Texas Stars left wing Curtis McKenzie (16) draws down Tucson Roadrunners center Ryan MacInnis (72) for a minor penalty in the second period of their second round game in the AHL playoffs at Tucson Arena, Tucson, Ariz., Wednesday, May 2, 2018.
By Justin Spears / Arizona Daily Star
Michael Bunting is counting his lucky stars, no pun intended, after the Tucson Roadrunners squeaked by the Texas Stars 2-1 in overtime fashion to take a 1-0 lead in the series.
Late in the third period, Tucson led 1-0, but Texas converted on a power play with 3:15 left to play as Bunting sat in the penalty box. Bunting was the reason why Tucson even had a lead in the first place, but his penalty costed goalie Adin Hill's streak of not allowing a playoff goal at Tucson Arena, which ended at 176 seconds and 45 seconds.
But more importantly, Bunting's penalty could've costed the Roadrunners a game that set the tone for the western conference semifinals. However, Bunting redeemed himself in overtime and scored the game-winning goal to take a lead in the series as well as keep Tucson's undefeated playoff record at home alive.
Bunting, Hill and head coach Mike Van Ryn spoke after game one, here's what they had to say.
