Alex Johanson netted a hat trick to lead Atlanta over Texas, 6-1.
Johanson\’s first goal came 5:56 into the second period. He then added goals at 17:00 into the second and at 7:26 into the third.
Atlanta\’s Aleksandr Zendejas was a brick wall in net, as he came up with 39 saves and let only one puck past him. Zendejas managed to improve on his goals against average, which stood at 2.81 prior to the game.
Atlanta excelled on the penalty kill, not giving up a single goal in four chances. Atlanta\’s offense rang up 48 shots on Texas\’ net.
Atlanta also got points from Kyle Rimbach, who also had one goal and one assist. Atlanta also had goals scored by Philip Pugliese and Drake Cartwright, who each put in one. In addition, Atlanta received assists from Arturas Laukaitis, who had two and Aleksi Hoivala, Riley Hummitsch, Jack Cleaver, Evan Camba, Steve MacIver, Frank Trazzera, Jesse Brown, Ryan Dumond, and Colin OConnor, who contributed one each.
Texas\’ offense operated below its season average. Texas puts an average of 4.7 pucks into the net per game. Texas forced Atlanta goalie Zendejas to work between the pipes, taking 40 shots. Texas\’ normally stingy defense allowed more goals than usual. Texas averages 2.1 goals allowed per game.
Texas was led by Sean McAndrews, who scored the team\’s only goal. McAndrews scored 11:56 into the first period to make the score 1-0 Texas.
Atlanta totaled 11 minutes in penalty time with three minors and one major and went 1-for-3 on the power play. Tyler Myers rejected 42 shots on goal for Texas. Texas incurred six minutes in penalty time with three minors.