"A lot of the veterans say the first couple games are a bit of a scramble," rookie defenseman Gavin Bayreuther told media after the second 6-5 win, which came in overtime. "But we came up big, and there is nothing to be discouraged about."
Jason Dickinson (three goals, one assist) and Travis Morin (one goal, three assists) led the offense over the weekend. Bayreuther chipped in with three points (one goal, two assists). Ten different Texas players scored goals in the two games, including forward Roope Hintz, who notched his first AHL goal in his first game.
Here's an update on the latest with the AHL affiliate of the Dallas Stars.
Friday, October 6: Texas 6, Chicago 5
Six different players scored goals as the Texas Stars opened the 2017-18 season with a 6-5 win over Chicago Friday night at H-E-B Center.
The Stars built a 6-3 lead in the game and then had to hold on late as the Wolves pulled to within one goal in the third period. Jason Dickinson, Brian Flynn, Roope Hintz, Sheldon Dries, Colin Markison, and Remi Elie all scored for Texas.
Mike McKenna stopped 23 of 28 shots in goal.
"I liked our start, but they kind of took it to us at the end, but our guys hung in there," Texas coach Derek Laxdal told media. "I liked the way we rolled four lines. Every line contributed tonight, so it shows you the depth of our group."
Saturday, October 7: Texas 6, Chicago 5 (OT)
Jason Dickinson scored two goals, including the game-winner with 17 seconds left in overtime, as the Texas Stars defeated Chicago, 6-5, in overtime at H-E-B Center Saturday night.
After a Chicago turnover in the Texas zone late in overtime, Dickinson grabbed the puck and raced to the other end and scored on a breakaway to give Texas the victory. Dickinson's goal came after goaltender Mike McKenna made two big saves in the extra period with Chicago on a power play.
Matt Mangene forced overtime, scoring from the right circle with 3:12 left in regulation after Chicago had scored three straight goals to tie the game. Gavin Bayreuther chipped in one goal and two assists. Travis Morin and Mark McNeill also scored.
McKenna stopped 35 of 40 shots.
Texas Roster
Here was the Texas Stars roster to open the season.
Forwards: \Remi Elie, Justin Dowling, Jason Dickinson, Colin Markison, Austin Fyten, Curtis McKenzie, Sheldon Dries, Roope Hintz, Cole Ully, Travis Morin, Denis Gurianov, Greg Rallo, Brian Flynn, Mark McNeill, Samuel Laberge
Defensemen: Andrew Bodnarchuk, Dillon Heatherington, Matt Mangene, Gavin Bayreuther, \Chris Martenet, Ludwig Bystrom, Brent Regner, Niklas Hansson
Goaltenders:Mike McKenna, Landon Bow
* Elie was on the opening night roster, but was recalled to Dallas on Tuesday morning. Defenseman Chris Martenet was on the opening night roster, but was assigned to Idaho (ECHL) on Sunday.
Texas Lines/Defense Pairs
Here is the Texas lineup from the last game.
Denis Gurianov - Justin Dowling - Brian Flynn
Curtis McKenzie - Roope Hintz - Remi Elie
Travis Morin - Jason Dickinson - Cole Ully
Mark McNeill - Sheldon Dries - Samuel Laberge
Dillon Heatherington - Brent Regner
Gavin Bayreuther - Matt Mangene
Ludwig Bystrom - Niklas Hansson
Mike McKenna
Landon Bow
Week Ahead
Transactions
Idaho Steelheads
The Idaho Steelheads, Dallas' ECHL affiliate, opens the regular season this coming weekend with two games against Norfolk. Dallas goaltending prospect Philippe Desrosiers and defense prospect Chris Martenet are on the Idaho roster.
This story was not subject to approval of the National Hockey League or Dallas Stars Hockey Club. Mark Stepneski is an independent writer whose posts on DallasStars.com reflect his own opinions and do not represent official statements from the Dallas Stars. You can follow Mark on Twitter @StarsInsideEdge.
