 27; Attendance: 3,701
Game Sheet - http://stats.theahl.com/stats/game-summary.php?game_id=1003215
IOWA STARS INFO: The Stars host the Omaha Ak-Sar-Ben Knights on Tuesday at 7:00 PM. It's GETAWAY TUESDAY! One lucky fan will win roundtrip airfare for two to Las Vegas compliments of Allegiant Air. It is also 2-for-1 Tuesday! Purchase two $21 tickets for the price of one! The Stars welcome the Manitoba Moose back to Iowa on Friday, March 4th. Game time is also 7:00 PM. Doors open for all home games one hour before face-off. Bring a group or hold your child's birthday at a Stars game! All ticketing information can be obtained by calling 515-23-STARS or by visiting IowaStarsHockey.com.
American Hockey League Stories from April 1, 2007
- Rivermen Blanked 1-0 in San Antonio - Peoria Rivermen
- Stars shut out Western Conference's first place team - Iowa Chops
- B-Sens down Crunch, 4-1 - Binghamton Senators
- P-Bruins Defeat Devils 2-1 - Providence Bruins
- Bruins Hang On to Beat Devils, 2-1 - Albany Devils
- Sound Tigers Beat River Rats - Bridgeport Islanders
- 'Dogs fall short in front of season-high crowd - Hamilton Bulldogs
- Monarchs Clinch Playoff Berth With Big Win - Manchester Monarchs
- Pens tighten race with 3-2 win Sunday - Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins
- Holt assigned to Pack - Connecticut Whale
- Mojzis Returns from the Blues - Peoria Rivermen
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