PHN’s Best Shots of the Game: Allen Americans vs. Arizona Sundogs 10/20/12

The Allen Americans began their fourth season in style on Saturday night, shutting out the Arizona Sundogs by a score of 4-0. Scotty Howes scored two goals and Steve Silverthorn made 30 saves in the victory. Arizona outshot the Americans, 30-16.

“I thought our goalie was great,” Americans head coach Steve Martinson said. “We still have a lot to work on. We shot the puck well but we just didn’t shoot it enough. I’d like to get more shots on net. But it’s a win and that’s always good. It’s nice to start off with a W.”

Credit the Americans’ penalty kill unit with a big chunk of the success, as Allen shut down all six power plays it faced on the evening.

Adam Pineault tallied one goal and one assist for the Americans. His goal was the first of the season for Allen, as he corralled a rebound and lifted a backhand into the top right corner for a 1-0 lead midway through the first period. Tyler Ludwig and Brett Skinner earned the assists.

Allen did a good job killing off a Trevor Ludwig cross-checking penalty minutes later, giving the Sundogs limited opportunities to get anything going other than perimeter shots. It proved to be a common theme for the night.

“We’re going to take penalties and we’re going to have a physical team,” Martinson said. “There’s going to be a lot of work done this week by our team. We have to be smart and I think we’ll be OK.”

Darryl Bootland also picked up a goal and an assist on the night. Derek Matheson also picked up an assist for the Americans.

Silverthorn saved one of his best saves for last, stoning Mario Larocque from the doorstep on the right side of his net with seven minutes to go. The following images were recorded at the Allen Event Center on Saturday evening.