Dallas/Allen, Texas – The Allen Americans, ECHL affiliate of the NHL’s Ottawa Senators, won the opening game of a three-game series on Wednesday night 4-3 in a shootout.
The Americans trailed 3-2 late in the third period. Allen pulled goalie Marco Costantini in favor of the extra attacker. Colby McAuley, who had several chances down the stretch, cashed in with 19.9 seconds left in regulation to even the score at 3-3. It was McAuley’s team-leading 21st goal of the year, sending the game to overtime.
Neither team scored in the seven-minute extra period. After the Oilers failed with their first shot, Allen’s Easton Brodzinski found the back of the net to give the Americans the advantage. Eddie Matsushima (Tulsa), and Blake Murray (Allen), were both denied. Bair Gendunov (Tulsa) scored to keep the Oilers hopes alive. Colby McAuley (Allen) missed his opportunity. Kyle Crnkovic (Tulsa) was stopped by Americans netminder Marco Costantini, setting up Colin Jacobs (Allen) for the game winner. Jacobs fired a shot into the Oilers net to give the Americans the victory ending their four-game losing streak.
“We knew if we got the game to overtime, we had a great chance to win,” said Americans forward Colin Jacobs. The two points were our focus. With the division race so tight, this win was a great way to start the week.”
The Americans tied Utah for fourth place overall in the division with 41 points each. Utah has a game in hand on the Americans.
Game 2 of the three-game series is Friday night at CUTX Event Center. Call 972-912-1000 for tickets.
Three Stars:
1. ALN - C. Jacobs
2. ALN - C. McAuley
3. ALN - B. Murray
Adirondack Thunder
Allen Americans
Atlanta Gladiators
Bloomington Bison
Cincinnati Cyclones
Florida Everblades
Fort Wayne Komets
Greenville Swamp Rabbits
Idaho Steelheads
Indy Fuel
Iowa Heartlanders
Jacksonville Icemen
Kalamazoo Wings
Kansas City Mavericks
Maine Mariners
Norfolk Admirals
Orlando Solar Bears
Rapid City Rush
Reading Royals
Savannah Ghost Pirates
South Carolina Stingrays
Tahoe Knight Monsters
Toledo Walleye
Trois-Rivières Lions
Tulsa Oilers
Utah Grizzlies
Wheeling Nailers
Wichita Thunder
Worcester Railers