For the third time in nine years, the Texas Stars are heading to the Calder Cup Finals. They will face the Toronto Marlies, the Eastern Conference Champions, starting Saturday in Ontario. Goalie Mike McKenna stopped 38 of 39 shots against, and Roope Hintz was the overtime hero in the dying seconds of the fourth period.
"We're going to the Finals!" exclaimed McKenna postgame. "I don't think it could feel any better. We've battled all year long and haven't had anything handed to us."
Coach Laxdal added, "Our guys have been warriors. If you look at the overtimes, our guys have battled and persevered.