Photo – Josh Morgan – Rapid City Journal

Rapid City, SD – The Allen Americans can advance to the Western Conference Finals with a win today over the Rapid City Rush. Allen took a 3-1 series lead last night with a 7-4 victory. The Americans have won three straight in the series, and have now won three straight postseason road games going back to last series in Tulsa.

Greger Hanson had big night last night for the Americans, scoring two goals and adding two assists. Hanson now has 13 points, and is only two behind Spencer Asuchak for the team and ECHL scoring lead. Asuchak scored his 7th of the playoffs last night, and assisted on Greger Hanson’s first goal.

The Americans have outshot their opponents in eight of nine playoff games this year (351-221). The only negative stat for the team is their road power play, which is now 0 for 13 in four road playoff games. The positive side of the power play is the home power play which leads the ECHL at 32.0 %.

“We really want to close out the series today,” said Americans Captain Jamie Schaafsma. “We need to get off to a good start this afternoon and finish the job. Our guys are playing hard and doing all the little things it takes to get the win.”

Riley Gill has started the last three games in the series for Allen, allowing just six goals total in three starts. Joel Rumpel is expected to get the call today for the Americans. Rumpel has not played since Game 1 of the series.

Trevor Ludwig had his best game of the series last night, assisting on the game winning goal and playing a solid defensive game in his own end. Trevor finished the night a +3 for Allen.

Game time this afternoon in Rapid City is 5:05 pm local time, 6:05 pm Texas time. You can watch the game at Game On Sports Bar and Grill in Allen or purchase the game on ECHL TV http://echl.neulion.com/echl/home Listen to the broadcast with Tommy Daniels on Hot 107.3 FM beginning at 5:35 pm with the pregame show. www.hot1073fm.com #RockYourRed