Texas hands Rockford its first playoff loss

Photo: Andy Nietupski

The Texas Stars drew first blood in the Western Conference Finals on Friday night, doubling up the Rockford IceHogs, 4-2, in Game 1 of the best-of-seven series.

Game 2 is Sunday evening in Cedar Park (6 p.m. ET).

Texas never trailed in the contest and handed Rockford its first loss of the postseason. The IceHogs had gone 7-0 in sweeping Chicago and Manitoba in the first two rounds.

Roope Hintz and Remi Elie each recorded a goal and an assist for the Stars, who have now won five straight themselves.

Curtis McKenzie and Sheldon Dries also scored for Texas, and Mike McKenna (8-2) made 31 saves in the victory.

Carl Dahlstrom and Chris DiDomenico had the goals for the IceHogs in Game 1. DiDomenico, who also recorded an assist, leads the AHL in playoff scoring with 13 points in eight games.

Collin Delia (7-1) stopped 20 of 24 shots in the loss.

Both teams were 1-for-4 on the power play. The IceHogs (16-for-44) have scored at least once with the man advantage in each of their eight playoff contests.

Western Conference Finals – Series “N” (best-of-7)
P2-Texas Stars vs. C4-Rockford IceHogs
Game 1 – Fri., May 18 – TEXAS 4, Rockford 2
Game 2 – Sun., May 20 – Rockford at Texas, 6:00
Game 3 – Tue., May 22 – Texas at Rockford, 8:00
Game 4 – Thu., May 24 – Texas at Rockford, 8:00
*Game 5 – Fri., May 25 – Texas at Rockford, 8:00
*Game 6 – Mon., May 28 – Rockford at Texas, 8:00
*Game 7 – Tue., May 29 – Rockford at Texas, 8:00
*if necessary… All times Eastern