Mavericks Shutout Americans, 4-0; Miller Sets Team Record

The Missouri Mavericks (35-24-6) continued their solid play with a 4-0 shutout win over the Allen Americans at Allen Event Center Saturday night. Mavericks’ forward Kenton Miller broke the Mavericks’ single season record for goals with his 29th and 30th goals of the season.  He also added an assist for a three-point game.  Goaltender Mathieu Corbeil stopped all 36 shots he faced for his second shutout and the Mavericks’ third shutout of the season.  Forward Sebastien Thinel also had two goals and one assist as he improved to a CHL-high 95 points on the season.

Thinel scored the Mavericks’ first two goals, both at even strength, and Miller scored the final two goals, both with the man-advantage.  Thinel’s two goals were scored just 2:28 apart in the opening period.  He redirected a pass from Josh Hepditch at 5:06 to put Missouri up 1-0, and then he beat Allen goaltender Aaron Dell to the short side at 7:34.  At that point, Thinel had tied the Mavericks’ single season record for goals with his 29th of the season.

Miller tied Thinel and the Mavericks’ single season record with his 29th goal on the power play late in the second period. The goal came with just 13 seconds remaining and while the Mavs had a two-man advantage.  Miller scored the record-breaking goal at 8:53 of the third period on an assist from Brandon Smith.  He becomes the first Maverick to have a 30-goal season, and he accomplished the feat in just 52 games played.

Allen outshot the Mavericks in all three periods and 36-22 overall, but Corbeil stopped all 36 shots for Missouri, and Dell was replaced by Steve Silverthorn following the Mavericks’ fourth goal.

The Mavericks close out the regular season in Wichita on Sunday.  If Missouri wins or loses in overtime or a shootout, they will earn the fourth seed and play on Fri., March 29 and Sat., March 30 at home.  If Missouri loses in regulation, they will start the series in Rapid City.  Playoff tickets are on sale now at all Ticketmaster outlets and the Silverstein Eye Centers Box Office.  Only playoff games A, B and C of the first round are on sale.