ALLEN, Texas – The Idaho Steelheads (27-14-3) made a late comeback bid that fell short in a 4-2 loss to the Allen Americans (15-28-5) on Wednesday night from Allen Event Center.
The Steelheads jumped out to an early lead just 45 seconds into the game when defenseman Jeff King floated a shot from the blue line that slipped through traffic, taking a 1-0 lead. The Americans answered a few minutes later at 5:50 with a goal from forward Adam Miller to tie the game, 1-1. The Steelheads held possession and momentum through much of the first period, which carried into the second frame. However, the Americans scored the lone goal of the second period at 1:22 thanks to forward Alex Ranger to grab the lead at 2-1.
In the third period, the Americans spread their lead to 3-1 on a power play goal from forward Spencer Asuchak at 13:02. The Steelheads staked their claim for a comeback bid from there, and at 16:25, a cross-ice pass to forward A.J. White in the left circle opened up the chance to come within one, 3-2, on the power play. Asuchak sealed the game for the Americans with an empty net goal at 18:30 to take the 4-2 win.
Americans goaltender C.J. Motte (13-12-5) saved 26 of 28 shots in the win, while Steelheads netminder Tomas Sholl (15-7-0) halted 19 of 22 shots in the loss.
The Steelheads and Americans pick up their three-game weekend on Friday, Feb. 1 at 6:05 p.m. from Allen Event Center. Coverage begins at 5:45 p.m. on 1350AM KTIK and ECHL TV.
The Steelheads return to CenturyLink Arena on Wednesday, Feb. 13 at 7:10 p.m. to open a three-game weekend against the Rapid City Rush. Single-game tickets and season ticket packages are on sale, with full-season packages starting as low as $300 per seat. Contact the Idaho Steelheads at 208-383-0080 for more information or log on to idahosteelheads.com.
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