FRISCO, TX - The Idaho Steelheads fell to the Allen Americans 4-1 on Friday night at Comerica Center. The Steelheads will face the Rapid City Rush on Wednesday, November 4^th at Idaho Central Arena at 7:10 pm MT to kick off a three-game set at home.

After a back-and-forth opening period, the Americans broke the scoreless tie late in the first with a power play goal in the 16th minute. Noel Nordh found the back of the net with a shot from a sharp angle in the right circle, slipping the puck past Steelheads goalie Anson Thornton for a 1-0 Allen lead that the Americans carried into the second period.

Despite the Steelheads opening the second period with 39 seconds of power play time, Allen struck first in the frame at the 51-second mark of the period with a two-on-one goal from Riley Kidney to expand the lead. 

Later in the period, Idaho found themselves with another opportunity, earning a four-minute double minor power play. Despite finding several good looks, the Steelheads were unable to get one past Allen goaltender Jesper Vikman.

With seven minutes remaining in the period, Allen went on the power play following a roughing penalty by John Driscoll. However, Idaho quickly turned defense into offense. Just as Driscoll exited the penalty box, he fed Jordan Steinmetz down the middle of the ice, setting him up for his first goal of the season as Steinmetz cut Allen's lead to 2-1. 

That late tally would have a response, though, as the Americans grabbed a late goal from Miko Matikka with just 42 seconds left in the frame, extending their lead and sending both teams into the second intermission with Allen ahead 3-1.

In the third, the Americans extended their lead with the fourth goal of the night as Sam Lipkin wrapped around the net and tucked the puck past Thornton before he could get across the crease, giving Allen a 4-1 halfway through the third.

With Luke Mylymok and Jeff Baum absent from the Idaho bench to start the period, the Steelheads faced an added challenge with a shortened lineup and began to feel the effects of the increased ice time. Despite their efforts, Idaho was unable to close the gap. Mathieu De St. Phalle had one final opportunity with a penalty shot, but Thornton shut down the attempt with four seconds left as the Allen Americans closed out the series with a 4-1 victory over the Steelheads.

Thornton stopped 31 of 35 shots in the loss, while Vikman turned aside 27 of 28 shots in the win.

BOX SCORE

ICCU Three Stars

1. Riley Kidney, ALN (1-0-1, +1, 3 shots)
2. 2. Jesper Vikman, ALN (27 saves, win)
3. Sam Lipkin, ALN (1-1-2, 0, 3 shots)

The Idaho Steelheads begin a week at home on Wednesday, November 4^th against the Rapid City Rush, with puck drop set for 7:10 p.m. MT. Call the Steelheads Front Office at 208-383-0080 for Steelheads ticket packages for this season. Stay up to date with all things Steelheads on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.