Texas Stars 3 at GRAND RAPIDS GRIFFINS 1

Nov. 30, 2012

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – The Texas Stars scored three goals in a 4:51 stretch spanning the final two periods to erase a 1-0 deficit and claim a 3-1 victory over the Grand Rapids Griffins on Friday at Van Andel Arena.

Grand Rapids’ second-ranked scoring offense was limited to fewer than two goals for the first time this season and mustered only 23 shots on Christopher Nilstorp, including 13 over the first 40 minutes. Tom McCollum, meanwhile, kept the Griffins in the contest with 13 saves during the first period alone and finished with 29 stops.

Despite the loss, the Griffins (10-6-1-1) completed November with an 8-3 record and maintain first place in the Midwest Division by one point over Rockford.

The Griffins scored the lone goal of the opening period with 2:42 remaining, when Landon Ferraro cut through the left circle, pulled up at the hashmarks and ripped a shot into the top of the cage.

Stars forward Reilly Smith, the younger brother of Griffins defenseman Brendan Smith, knotted the score at the 19:21 mark of the second period, chipping the puck over a prone McCollum from the left side. Texas (9-7-1-1) then took advantage of a power play opportunity 3:29 into the third period to go ahead 2-1, with Colton Sceviour quickly sliding the puck across the top of the crease to Jordie Benn, who slammed home a backdoor goal.

The visitors scored their third goal in less than five minutes of playing time just 43 seconds later, as Alex Chiasson redirected Brenden Dillon’s shot from the point past McCollum.

Grand Rapids could not answer, despite employing an extra attacker for most of the final three minutes by pulling McCollum and receiving a power play chance.

Three Stars: 1. TEX Benn (game-winning goal); 2. GR Ferraro (goal); 3. TEX Nilstorp (W, 22 saves)