Watch: 5 best things Tucson Roadrunners said after falling 4-1 to Texas Stars

Rising Stars

By Justin Spears / Arizona Daily Star

The Tucson Roadrunners hadn't lost a home playoff game before Friday night and the last time they lost was nearly two weeks ago. That came to an end after the Texas Stars handled the Roadrunners 4-1, tying up the western conference semifinals 1-1.

The Stars jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the first period, which was the first time the Roadrunners trailed at home during the playoffs.

In the second period, Roadrunners forward Ryan MacInnis scored, but the goal was taken away after the officials pentalized MacInnis for high sticking above the goalie's cross bar.   

In the third period, Lane Pederson would get the goal back and cut the deficit 2-1, but the Stars capitalized on two empty net opportunities with a few minutes left in the game, which gave them a 4-1 lead.

Next, the Roadrunners will take the first flight to Cedar Park, Texas where they will play the next three games on the road as a part of the two-three-two series format.

Pederson and head coach Mike Van Ryn spoke to the media after the game, here's what they had to say. 

Pederson's impressions

Tucson Roadrunners forward Lane Pederson after the 4-1 loss to Texas: pic.twitter.com/qCcOHNwqDD

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) May 5, 2018

Road battle

Lane Pederson on how the Tucson Roadrunners can win the next three road games in Texas: pic.twitter.com/OS1PoJDDU4

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) May 5, 2018

Sluggish start

Tucson Roadrunners head coach Mike Van Ryn on the team’s intensity after the slow start in the 1st period: pic.twitter.com/Kw4TcjWjuc

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) May 5, 2018

MacInnis' goal taken away

Mike Van Ryn on the goal that was taken away in the 2nd period, and the Roadrunners’ 3rd period performance: pic.twitter.com/dGtCC6WKLF

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) May 5, 2018

Tucson's test in Texas

Mike Van Ryn on the Roadrunners playing the next 3 games in Texas: “It’s going to be a good test for us. ... It’s a tough format, teams have been through it many times and it’s a good test for us. We’ll see what we’re made of.” pic.twitter.com/txHaHfnowy

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) May 5, 2018