Hedden lifts Stars to OT victory

Mike Hedden banged home a loose puck for his second goal of the night 5:35 into overtime, giving the Texas Stars a 3-2 win over the Oklahoma City Barons in Game 1 of their Western Conference quarterfinal series at the Cox Convention Center on Wednesday night.

Game 2 is Saturday in Oklahoma City.

Hedden converted after Justin Dowling‘s wraparound bid was denied by Richard Bachman, who finished with 30 saves against his former club.

Hedden, a third-year pro who set career highs with 23 goals, 32 assists and 55 points in the regular season, also scored the tying goal with 12:42 left in regulation. Derek Meech began the Stars’ comeback from a 2-0 deficit with a power-play goal at 14:32 of the second period.

Austin Fyten and Curtis Hamilton scored for the Barons, who totaled just five shots on goal in the third period and overtime combined.

Cristopher Nilstorp made 26 saves for the win.

Western Conference Quarterfinals – Series “E” (best-of-5)
1-Texas Stars vs. 8-Oklahoma City Barons

Game 1 – Wed., Apr. 23 – Texas 3, OKLAHOMA CITY 2 (OT)
Game 2 – Sat., Apr. 26 – Texas at Oklahoma City, 9:00
Game 3 – Wed., Apr. 30 – Oklahoma City at Texas, 8:30
*Game 4 – Fri., May 2 – Oklahoma City at Texas, 8:30
*Game 5 – Sat., May 3 – Oklahoma City at Texas, 8:00
   *if necessary… All times Eastern