Americans and Komets Resume Series Today After Wild Ending Saturday
May 22, 2016 - ECHL (ECHL)
Allen Americans News Release
Allen Americans Celebrate vs. the Fort Wayne Komets
(Allen Americans, Credit: Lauren Lyssy)
Allen, TEXAS - The Allen Americans have a 3-1 series lead heading into Sunday's Game 5 against the Fort Wayne Komets. Allen roared back from a 5-2 third period deficit to tie the game and then won it early in overtime on Saturday night by a score of 6-5.
"We were pretty fired up going into the third period. We were getting our butts kicked pretty badly," said Game 4 hero J.P Lafontaine, who scored the game winner in overtime. "We had a lot of momentum on the power play so right away we knew it was going to be a good period."
Allen MVP Chad Costello, along with defenseman David Makowski, each turned in four point games on Saturday night, while rookie netminder Jake Hildebrand played spectacular stopping all 17 shots he faced coming in for Riley Gill in the second period.
"I think Fort Wayne has been trying to bring the physicality to us, but when it comes down to it you have to play hockey," said Americans defenseman David Makowski. "I think our speed and skill is a little bit deeper than theirs once we get rolling. Once physicality is out of the way, we're just playing hockey and that's when we're dangerous."
The Americans are 0-2 in Game 5's this season with losses to both Idaho and Missouri. A win today by Allen would mean the team would not have to return to Fort Wayne for a Game 6 on Tuesday night.
'There is no question we want to end this thing at home today," said Americans Co-Captain Gary Steffes. "We know they will be coming out desperate again this afternoon, so we have to match their intensity from the get go."
Steffes has scored a goal in four straight games for Allen, and is playing his best hockey of the season. Greger Hanson is now tied for the ECHL lead with 10 postseason goals. Hanson scored number 10 last night on the power play for the Americans, one of three power play goals on the night for the top ranked power play team in the postseason (25.3%).
Puck drop this afternoon at Allen Event Center is 4:05 PM. Tickets are available at Allen Event Center Box Office or online at www.ticketmaster.com. Call 972-912-1000 for more information.
Allen leads the ECHL Western Conference Finals 3-1
Allen Americans vs. Fort Wayne Komets
Game 1- Friday, May 13, Allen 5 at Fort Wayne, 3 Final
Game 2- Sunday, May 15, Allen 3 at Fort Wayne 2, Final OT
Game 3- Thursday, May 19, Fort Wayne 2 at Allen, 1 Final
Game 4- Saturday, May 21, Fort Wayne 5 at Allen, 6 Final OT
Game 5- Sunday, May 22, Fort Wayne at Allen, 4:05 pm CST*
Game 6- Tuesday, May 24, Allen at Fort Wayne, 6:30 pm CST *
Images from this story
 Allen Americans Celebrate vs. the Fort Wayne Komets (Lauren Lyssy) |
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ECHL Stories from May 22, 2016
- Americans Advance to Kelly Cup Finals with 6-4 Win over Fort Wayne - Allen Americans
- Komets Fall 6-4 at Allen - Fort Wayne Komets
- Chance to Advance to Finals, $2 Specials Highlight Monday's Game 6 - South Carolina Stingrays
- Allen Claims Taylor Trophy as Western Conference Champions - ECHL
- ECHL Transactions - May 22 - ECHL
- Americans and Komets Resume Series Today After Wild Ending Saturday - Allen Americans
- ECHL Today - May 22 - ECHL
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