Mavericks Extend Series with Dramatic Overtime Win, 3-2

The Missouri Mavericks extended their CHL Semifinals series against the Allen Americans with a 3-2 overtime win at Independence Events Center.  Allen now leads the best-of-seven series 3-2.  Mavericks’ forward Andrew Courtney scored the game-tying goal in the final minute of regulation and he notched the game-winning goal in the first minute of overtime.  Goaltender Mike Clemente made 27 saves on 29 shots for his third win of the playoffs.  The series moves back to Allen for Games Six and Seven (if necessary) on Mon., April 22 and Tues., April 23.

For the fourth straight game, the Americans scored the opening goal when Trevor Hendrikx had his second goal of the postseason.  He had just left the penalty box and his shot from the top of the slot beat Clemente.  Missouri kept the pressure on throughout the period and outshot the Americans 14-10 in the opening 20 minutes.

After killing two Allen power plays early in the second period, the Mavericks converted on their second power play of the game and tied the game at one.  Colt King took a pass from John-Scott Dickson and King snapped it through the legs of Allen netminder Aaron Dell.  Less than two minutes later, the Americans regained the lead on Brian McMillin’s sixth goal of the playoffs, and  Allen held on to the 2-1 lead heading into the final period.

The Mavericks pressured the Americans throughout the final period and it took until the final minute of regulation for Missouri to tie the game and extend their season.  Courtney jammed the puck past goaltender Dell and tied the game with 30.9 seconds to go.  Kyle Hood and Ryan Jardine assisted on the play and the game was sent to overtime.

It only took the Mavericks 34 seconds into overtime to send the series back to Allen.  Jardine used his speed to split the Allen defense and he made Dell commit before he passed the puck through the crease to Courtney who sent the puck into the net.  Dave Pszenyczny also assisted on the overtime winner and the Mavericks improved to 2-1 in overtime games this postseason.

Missouri will try again to stave off elimination on Monday night in Allen.  The Mavericks are now 5-3 all-time when facing elimination.