PHN’s Best Shots of the Game: Americans score four second period goals, beat Wheeling 5-3 in game one

ALLEN, Texas – The Allen Americans opened the Kelly Cup Finals at home on Saturday night in front of a packed house of 5,625, at Allen Event Center, as the Americans grabbed a 1-0 series lead, after a 5-3 victory over the Wheeling Nailers.

The Americans broke open a close game in the second period outscoring the Nailers 4-1. Tristan King scored the first two goals of the hockey game for Allen, including his first of the night on the power play to give Allen a 1-0 lead.

“We knew we had to get out to a fast start tonight,” said King. “Eric Roy made a great pass across from the left point, and I was able to get it away quickly and find the back of the net. “

Greger Hanson and Spencer Asuchak also scored in the second period. Asuchak tipped an Aaron Gens shot past Brian Foster for a goal that turned out to be the game winner for the Americans.

“I put myself in a good position in front of the net and was able to get just enough on it to deflect it past their goalie,” said Asuchak. “It was a great play by Aaron Gens to get it through their defense.”

Wheeling was good on special teams tonight, scoring twice on the power play and once shorthanded. It was the fifth shorthanded goal that Allen has allowed this postseason. That’s the most in the ECHL.

‘I didn’t like the way we started out tonight,” said Americans Head Coach Steve Martinson, especially early on the power play. “It seemed like we were trying to force the puck to Chad Costello instead of taking the shot.

Both Allen and Wheeling went two-for-four on the man advantage. Allen outshot Wheeling 32-28 for the game.

Game 2 of the ECHL Kelly Cup Finals is tomorrow afternoon at 4:05 PM at Allen Event Center.

With Allen Americans release

Contact the photographer: Kimberly.Sauer@prohockeynews.com