Mavericks win 6-2 over Allen Americans

by Bill Althaus


ALLEN, Texas - Kansas City Mavericks coach Tad O'Had believes his team is playing its best hockey of the season, and a "complete" game 6-2 victory over the Allen Americans Wednesday night proves his point.

The 25-11-4-1 Mavericks extended their point streak to eight with a commanding 6-2 win over the Americans as Kansas City scored three first-period goals and never looked back.

"The guys played a complete game, and really took care of business," O'Had said, as five different players scored for Kansas City and Jack LaFontaine stopped 20 of 22 shots on goal.

"A midweek game on the road can be tough. We've been traveling quite a bit, and for the guys to come out and play like they did tonight is special.

"We had three power-play goals, our PK (penalty kill) was outstanding, as was our 5-on-5 play. And LaFontaine got it done in the net. It's a great way to start the week as we get ready for a big weekend against the Americans.

The Mavericks host the Americans at Cable Dahmer Arena at 7:05 p.m. Friday and 6:05 p.m. Saturday.

The Mavericks Chase Spencer opened the scoring at 7:18 of the first period, assisted by Nolan Sullivan and David Cotton. 

The Mavericks continued to apply pressure, adding another goal at 15:07 when Cade Borchardt buried a feed from Max Andreev and Justin MacPherson. 

Before the period ended, Damien Giroux extended the lead to 3-0 at 18:59, capitalizing on an assist from Luke Loheit and Spencer.

Allen responded early in the second period as Brayden Watts put the Americans on the board at 1:38, abut Kansas City answered back at 14:53, with Giroux netting his second goal of the night, set up by Cotton and MacPherson. 

The Mavericks continued their offensive push, as Casey Carreau added another at 18:59, assisted by Andreev and Marcus Crawford, giving Kansas City a 5-1 lead heading into the final frame.

In the third period, the Mavericks struck again at 6:56 when MacPherson found the back of the net, assisted by Charlie Wright and Cotton. Allen's Harrison Blaisdell scored late in the game at 19:25, but it was too little, too late.

Giroux, Carreau and MacPherson all had power play goals. 

​Kansas City out shot Allen 33-22. Borchardt moved into fifth place in Mavericks franchise history with 55 career goals.

"When everyone contributes like they did tonight it makes the victory even more special," O'Had added. "We're looking forward to getting back home and playing in front of the best fans in the ECHL."