Allen, Texas – The Allen Americans, ECHL affiliate of the Ottawa Senators (NHL), and Belleville Senators (AHL), beat the Florida Everblades on Saturday night 4-3 to take the three-game series 2-1 in front of 4,006 in Allen.
Colton Saucerman (3), and Grant Hebert (5), scored in the first period to give the Americans a 2-1 lead after 20 minutes of play. Colton Saucerman’s goal came on the power play, one of two power play goals in the game.
Allen added two more goals in the third period. Liam Finlay scored 1:54 into the final frame, his 24th goal of the season to give the Americans a 3-2 lead. Joe Pendenza responded for Florida with his second of the night and 19th of the season at 4:37 of the final frame. That score held until 9:23 of the third period when Hank Crone took a pass from Liam Finlay who fired a shot that beat Everblades goalie Cam Johnson to put the Americans ahead for good. A 5-on-3 power play goal for the Americans, their second power play goal of the night.
The Americans outshot the Everblades 38-21 for the game. Allen held Florida to four shots on net in the third period.
Colton Hargrove’s point streak came to an end at 23 games. It was the longest point streak in the ECHL over the last seven years.
The team hits the road for three games next week in Utah. With the Americans loss, combined with Kansas City’s loss to Idaho, the Americans are within one point of third place in the Mountain Division.
Americans Postgame Quotes:
Liam Finally: “It was a big series win for us. They are the defending Kelly Cup Champions, and of the best teams in our league. We proved we can play with anyone in the ECHL when we play our game.”
Chad Costello: “It was good to take two of three at home against a strong team like Florida. Everyone in the lineup contributed. I am happy for our group.”
Three Stars:1. ALN – H. Crone2. ALN – G. Hebert3. FLA – J. Pendenza
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