The Allen Americans began their Southern Conference Semi-Final matchup against the Laredo Bucks at the Allen EVent Center last Friday. There were lots of firsts to be had in the game, as it was the franchise’s first experience in the post-season. Here are just a few of them:
- First Postseason Game – March 26, 2010 vs. Laredo Bucks
- First Postseason Save – 17:35 of 1st Period, Chris Whitley against Laredo F Neil Trimm
- First Postseason Shot – 18:07 of 1st Period, Liam Huculak on Laredo G Pier-Olivier Pelletier
- First Postseason Goal – 15:26 of 1st Period, Liam Huculak on Laredo G Pier-Olivier Pelletier (Assists: Matt Radoslovich, Christian Gaudet)
- First Postseason Penalty – 8:14 of 1st Period, Liam Huculak (2:00 minor for High Sticking)
All of the firsts above are from that first game on Friday night. Unfortunately, the Americans weren’t able to add “First Postseason Victory” to that list, as the Bucks came from behind in the third period, scoring a pair of goals to take the win in the opening match.
The Americans were able to pick up that record on Saturday night, though. Goaltender Chris Whitley battled back from from a performance he wasn’t happy with on Friday night, making 30 saves. Nino Musitelli scored a pair of goals and added an assist, and the Americans held on for a 3-2 win to even the games at one apiece.
The series shifted to Laredo on Tuesday night, and the Bucks were hoping to feed off of the energy of an excited home crowd, and do something they haven’t done since 2008: win a playoff game at home. The Americans dashed those hopes, though, as Justin Bowers had a three point night (2G, 1A) and Whitley made 24 saves on 25 shots, and Allen won the game, 4-1. The game also saw another playoff first for the Americans – the first postseason fight. Mike Salekin dropped mitts against Laredo forward Todd Griffith about mid-way through the 2nd period.
The Americans now hold a 2-1 series edge entering Thursday night’s Game 4 in Laredo. Game 5 will be played on Saturday, and Games 6 and 7 will move back to Allen on April 6th and 7th, if they are needed.
Past Week’s Transactions:
None.
