Bryan Pitton made 30 saves and Spencer Asuchak’s power play goal early in the third period proved decisive as the host Allen Americans defeated the Quad City Mallards 3-2 Wednesday night in the seventh and deciding game of the best-of-seven Central Hockey League semi-finals to end the Mallards’ season and secure a berth in the CHL President’s Cup finals.

 

Asuchak stretched what had been a one goal Allen advantage to 3-1 with a low drive from the right wing circle at 3:32 of the third.  The Mallards pulled back with in one just 48 seconds later when Matt Boyd tipped in Nick Grasso’s one timer, but could not produce a third period equalizer- even after pulling goaltender Thomas Heemskerk (37 saves) in the final minute.

 

The Americans entered the final frame on top after Jonathan Lessard snapped a 1-1 tie on a breakaway at 8:27 of the second period.  Pitton was at his busiest in turning away all 16 second period shots he faced.

 

Allen first grabbed the lead while on the power play when Jonathan Zion tipped in the opening goal at 10:30 of the first period.  Jim McKenzie tied the score at one by rifling the puck in under the crossbar from the right wing circle at 14:20 of the first, but the next time the Americans grabbed the lead they would not relinquish it.

 

Tonight’s loss brought the end of a memorable season that saw the Mallards win a playoff series and advance to the semi-finals for the first time in 11 years.  Season tickets for the Mallards’ 2014-15 campaign are now on sale.  Ticket packages are available to meet almost any budget.  A limited edition season ticket holder Mallard jersey, 12 additional ticket vouchers per seat and free parking are among a host of exclusive benefits available to season ticket holders.  For more season ticket information fans can call the Mallards’ business office at 309-277-1364.