The Allen Americans had already secured their playoff spot heading into last week’s play, but were still chasing the Odessa Jackalopes for the top overall spot in the Southern Conference playoffs.
The Americans travelled across town to face their local rivals, the Texas Brahmas, to start their week on Wednesday. The physical game went deep into overtime, and was decided by a shootout. Colton Yellow Horn ended up with the game-winning shot in the shootout round.
Next, the team was off to South Dakota for a back-to-back, two-game set against the Northern Conference’s best team, the Rapid City Rush. The Americans edged out the Rush in the first game, 5-4. Once again, the game needed more time than regulation provided, but this time it was decided before the shootout. Tyler Wooddisse picks up his second goal of the night to give him a three-point night, and his Americans the victory.
The next night, though, the Rush got the upper hand. Allen led the game, 4-3, late in the third period, but the Rush mounted a late offensive surge. Rapid City scored twice in the span of 1:14 to turn the tables on Allen, and eventually skate off with a 5-4 win of their own.
This week, the Americans are trying to focus on staying healthy and preparing for next week’s playoffs. Their first two playoff dates will be March 26th and 27th, and will be played at the Allen Event Center. Entering play on Wednesday, their playoff matchup was still unknown, but it is becoming clearer every day. The Laredo Bucks need just one point in their last three games in order to secure the #3 spot in the South. Allen’s hopes of capturing the #1 seed ended on Saturday when they lost to Rapid City, and the Odessa Jackalopes got a point in their game against the Missouri Mavericks.
Today the Americans announced their playoff slogan at their St. Patrick’s Day game against the Mavericks. Allen will be hoping to get fans chanting “Dread the Red” – a play on their primary team color and their “Don’t Stop Living in the Red” goal song slogan. The Americans are hosting a rally for the playoffs that will be held next week, but details are still being finalized. Keep checking here for more information as it’s announced.
Past Week’s Transactions:
3/12/10 Justin Bowers, F – Placed on 14-day IR.
3/12/10 Liam Huculak, F – Activated from IR.
3/15/10 Tyler Shelast, F – Recalled by Texas (AHL).
3/17/10 Maxim Chamberland, F – signed contract.
