INDEPENDENCE, MO – The Allen Americans and Missouri Mavericks kicked off their Conference Semi-Final round of the Kelly Cup Playoffs Friday night. The Americans come in a bit worse for wear after coming back from a 3-2 series deficit against Idaho, winning game seven in overtime to advance. Missouri, on the other hand, easily handled their first round challengers; sweeping the Quad City Mallards in four-straight games to earn a week off to prep for the next round.
That week off may have contributed to a slow start for the Mavericks, as Allen jumped on the board right away on a goal by Greger Hanson just 1:10 into the opening frame. Missouri bounced back and pressed Allen hard, outshooting them 11-6 while having the man advantage four times through the period, but failing to notch the evener by intermission.
The Americans extended their lead to 2-0 with a power play goal by Casey Pierro-Zabotel when he batted a puck past Josh Robinson at 4:32 of the middle frame. Allen closed the gap in shots, trailing the Mavericks by just one for the period (13-12) and six for the two period count of 24-18, but held the 2-0 lead on the scoreboard.
Third period action was even at both ends of the ice but neither team could find the back of the net in the final frame and the Americans held onto their 2-0 lead to steal the win on Missouri ice.
Allen was led to victory and the 1-0 series lead by the stellar goalkeeping of Riley Gill, who turned away 34 shots to earn his 6th ECHL playoff shutout. Gill was named the game’s number one star.
Game two of the Semi-Finals series between the Allen Americans and Missouri Mavericks continues Saturday night at the Silverstein Eye Centers Arena; the puck drop is scheduled for 7:05PM CDT.
Contact the author at maurice.fitzgerald@prohockeynews.com
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