A stellar performance between the pipes by Erik Powell helped the Great Falls Americans defeat the Gillette Wild, 5-1.
Great Falls\’ penalty kill excelled, as the Americans gave up zero goals despite allowing six power plays.
Great Falls was sparked by Brady Christiaens, who finished with one goal. Christiaens scored 9:11 into the second period to make the score 2-1 Great Falls. Aaron McInnis assisted on the tally.
The Americans\’ penalty box was a popular destination as the team totaled eight minors and one major for 31 minutes in penalty time. The total exceeded the 20.0 minutes per game Great Falls had been spending in the box. The Americans stifled Gillette\’s power play, and did not give up a single goal while down a man.
Great Falls also got points from Lucas Lomax, who also tallied one goal and two assists to lead the team in points, Donovan Mattfeldt, who also registered one goal and one assist, and Erik Gatson, who also had one goal and one assist. Great Falls also got a goal from Steven Goran as well. Other players who recorded assists for Great Falls were Dylan Garton, Max Kaercher, Reed Link, Lucas Stover, and Connor Barta, who contributed one each.
The Wild racked up the penalties in the contest, and ended with eight minors and one major for 31 minutes in penalty time. Gillette surpassed its season average of 21.0 penalty minutes per game. The Wild did not reach the goal total they have come to expect this season. Gillette averages 3.3 goals per game.
The Wild were led by Alex King, who scored the team\’s only goal. King scored 13:42 into the first period to make the score 1-0 Gillette. Trent Dillinger provided the assist.
Powell rejected 29 shots on goal for Great Falls. The Americans registered two goals on four power play opportunities. Gillette\’s starting goalie, Sean Kelley, made 20 saves and finished with the loss before he was taken out in favor of Michael Kitts, who stopped one shot.