Huge 2nd Period Gives the Americans a Game 1 Win

A 4 goal 2nd period led by Nino Musitelli with 2 goals plus Justin Bowers who had an assist and did everything else but score in the Game gave the Americans a huge Game 1 win just 2 days after beating the Odessa Jackalopes in the Conference Finals.

Just about everyone had a huge night where it came together in the 2nd period such Chris Whitley stopping 18 shots in the 2nd period to Jarret Lukin who had great set up plays in the game skated past the Rapid City Rush to take the opening and stole Home Ice Advantage at least temporary.

From the Central Hockey League Website: www.centralhockeyleague.com

From Rapid City, South Dakota: After a Game 7 win in the Southern Finals and a long trip from Texas to South Dakota, the Allen Americans showed no fatigue as they scored four times in the 2nd period and goaltender Chris Whitley made a 2010 Playoffs Single Game High 48 saves en route to a 4-1 victory in Game 1 of the Central Hockey League Ray Miron Presidents Cup Championship at the Rushmore Plaza Civic Arena.

The Americans rookie goaltender was tested early as the Rush out-shot the Americans 13-7 in the opening period but Whitley was equal to the task by stopping everything Rapid City could throw his way.

In the 2nd period, Nathan O'Nabigon scored his first goal of the post-season at the 3:49 mark of the frame by giving the Americans the lead in the game, something that has yielded much success as they are now 7-2 when striking first in this playoffs.

They weren't done though as Nino Musitelli scored his 10th goal of the playoffs and first of two in this game. It would eventually be the Game Winner which gives Musitelli's back-to-back game winning goals in the playoffs. Tobias Whelan made the score 3-0 at the 16:07 mark before Musitelli's second goal of the game and period puts things away for Allen.

The Rush broke the shutout with just over 3 minutes remaining when David Grimson found the back of the net. Whitley finished with 48 saves including 18 in the 2nd period and 17 in the 3rd period. Allen finished Game 1 1/5 on the power play while Rapid City was 0/6. Game 2 is slated for Saturday Night in South Dakota.


Allen Americans Lead Series 1-0

Game Boxscore

Allen Americans 4 Rapid City Rush 1 (0-0, 4-0, 0-1)

1-0 ALN: Nathan Onabigon (Huculak, Salekin) 3:49 2nd

2-0 ALN: Nino Musitelli (Fairbarn) 8:57 2nd

3-0 ALN: Tobias Whelan (Lukin) 16:07 2nd

4-0 ALN: Nino Musitelli (PP) (Bowers, Benn) 19:06 2nd

4-1 RPC: Dave Grimson (Weselowski, Hodge) 16:50 3rd


Game Stats

PP: ALN 1/5 RPC 0/6

SOG: ALN 21 RPC 49

PIM: ALN 12 Minutes on 6 Penalties RPC 10 Minutes on 5 Penalties

Goalies: ALN Chris Whitley 48 SVS on 49 Shots RPC Danny Battochio 9 SVS on 12 Shots Miguel Beaudry 8 SVS on 9 Shots

ATT: 4419

3rd Star: Nathan Onabigon (ALN)

2nd Star: Chris Whitley (ALN)

1st Star: Nino Musitelli (ALN)