Rio Rancho, NM - The Allen Americans (4-3-0), ECHL affiliate of the Ottawa Senators (NHL), and Belleville Senators (AHL), opened a three-game series on Wednesday night in New Mexico, and the Goatheads came out on top 5-2.
New Mexico scored the only goal of the opening frame when forward Tyler Paquette knocked one into the Allen net for his first goal of the season. The goal was reviewed but after a two-minute discussion it was ruled good. The Goatheads outshot the Americans 9-8 in the first period.
The Americans cut into the lead in the second frame as Michael Gildon netted his second goal of the season, even strength, to make it a 2-1 game. Less than a minute later, the Americans evened the game as Luke Mistelbacher (2) scored on the power play to make it a 2-2 contest. Briley Wood put the Goatheads back on top 3-2 with his second goal of the year. New Mexico held a 20-17 advantage in shots after two periods.
The Goatheads put the game away in the third period, scoring a shorthanded goal at the 8:13 mark as Lynden Breen picked up his team-leading fifth goal of the year. They added another goal late to seal the deal handing the Americans a 5-2 defeat and giving New Mexico their first-ever win on home ice.
The next game in the three-game series is on Friday Night from the Rio Rancho Events Center. Game time is 8:00 PM North Texas time.
Three Stars:
1. NM - L. Breen
2. NM - M. Helgeson
3. NM - B. Wood
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