Allen Americans Win Game 7, Move On to Finals

The Allen Americans and Missouri Mavericks form the traditional handshake line after Allen won the 2013 CHL Semifinals playoff series between the two clubs on 04.23.13. (Photo credit: Chip Crail/CHL Photos Blog)

Allen, Texas—Game seven is the most crucial game in the playoffs. It either advances a team to the next round or sends it to the offseason. The Allen Americans knew they had to play a smarter, more defensive game, and have better puck control than they did in game six when they lost 6-2 to the Missouri Mavericks. The team had more energy and momentum, and showed the 4,847 at the Allen Event Center the previous game’s stuggles wouldn’t prevent it from advancing. With the final buzzer, the Americans 7-3 victory opened the door to the finals.  Brian McMillin (two goals), Todd Robinson (two goals), Jason Deitsch, Kale Kerbashian and Jim Mckenzie scored for the Americans. Kellan Tochkin and Dave Pszyenyczny scored for the Mavericks. Aaron Dell rejected 29 shots on goal for the Americans while Mike Clemente made 24 saves on 31 shots for the Mavericks.

Allen had a much better start than shown in game six. The team played with more desperation, resulting in quality chances, like the first goal of the night. The Mavericks couldn’t gain control in their own zone and Allen’s Brian McMillin capitalized on the opportunity, sliding the puch behing Missouri goaltender Mike Clemente at the 18:08 mark. It was McMillin’s sixth goal of the playoffs and his second goal of the playoff series.

Clemente sprawled on his back in an attempt to block a Jason Deitchs rebound, but the puck was in the goal behind him at the 17:07 mark, giving the Americans a 2-0 lead. It was Deitsch’s fourth goal of the playoffs and his third goal of the playoff series. The Mavericks returned the goal, cutting the lead to 2-1 in the second period. Kellan Tochkin snuck the puck past Dell’s blocker side at the 14:23 mark, scoring his eighth goal of the playoffs and his third goal of the playoff series. The Americans had a chance to extend that lead to 3-1 on a two-on-one, but Clemente made a huge save, keeping the Mavericks within striking distance.

The Americans almost went up 3-1 over the Mavericks yet again, but the goal was waved off by the officials who said the puck didn’t cross the goal line. Kale Kerbashian finally extended the lead to 3-1 in favor with 4:32 left in the second period. It was Kerbashian’s fourth goal of the playoffs and his third of the playoff series. But the Mavericks returned the goal again, bringing Missouri within a goal for the second time. Dave Pszyenyczny put the puck past Dell while the Mavericks were on the power play with just two minutes remaining in the period. It was Pszyenyczny’s first goal of the playoffs and of the playoff series. The Americans refused to allow a tight game, answering back on a power play of their own. Todd Robinson deflected a Tyler Ludwig shot for a 4-2 lead at the 1:20 mark. It was Robinson’s second goal of the playoffs and his first goal of the playoff series.

In the third period, Eric Meland turned the puck over in the Mavericks zone and Robinson beat Clemente, giving the Americans a 5-2 lead, and landing Robinson his goal of the goal game at the 14:32 mark. Allen continued to extend the lead when Jim Mckeznzie redirected puck in front of the net from a Tyler Ludwig shot, putting the Americans up 6-2. The Mavericks pulled Clemente early, and Colt King made the gamble count, scoring the team’s third goal of the game with 4:2o left in the period. The Americans sealed the victory with an empty net goal by Brian McMillin with little more than a minute remaining in the game.

After the 7-3 victory and 4-3 series win, the Allen Americans will now face the Wichita Thunder for the 2013 CHL Ray Miron Presidents’ Cup Finals on Tuesday, April 30 at the Allen Event Center.

Central Hockey League Semifinals – Series “E” (best-of-7)
Missouri Mavericks (5) vs. Allen Americans (1) – Allen Wins Series 4-3
Game 1 – Missouri 5 at Allen 1
Game 2 – Missouri 1 at Allen 4
Game 3 – Allen 3 at Missouri 2 – Overtime
Game 4 – Allen 8 at Missouri 4
Game 5 – Allen 2 at Missouri 3 – Overtime
Game 6 – Missouri 6 at Allen 2
Game 7 –Missouri 3 at Allen 7