Updated: Mar 22
The IceHogs came into the game against the Stars off of a big win against the Chicago Wolves, looking to add another win to their 14-15-3-1 record on the year.
The IceHogs started the game off with Anderson, Seney and Guttman off the top line following Anderson’s 4 goal game the other night after being sent down by the Blackhawks, and was looking to increase his tally against the Stars.
After losing the opening draw and on the chase, the Stars capitalised off a quick faceoff win, and took the puck from one end to another before Blumel scored a sweet backhand shot into the top right corner to put the Stars in the lead only 15 second into the game.
The IceHogs continued to apply behind the net with Seney and Anderson both engaging in a physical battle with two Stars defenseman, before a blocker side snapshot was saved by Hellberg to keep the score at 1-0 for the Stars.
Shortly after a number of chances by both teams, the Drew Commesso managed to save a bombardment of shots taken by the Stars offence, but it was only a matter of time as Zach Sanford had trouble settling the puck, and Jack Becker pounced on the loose puck, putting it through the five hole giving the Stars the 2-0 lead.
Heading into the second period, the IceHogs commanded the blue line and aimed to get the puck to the net, as a screened shot off the stick of Slaggert was saved by Hellberg, and the rebound covered up, keeping the IceHogs out for a second time running.
Only a few minutes after the big save by Hellberg, Anderson challenged a Stars defenceman in the corner, winning the puck before a slapshot was rebounded by the captain Seney, just hitting the top of the crossbar as the IceHogs still couldn't find the back of the net.
Heading into the halfway mark of the period, it looked unlikely any team would score, but after the puck was cleared by Stars defenceman Bischel, IceHogs defenceman, Isaak Phillips had the puck stolen from behind by Wheatcroft, as he scoops the puck into the bottom right corner, past Commesso’s skate on a sneaky play by the Stars winger.
After a Lacklustre effort in the offensive zone by the IceHogs, the Stars took the opportunity to apply the pressure once again, pushing the IceHogs offense to the red line giving Blumel a perfect shooting lane from the top of the circle, which he ripped towards the net, just creeping through a gap and ending up in the back of the net to give the Stars their third goal of the game and a comfortable safety net heading into the third period.
Halfway through the third period after a quite, lethargic start, the IceHogs managed to catch the Stars on a fast break after Korchinski picked the puck off before showcasing some silky smooth hands, moving the puck over nicely to Cole Guttman, before Guttman fires a powerful wrister towards the net to get the IceHogs on the board.
Despite a poor effort from both teams in the third period, the Stars who truly shined in the first two periods walk away with the win, and the IceHogs fail to get back to winning ways following the departure of head coach Anders Sorensen.
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