Curtis McKenzie and Julius Honka each scored goals, but it wasn't enough to secure a victory as the defending Calder Cup champion Texas Stars dropped a 4-2 decision to the Rockford IceHogs in Game 1 of the opening round of the AHL playoffs.
The Stars held a 2-1 lead early in the third period but were unable to lock it down, thanks in large part to four consecutive penalties in the frame that shifted most of the momentum in Rockford's favor. An empty-net goal at 18:56 sealed the deal.
Jussi Rynnas did his part, stopping 33 of 36 shots, but was one save behind IceHogs netminder Michael Leighton.