The Dallas Stars prospect helped guide his team to an opening night victory with a multi-goal performance
The chase for the Calder Cup is on as the opening night of the 2024 AHL Playoffs began on Tuesday. In the only game scheduled, the Texas Stars took on the Manitoba Moose, with the Stars taking home a 6-3 win.
While both teams got contributions from their young players, it was Mavrik Bourque who took hold of the spotlight, finishing the game with two goals and two assists.
After tying the game for the Stars late in the first period, Bourque helped the Stars extend the lead in the second with a pair of helpers on goals scored by Curtis McKenzie and Christian Kyrou.
While the Moose pushed back with two goals of their own to make it a one goal game early in the third, the Stars proved to be too much and walked away with victory.
"I know what I'm capable of," Bourque said after the game to local media. "I don't think I forced any plays tonight. I just played my game and keep it simple. It was good tonight, especially the first playoff game you want to get into it as fast as possible and I think that's what I did."
As the Dallas Stars themselves are facing off against the Vegas Golden Knights, Stars' management is paying close attention to how their farm team is doing.
With Bourque leading the way for the Stars all season long, finishing with 77 points in 71 games, he will be key to their playoff run if they wish to do damage.
While Dallas is filled with young talent all entering their primes, Bourque is knocking at the door, almost certain to make the big club next year.
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