Three periods of regulation and an overtime session were not enough to settle matters as Texas defeated Atlanta in a shootout 8-7 (1-0 SO).
The shootout featured six attempts between both teams.
Texas saw a four-goal lead disappear, but was able to secure the win in a shootout. Texas made the score 6-2 on a power play goal by Zack Andersen at 10:02 in the second period. Atlanta evened things up at 7-7 on a power play goal by Kyle Rimbach at 19:04 in the third period.
Hunter Frado had one goal and two assists to lead Texas. Frado scored 1:43 into the second period to make the score 4-2 Texas. Bryan Whelan assisted on the tally.
Texas forced Atlanta\’s netminders to work hard to keep the puck out of the net, finishing with 41 shots and forcing 33 saves. Corey Boettcher made 19 stops and Aleksandr Zendejas made 14. Texas managed to stay out of the box better than usual, registering one minor for two minutes in penalty time. Texas finished below its season average of 11.0 penalty minutes per game. Texas surpassed its usual scoring output this season. Texas averages 4.7 goals per game. Texas\’ defense was uncharacteristically lax during the game. Texas averages 2.0 goals allowed per game.
Texas additionally got points from Ryan Dunner, who also had one goal and one assist. Kyle Torgerson also scored for Texas. Other players who recorded assists for Texas were Jacob Elrod, Oliver Hay, Kyle Galloway, and Sam Gagnon, who each chipped in one and Brock Brown and Noah Klinsky, who contributed two each.
Atlanta forced Texas goalie Brandon Perrone to work between the pipes, taking 48 shots. The defensemen of Atlanta were also effective in Texas\’ zone, and came away with two goals.
Atlanta also got points from Aleksi Hoivala, who also registered one goal and one assist and Colin OConnor, who also finished with one goal and one assist. Atlanta also had goals scored by Steve MacIver, Jesse Brown, and Ross Bartlett, who each put in one. In addition, Atlanta received assists from Arturas Laukaitis, who had two and Evan Camba, Drake Cartwright, Alex Johanson, and Ryan Dumond, who each chipped in one.
Perrone recorded 41 saves for Texas. Texas registered two goals on six power play opportunities. Atlanta incurred 12 minutes in penalty time with six minors.