Ray Miron Presidents' Cup Game 4 Recap
Published on May 5, 2013 under Central Hockey League (CHL) News Release
For the second time in the Finals, the Allen Americans bounced back to win after a loss as they came from behind to win Game 4 over the Wichita Thunder by a 2-1 score. Each of the previous three games in the series had been decided by three goals each. The win evens the series at two wins apiece as Allen regains home ice advantage.
The Americans were shorthanded playing without Darryl Bootland (suspended) and without Trevor Ludwig (injured).
Both teams worked hard in the first half of the opening period but it didn't lead to many opportunities. The best chances were by the Thunder as the line of Matt Summers, Todd Griffith and Les Reaney generated a point blank chance for Reaney that Aaron Dell stopped.
Later in the period, Ian Lowe and Chad Painchaud went back and forth and nearly sprang a breakaway but the leading pass missed the mark.
The first good look for Allen came at the midway point of the period with Todd Robinson finding himself all alone at the left circle but his shot missed high.
At the 10:28 mark of the period, Wichita received the first power play of the game thanks to an interference call and although they did not officially cash in on the man advantage, the Thunder scored the first goal of the game shortly after it expired with a blue-collar strike from Matt Summers, his fourth of the playoffs.
Much of the remainder of the frame was played on special teams with Allen ending the period 0 for 3 and with their fourth power play carrying over to the second period which they also failed to convert.
Wichita outshot the Americans 12-6 in the period with Torrie Jung turning away the dozen shots he faced.
Play went up and down the ice during the second period with the teams having few scoring chances. Wichita generated the first five shots on goal but dell looked as if he was getting comfortable in net.
Despite generating the first 10 shots on net in the middle frame, the Thunder lost their lead off of Jason Deitsch's fourth goal of the playoffs scored at the 11:38 mark. The goal came off a centering pass that appeared to hit a Thunder skate and get past Jung.
The goal for Allen got their bench excited and created a good energy burst for the Americans who kept play in their offensive zone for a good part of the remainder of the period.
With numerous Thunder turnovers in the final five minutes of the period and Allen's renewed push, Wichita was fortunate to get out of the second period with the game still even. The two teams generated 26 total shots in the second frame with Wichita earning 14 of them.
In the third period, Allen grabbed their first lead in the two games in Wichita when Brian McMillin chipped a shot over Jung and into the back of the net for his league leading 11th goal of the playoffs.
Wichita clawed and clawed trying to find the equalizer and thought they had it when Greger Hanson took a pass while streaking down the left circle but his shot hit the crossbar leaving the score at 2-1.
Gaining some momentum, the Thunder had to kill a late penalty taking away some even strength time although Travis Wight did create a couple shorthanded chances.
The final three minutes had some thrilling moments for the fans with a pulled goaltender but Dell had a strong game and earned the win for his club.
The loss is the first on home ice in six games for the Thunder.
McMillin had a goal and an assist taking over the league lead in post-season scoring with 20 points (11-9) and Jason Deitsch also added a goal and an assist.
Game 5 is set for Tuesday night in Allen with face-off set for 7:05 PM (CT).
Central Hockey League Stories from May 5, 2013
- Wichita Drops Game 4 of CHL Finals; Series Even at Two - Wichita Thunder
- Ray Miron Presidents' Cup Game 4 Recap - CHL
- Central Hockey League Announces Suspension for Game 4 - CHL
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