The first elimination game of this series went to Brampton last night as they beat the Allen Americans by a score of 4-2 before 2830 fans who finally had something to cheer about in this series that Allen now leads 3-1. After scoring first on a goal by Anthony Maiani which they took into the first intermission Allen allowed two second period goals by Brampton but were able to tie the score 2-2 at the end of the second period on a rocket shot by Greger Hanson. Allen had numerous odd man rushes where they did not score and that was the difference in the game. The Beast scored two third period goals including an empty net goal to make the final score 4-2. The two teams have the day off today (Saturday) and will play the fifth game of the series Sunday afternoon with puck drop at 3:00 pm Central/Allen time.
STEVE MARTINSON POST GAME COMMENTS:
- We had lots of chances to score in this game but we did not capitalize on some great opportunities. We missed too many of the odd man rushes we had and it came back to bite us.
- Lost face offs were responsible for two of Brampton's goals. Weak face offs can cost you and it proved to be a problem tonight.
- Bryan Pitton played well in goal again. He has really stepped up since he became our primary goalie. His save percentage in the playoffs leads the league.
- Mike Berube and Alex Lavoie did not play tonight because they are a little banged up. Their situation is day to day so we will see how they feel on Sunday and make an assessment at that time.
- We got no power play goals tonight which has been a strength this series. We had a great opportunity at the end of the game to tie the score with a power play and pulled goalie but could not capitalize.
- The team will have the day off on Saturday which will give many of them time to spend with friends and relatives. We will all get together for a team dinner in the evening.
OTHER COMMENTS:
- Special teams in hockey remind me of turnovers in football as they are both good predictors of who will win the game. Last night was no exception as Brampton won the special teams battle for the first time in the series. The Beast held Allen scoreless on the powerplay and scored one power play goal themselves.
- Allen still has a big advantage in special teams play as the Americans have scored five power play goals on sixteen opportunities (31.25%) and have allowed Brampton only two power play goals on nineteen opportunities for a penalty kill percentage of 89.47%.
- Brampton's penchant for slashing was evident again in the game last night as Frank Littlejon was given a major penalty and game misconduct penalty for slashing Ross Rouleau. There have been 29 slashing penalties called across the league in the playoffs thus far and Brampton has eleven of them which is over twice as many as any other team. Come On, Man!
- Anthony Maiani and Greger Hanson sit a top the CHL playoff scoring list with seven points each. Darryl Bootland is tied for the league lead in goals with four.
- Bryan Pitton has the second best GAA in the playoffs at 2.26 and leads the league in save percentage at a lofty .931. He is the only goalie with three wins in the playoffs.
- Though Allen lost last night they ares still the only team with a 3-1 lead after four games. The other three series are all tied at 2-2. While Allen and Brampton have the day off the other three series play game five tonight (Saturday).
- League wide average attendance thus far for the playoffs after 16 games is 3125. The attendance last night:
Quad City - 3325
Brampton - 2830
Arizona - 2714
Denver - 2691
- Former Allen American's captain Tobias Whelan along with defenseman Tyler Wooddisse were second period intermission guests of Tommy Daniels and spent some time reminiscing about the first season (2009-2010) with the Allen Americans and the great run that team had to the championship finals. Look forward to the day the Americans have a reunion and and there is the opportunity to catch up with many of the players from the past.
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| Courtesy CHL Memes |
DID YOU KNOW: The stage is set for the NCAA Frozen Four national championship game as the Minnesota Gophers and Union College Dutchmen will face off in the final tonight at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia (7:30 p.m. ET, ESPN). Everything came down to the last second — literally.
With Minnesota and North Dakota tied at one and time ticking down, Gophers defenseman Justin Holl threw a frantic shot on net that scooted past North Dakota goalie Zane Gothberg for a shorthanded goal with just 0.6 seconds left to give Minnesota a pass into the championship game. The University of Minnesota is my alma mater so will watching this game with interest. It is the Gophers 21st appearance in the Frozen Four and they have won the national championship five times. Coach Don Lucia has won two of the five championship in his tenure with Minnesota. Lucia's daughter, Ali Lucia, hosts the pre and post game and between period TV show for the Dallas Stars.
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