The Texas Stars now stand in fourth place in the Central Division for the AHL. They’re nowhere near Chicago, Grand Rapids, or Iowa, each of whom are now at least seven points ahead with at least one game in hand.
At the same time, Texas has some separation to fifth place. Rockford is three points behind with just one game in hand.
The next 14 games — that’s all Texas has left — will be crucial. The Texas Stars need to remain ahead of the Ice Hogs, even if they can’t catch the Wild. That’s when the real test will come — with no Roope Hintz for the playoffs, Texas will need to depend on their veterans and the (hopeful potential) return of the best goal scorer in the AHL, Joel L’Esperance.