Dallas/Allen, Texas - The Allen Americans (5-3-0), ECHL affiliate of the Ottawa Senators (NHL), and Belleville Senators (AHL), played the second game of a three-game series Friday night in New Mexico, at the Rio Rancho Events Center. The Americans won a thriller 4-3 in overtime, scoring two goals in the final three minutes to tie the score.
It was all New Mexico in the opening period scoring two times. Once on the power play. The other goal courtesy of former Americans forward Maksim Barbashev. His first goal of the season. The Goatheads held a 2-0 lead after the first period.
New Mexico added to their lead early in the second period as former Americans forward Jake Chiasson lit the lamp for his third goal of the year putting New Mexico up 3-0. Allen finally found the back of the net at the seven-minute mark of the frame. Andre Anania found Sam Lipkin in front of the net for his fourth goal of the season, cutting the Goatheads' lead to 3-1. The Americans outshot New Mexico 11-10 in the second period.
Little did we know what was ahead for the Americans in the third period. It looked grim for Allen after failing on back-to-back power plays, but that’s when their luck changed. First, Nolan Kneen found himself alone in front of the Goatheads net beating New Mexico netminder Nikita Novoselov to make it 3-2. Another late power play for the Americans with the extra attacker found Spencer Asuchak in front of the New Mexico net for his first of the season, tying the score at 3-3 and sending the game to overtime.
The Americans made quick work in the extra session scoring 18 seconds into OT as Sam Lipkin and Mathieu De St. Phalle teamed up for the game winner. It was the Americans fifth win of the season and a chance for another series win on Saturday night.
They Said it:
Steve Martinson: “A tough start to the night but obviously a great finish with some really nice plays on the goals.”
Spencer Asuchak: “This team always believes if you give us a chance we can get it done. We never gave up. Nolan’s (Kneen) goal got us going and Luke (Mistelbacher) made a great pass to me in front of the net to tie the game. Mathieu (De St, Phalle) and Sam (Lipkin) teamed up for the game winner. We didn’t start great but finished strong.”
Three Stars:
1. ALN - S. Lipkin
2. ALN - M. De St. Phalle
3. NM - M. Barbashev
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