PHN Photo Essay – Laredo Bucks @ Allen Americans 12/30/11

ALLEN, Texas – The Laredo Bucks and the Allen Americans faced each other for the fourth time this season Friday night at the Allen Event Center and came away with a 4-3 overtime win.
This was the first of five consecutive meetings for the two teams.
The Bucks were the first to light the lamp just 3:50 into the first period when Mark Nebus scored on a backhand shot four seconds into a power play. Rusty Masters was in on the assist.
Less than one minute later, Allen defenseman Tyler Ludwig tied the game with a power play strike of his own at the 4:40 mark.
The Americans then jumped out to a 3-1 lead after Colton Yellow Horn scored back-to-back goals.
The Bucks cut the Americans lead to only one goal with 26 seconds left in the period when Rusty Masters scored a power play goal. Neil Trimm and Adam Rivet had assists on the goal.
The Bucks and Americans each had nine shots on goal in the first period but the Americans entered the break with a 3-2 lead.
The middle frame belonged to the Bucks despite being out shot 13-9. Mark Nebus scored his second goal of the game when he knocked in a rebound at the 8:04 mark with Rusty Masters and Adam Rivet assisting on the game-tying goal. This would be the only goal of the period.
The Bucks and Americans played a tight third period. Neither team was able to break the 3-3 tie during the remainder of regulation play. The Bucks out shot the Americans 7-6 in the frame.
Both teams battled hard during the overtime period, however, the Bucks were able to take home the victory when Kyle Mariani jammed in a rebound with only 15 seconds remaining in overtime. Rusty Masters and Adam Rivet also assisted on the game winning goal.
Pro Hockey News’ Chip Crail recorded all the action Friday night at the Allen Event Center and has submitted the following images from the contest.