In stark contrast to the offensive barrage in the series opener 24 hours earlier, both teams tightened up their defensive units. Whereas Game 1 was the type of outing that fans love and coaches detest, the opposite was true in the second game of the series.
The Marlies’ only goal came in the first period courtesy of Ben Smith, the beneficiary of a pair of great plays by defenceman Travis Dermott. After Dermott forced a turnover in the Texas zone, his team continued to apply pressure. The defender then unleashed a shot from the point that was deflected by Smith into the net for his sixth goal of the post-season.