ALLEN NAILS GAME 4 TO TIE SERIES 2-2

While Barry is on vacation, the views contained in this blog do not represent Barry, or those of the Allen Americans Organization.

Before a sellout crowd of 5439 (standing room only), Allen ensures game 6 at the AEC by tying the series up 2-2 with a 4-2 victory.  The Kelly Cup will not be awarded until either next Thursday or Saturday in our house.  Phew....this is championship hockey at its' best when the game could go either way until that 2nd insurance goal is scored with only 34 seconds left of play.  Gives credence to the old Philly saying "It is not over until the fat lady sings"  (referring to Kate Smith singing God Bless America at the Flyers game)!

Allen was outshot 34-29, however, this is not a disadvantage as we are 9-2-0-0 when outshot by our opponent.

Key performances from this game:

• Gary Steffes scored his 12th goal of the post season and 9th of the Kelly Cup Finals.  He is now tied for 2nd most goals in ECHL Kelly Cup history. He has a 9 game point streak and 4 game goal streak.
• Chad Costello continues his playoff lead in points and assists.  He has 32 pts (1.45 per game) and 26 assists (1.18 per game).  He also is on a 6 game streak in both categories.
• Riley Gill notched his 9th Kelly Cup final victory setting a new ECHL record.
• Eric Roy's +10 leads the Americans and is 2nd in the playoffs.

Allen improved their record when scoring first to 11-1-0 for a winning percentage of .917.  The league playoff average is .741.  Wheeling's record is 7-2-0 when scoring first for a percentage of  .778

The play of the night was Costello's no look backhand pass from behind the Wheeling net to Casey Pierro-Zabotel setting up the game's first goal by Gary Steffes.  

Allen and Wheeling continue to be #1 in power play percentage.  Allen is 27.2% and Wheeling 28.8%.

Game five winners are 23-1 in Kelly Cup Finals.  In the eight times the teams have been tied 2-2 the winner of game 5 has gone on to win the finals.

Coach Martinson's post game comments:

• Costello had a big offensive night
• we are now in a best of 3 series with home ice advantage
• my money is on Gill
• we have a few things to tighten up before tomorrow's game
• we need to get better in front of our net

These writers sorely miss our photographers but superfans Angie Blair and Christa Minnick  sent us a few from WesBanco Arena.  Thank you both.

Did you know:  The first recorded broadcast use of " It Ain't Over Until The Fat Lady Sings" appeared in the Dallas Morning News on March 10th in 1976 by Journalist Ralph Carpenter.  (info obtained from Wikipedia)