Watch: 5 best things Tucson Roadrunners said after beating the Texas Stars in OT
Michael Bunting could've been the villain, but finished the night as a hero.
Redemption moment for Bunting
Updated
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.
Bunting's revenge
UpdatedMichael Bunting on the penalty in the 3rd period that led to a Texas goal: “I gotta control myself. I like to play on the edge and it happens. It’s unfortunate that it was the last four minutes of the third period & they ended up tying it up, but thankfully I redeemed myself.” pic.twitter.com/smGS55KTji
— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) May 3, 2018
'Stick with those guys'
UpdatedTucson Roadrunners head coach Mike Van Ryn on Michael Bunting redeeming himself in OT after his 3rd period penalty: pic.twitter.com/gj7qfytYUv
— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) May 3, 2018
The collapse, and rise in OT
UpdatedTucson Roadrunners goalie Adin Hill on Texas’ 3rd period goal and how the team handled its first playoff OT period: pic.twitter.com/scB1WGI8Ki
— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) May 3, 2018
Winning despite turnovers
UpdatedTucson Roadrunners head coach Mike Van Ryn on pulling off the win despite turning the puck over more than usual: pic.twitter.com/NXlqDYUjjw
— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) May 3, 2018
Sticking together
UpdatedMike Van Ryn: “I thought our team did a good job of sticking together and fighting their way through it.” pic.twitter.com/MTgXzLjjQH
— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) May 3, 2018
