Dallas Stars Prospects Update: Texas Stars Drop Games 4,5 To Rockford

The Texas Stars are marching on despite a momentum halting loss in game five to the Rockford IceHogs. Still, the Dallas Stars affiliate owns a 3-2 series lead and will head home for the remainder of the series.

All Dallas Stars fans are living their playoffs dreams vicariously through the Texas Stars at the moment, and it’s coming down to the wire for them in their series against the Rockford IceHogs in the Western Conference final.

Although the Dallas Stars’ AHL counterpart came out strong and took dominant a 3-0 series lead, the IceHogs came back in Game 4 thanks to the added efforts of goalie Jeff Glass and also claimed game five with a 3-1 victory. Now, the series stands at 3-2 and the Stars are looking to settle things once and for all at home.

This Western Conference final is seeing some Dallas favorites as well as hopefuls grind out more time on the ice and rack up even more experience.

Dillon Heatherington, Curtis McKenzie, and Jason Dickinson– not to mention Mike McKenna– have had a few moments in the Dallas limelight.

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However, a constant criticism of the Dallas Stars’ management this season was the inconsistent way it fostered young talent.

While these new-to-NHL players didn’t get consistent ice time or a chance to accrue real, valuable game experience that a player can build on, the AHL affiliate is the perfect place for learning.

And this year, the Stars’ success so far shows how much learning and growing really is taking place.

For the NHL-hopefuls who could break through that’s barrier within the next few seasons, playing well on this stage is crucial. Players like Denis Gurianov and Roope Hintz, who are waiting for an eventual call up, have a perfect platform to prove themselves.

Next: Reasons For Stars Fans To Cheer For Vegas In Final

The Texas Stars will be looking to get back on top of this series with game 6 on Monday. They’ll have a home crowd to cheer them on, and with the grit of a team that’s earned two of its three wins so far in overtime this series, our AHL boys are primed for a good, close game and hopefully an ultimate victory.