Photos: Mavericks grind playoff battle in Game 1 win over Allen

Photo by Eli Ralls

The intensity of Kelly Cup Playoff hockey was on full display Saturday night as the Kansas City Mavericks and Allen Americans opened their Mountain Division Finals series with a hard-hitting, emotional battle at Cable Dahmer Arena. Big checks, scrums after the whistle, and nonstop physical play fueled an intense atmosphere from puck drop to the final horn.

Kansas City struck first with a goal from Bobo Carpenter before Allen answered early in the third to tie the game. With the pressure building late, Jackson Jutting delivered the game-winner with under two minutes remaining to lift the Mavericks to a 2-1 playoff victory and a 1-0 series lead. The playoff intensity boiled over in the closing seconds as multiple misconduct penalties were handed out following a heated finish between the two rivals.

The Mavericks look to extend their lead in the series Sunday with a 4:05 puck drop.

Our photographer Eli Ralls was there to catch Saturday’s action.