Americans Take First Game of Finals

After a Game 7 win in the South Finals and a long trip from Texas to South Dakota, the Allen Americans showed no fatigue as they scored four times in the second period and goaltender Chris Whitley made a 2010 playoff single-game high 48 saves en route to a 4-1 victory in Game 1 of the Ray Miron Presidents’ Cup Finals at the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center Arena.

The Americans rookie goaltender got tested early as the Rush outshot the Americans 13-7 in the opening period but Whitley was equal to the task stopping everything Rapid City could throw his way.

In the second period, Nathan O’Nabigon scored his first goal of the post-season at the 3:49 mark of the frame giving the Americans the lead in the game, something that has yielded much success as they are now 7-2 when striking first.

They weren’t done there as Nino Musitelli scored his 10th goal of the playoffs and first of two in the game.  It would eventually be the game winner which gives Musitelli GWG’s in back-to-back games.  Tobias Whelan made the score 3-0 at the 16:07 mark before Musitelli’s second goal of the game and period put things away for Allen.

The Rush broke up the shutout with just over three minutes remaining when David Grimson found the back of the net.

Whitley finished with 48 saves including 18 in the second period and 17 in the third.

Allen finished the game 1 for 5 on the power play and Rapid City was 0 for 6.

Game 2 is slated for Saturday night in South Dakota.