12-21-2019, 06:51 AM
ST. JOHNS, N.L. -- Travis Morin made sure the Texas Stars Game 3 finish was just as good as their start. Morin scored in overtime as the Stars held off the St. Johns IceCaps 2-1 on Wednesday to take a 2-1 series lead in the American Hockey Leagues Calder Cup final. Morin tipped home a point shot from Brendan Ranford while stationed on the doorstep 7:20 into OT, but Stars coach Willie Desjardins credited his teams start in the win. "We had a really good first two periods, probably the best two weve played," he said. "The (IceCaps) showed they are resilient and came back, and overtime could have gone either way. Both teams are resilient." A low-scoring affair suits the IceCaps game plan perfectly, according to St. Johns coach Keith McCambridge, although he wasnt content with how his team started. "Thats our type of game, keeping it close like that and not giving up a lot of chances. It took us probably two periods to get our feet underneath us and to get our speed up and get our feet moving," said McCambridge. "(I thought) we did that in the third period, we were able to create some chances and get in the game. I liked our third, but was only OK with our first or second. As the game wore on, we realized we have to have our speed at a higher level." Brett Ritchie also scored for the Stars, while Kael Mouillierat had the lone goal for St. Johns. A scoreless first period extended into the second when IceCaps goaltender Michael Hutchinson made a spectacular save at 10:53. Hutchinson sprawled out for a high-glove save on a one-timer by Morin, who wired a slapshot from the left face-off dot. The Stars opened the scoring when Ritchie tapped in a rebound five-hole while stationed in front of the net 15:54 into the second period. Hutchinson made the first save, but the puck bounced right onto the stick of Ritchie. The IceCaps levelled the game with 8:16 left in the third. Mouillierat tipped home a Zach Redmond point shot into the high corner of the Stars net. Just 3:05 into overtime the IceCaps thought they had a goal after jarring the puck loose from Stars goalie Cristopher Nilstorp, but the referee had blown his whistle thinking the puck was covered. Nilstorp finished with 31 saves, while Hutchinson stopped 34 shots. Desjardins praised both goalies for their play. "I liked (Nilstorp) all night long, I thought he played pretty good," said Desjardins. "I think (Hutchinson) has been good all series. Hes a good goaltender. He (has saved) anything he can get a good look at." Game 4 is Monday in St. Johns. While not ideal, McCambridge said losing Game 3 isnt a "morale blow" for the IceCaps. "Its just one game, a lost game. You cant expect to win every single game. We have a really good character group. We realize we didnt play our best for two periods. Well get back to the rink tomorrow and get back to where we need to be for Game 4 ... We wouldnt expect anything but a long series here. Playoffs arent decided in one game." Brandon Morrow Jersey . At this rate, the Flyers captain is set to be remembered more for a fantastic finish. Sammy Sosa Jersey .A. Happs hold on a spot in the Blue Jays starting rotation is in question. http://www.customcubsjersey.com/custom-a...-130n.html . - Pete Rose didnt want it to be about him, not on a day when four new members were elected to baseballs most exclusive club. Authentic Custom Cubs Jersey . -- The Tampa Bay Lightning are disappointed, though not discouraged. Kyle Schwarber Jersey . Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist stood tall with 41 saves between the pipes, but it was defenceman Ryan McDonagh who got the first star of the game as he had a goal and an assist and now has two goals and four assists for six points in two games.Tottenham head coach Mauricio Pochettino insists he is calm over his future and says now is not the time to discuss a new contract. Several English newspapers have reported that the club have opened talks with the Argentine about extending the five-year deal he signed when he moved from Southampton in 2014.Pochettino has revitalised Spurs into a title-challenging side, who moved to within two points of Premier League-leaders Leicester with a 2-0 win at Aston Villa on Sunday. But he told Sky Sports: [My future] is not important. We need to fight every day and arrive at the end of the season in good condition.The club and the supporters deserve us to do our job. The most important thing is to keep working hard.I have three years left on my contract so it is not a big problem. Im enjoying it a lot, were in a very good position with the team and the supporters. Harry Kane puts Spurs ahead at Villa Park Harry Kane scored twice as Spurs put to bed a disappointing period in which they picked up just one point from a possible six, blowing thheir chance to go top of the Premier League, and were beaten heavily by Borussia Dortmund in their Europa League last-16 first leg.dddddddddddd think it was important after the last few games that were difficult for us, to recover our way, how we play and I think that we played well, Pochettino said. I think it was important after the last few games that were difficult for us, to recover our way. Mauricio Pochettino It was difficult again because you know when you play teams at the bottom, who are fighting for survival, it is difficult. Im happy and pleased with the effort, the performance and the result too.This victory arrived in a moment when we needed it. We are in a good position. There are a lot of games to play, a lot of points [to play for] and well see what happens until the end of the season. 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