CEDAR PARK, Texas – Thursday night, the Texas Stars defeated the visiting Manitoba Moose 2-0 thanks to two power-play goals from Fredrik Karlström and a 41-save shutout from goaltender Remi Poirier. With the win, the Stars completed the first-round sweep of Manitoba Moose and advanced to the second round of the Calder Cup Playoffs.
Karlström’s first goal of the night came at 12:51 in the first period when he beat Thomas Milic with a wrist shot from the left-wing circle, giving the Stars a 1-0 lead. The Stars would take the 1-0 lead into the first intermission despite being outshot in the period 14-6.
In the second period, Poirier continued his strong performance, stopping another 16 shots and the Stars would take their 1-0 lead into the second intermission.
Karlström added to the Stars lead at 2:31 in the third period when he put a backhand shot from the top of the crease past Milic, making it 2-0.
The Stars had a chance to add to their lead at 13:02 in the third when Mavrik Bourque was taken down on a breakaway resulting in a penalty shot. Bourque would not score on the penalty shot. Manitoba continued to outshoot the Stars in the period, adding another 11 shots in the period but Poirier stayed perfect, recording his first career playoff shutout.
Remi Poirier saved 41 of 41 shots for the win.
Thomas Milic saved 20 of 22 shots for the loss.
The Stars will now face the Milwaukee Admirals in the second round starting May 2nd at the H-E-B Center at Cedar Park.
Check out this photo gallery from Inside The Rink’s Rick Crossman for highlights from the game.
