The UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena was buzzing with playoff energy Wednesday
night as the Milwaukee Admirals returned home for Game 3 of the Central
Division Finals against the Texas Stars. With the series tied 1-1 after two games
down south, this matchup was poised to shift momentum in a major way.
Unfortunately for the home team, things didn’t go Milwaukee’s way. The Stars
pulled away in a dominant 6-1 win, taking a 2-1 lead in the best-of-five series and
putting the Admirals on the brink of elimination. Tickets for a must-win game four are on sale now via the Admirals website.
Even with the lopsided score, the night still offered its share of memorable visuals, from passionate fans to key moments of grit and determination on the ice. Here are 10 awesome images from a tough night at Panther Arena:
1. Ready for battle
The Admirals starting lineup takes a moment to gather on the ice before puck drop
in front of a hopeful home crowd. Coming off a 6-4 win in Game 2 and returning to
home ice, this game felt like a major opportunity to take control of the series.
2. Take a seat
Texas forward Harrison Scott found himself on the wrong end of a second-period
collision, landing squarely on the bench floor. Not every hit makes the highlight reel, but this one might make the blooper reel.
3. Lind leads the charge
Kole Lind opened the scoring for Texas, sparking an offensive outburst that
Milwaukee never quite recovered from. His early celebration with teammates set the tone for what became a statement win for the Stars.
4. One bright spot
Spencer Stastney gave Admirals fans something to cheer about with the team’s lone
goal of the night. The defenseman has been steady all season and managed to break
through a tough Texas defense in the third period.
5. Brick wall in green
Stars netminder Remi Poirier was locked in from the start, turning away 30 of 31
Admirals shots. Whether it was odd-man rushes or screen-heavy chances, Poirier
handled it all with calm under pressure.
6. From beer league to big league
Members of the Ozaukee County Ice League’s Mammoths took in the game last
night. From local rinks to playoff barns, real hockey guys know how to support their squad.
7. McKenzie makes it two
Curtis McKenzie fired one in from the point to double Texas’ lead in the second
period. It was one of several goals that left the Admirals scrambling to keep pace
with the Stars’ high-tempo offense.
8. Double trouble
The Stars celebrated another goal along the glass while a frustrated Admirals fan
gave them a double dose of Milwaukee attitude. The scoreboard wasn’t the only
thing heated on Wednesday night.
9. Time to reset
Goaltender Matt Murray adjusts his mask after surrendering another goal. He was
pulled in the third period after a tough night, but with two potential games left, both Murray and the Admirals are focused on bouncing back.
10. Best logo in hockey
Even on a rough night for the home team, OnMilwaukee still made its presence felt
at Panther Arena.
