Allen, Texas – The Allen Americans returned home to the Allen Event Center on Thursday evening with a 2-0 series lead in the Western Conference Finals. Allen leads the Fort Wayne Komets after taking both game one and two in Fort Wayne before returning home for game three. The Komets would return the favor, beating Allen on their own home ice, 2-1.
In a first period that consisted of genuine chances for both Allen and Fort Wayne, it was the Komets who were able to capitalize on their opportunities. Mike Embach scored his third goal of the postseason not even five minutes into the opening frame.
In a series where both Riley Gill and Joel Rumpel have made appearances in the Allen net, Head Coach Steve Martinson gave starting goaltending responsibilities to Jake Hildebrand for game three.
Going into the second period down 1-0, Allen was able to generate a series of quality scoring chances, especially toward the final few minutes. However, it was a familiar name who was able to extend the Fort Wayne lead. Embach was able to notch his second goal of the game (fourth of the postseason) on a 2-on-1 odd-man-rush.
Entering the third period, Fort Wayne had an early chance to nullify any momentum Allen would have had when Cody Corbett buried a shot into a gaping net. However, the would-be 3-0 goal was waved off due to goaltender interference.
Perhaps benefitting from the newfound life, Gary Steffes would eventually cut the Fort Wayne lead in half, making it 2-1 Komets with 8:24 remaining in the game. The Steffes rebound goal would be his 6th of the playoffs.
Allen would pull Hildebrand late in the game for a last-ditch effort, but ultimately came up short to an impressive performance from Fort Wayne netminder, Pat Nagle. Nagle stood tall against 26 of 27 Americans shots on goal.
The Americans will host Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals at the Allen Event Center on Saturday, May 21st, at 7:05 pm, against the Fort Wayne Komets.
Contact the photographer: Kimberly.Sauer@prohockeynews.com
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