Tulsa Beats Allen 2-0, Game Recap, Rematch Today, Goalie Shortage, Undefeated ECHL Teams, Jersey Auction & More

Tulsa picked up its second straight win over Allen last night shutting out the Americans 2-0 before an announced crowd of 4608 at the BOK Center. The two teams will square off for a third time this afternoon (4:05 pm) at the Allen Event Center (AEC).

- The difference in the game last night was a goal by Tulsa's Adam Pleskach early in the third period. Pleskach was in the corner close to the goal line, shot the puck toward the net and it somehow evaded Allen goalie Stephon Williams. The Oilers scored their second goal on an empty net with 28 seconds remaining in the game.


- Allen played much better last night than they did in the 4-3 loss to Tulsa on Friday night. The Americans out shot the Oilers in every period including 15-9 in the second and 12-6 in the third. For the game Allen out shot Tulsa 45-29. Both goalies played great as Tulsa's goalie, rookie Devin Williams, was selected as the #1 star of the game and Allen's goalie, Stephon Williams, was selected the #3 star of the game.


- You can check out all of the video highlights at ECHL Rewind. Not much here if you are an Allen fan other than a couple of missed opportunities. The Pleskach goal is hard to watch, he has been a thorn in the side of the Americans for years. Here is the link: https://www.echl.com/


- Here is the game recap by the Allen Americans: https://allenamericans.com/americans-fall-oilers-2-0-second-three-game-weekend-series/


- Here is a game recap from the Tulsa World complete with post game comments from Oiler goalie Devin Williams and coach Rob Murray. The Murray quote that captures the night is, "The goal by Pleskach is a good example of when you throw the puck at the net, you never know (what will happen). You cannot find a better example than his goal." http://www.tulsaworld.com/sportsextra/rookie-goalie-devin-williams-steps-up-in-goal-as-oilers/article_12f32331-f497-5f73-a6e6-3d4189b8a1fa.html


- Both teams were 0-3 on the power play last night. Allen was 1-9 (11.1%) in the two games in Tulsa and for the season is now 4-32 (12.5%) which ranks them #20 in the ECHL. The Allen penalty kill unit continues to perform well. They held Tulsa scoreless in three attempts last night and for the season have allowed only two power play goals. The penalty kill is 2-30 for a penalty kill percentage of 93.3% which ranks #4 in the ECHL. Even more impressive is they have killed numerous 5-on-3 penalties. 


- Allen has scored the first goal of the game only twice in their first six games and won them both. A good start to the game this afternoon is essential in snapping what is now a three game losing streak.


- There have been a lot of questions about the goalie situation in Allen with Riley Gill injured and Stephon Williams heading to San Jose later today (Sunday). This is what I heard from coach Martinson in his pregame interview with Tommy Daniels last night. Rookie Jeremy Brodeur, who was just signed by the Americans, will get his first professional start this afternoon. It happens to be Jermey's and his twin brother William's 21st birthday today. Stephon Williams will be dressed for part of the game but will have to leave at some point before the game is completed. The Americans will then have an EBUG (emergency back up goalie) available. Stephon Williams is heading to San Jose as a precaution because one of their goalies will miss some time as his wife is about to give birth.

The word on Gill is he is feeling better and it is possible, emphasis on possible, he could be available as soon as next weekend. If Gill is available or Williams is back from San Jose this weekend the crisis is averted. That still leaves Wednesday night when Allen plays Utah at home. That game could be Jeremy Brodeur in goal with and EBUG on the bench. This is all speculation at this point but will try to get more detail after the game today.


- The officiating crew will be just as tired as the players this afternoon. It is the same crew that officiated the game last night in Tulsa. Officials scheduled for the game are referee Sean MacFarlane (#4) and linesmen Micheal Houle (#49) and Addison Brush (#80).


OTHER COMMENTS

- After scoring 19 goals in their first three games the Americans have managed just six goals in their last three games. In their first three games Allen generated 19 goals on 100 shots for a shooting percentage of 19%. In the last three games they scored only six goals but took 119 shots for a shooting percentage of 5%. 


- Allen's record this season after six games (3-2-1) is very similar to last season after six games (3-3). In both seasons the Americans won their first two games and then lost three of the next four.


- The ranks of the undefeated ECHL teams is now down to three led by the Wichita Thunder who defeated Kansas City last night 4-1 to improve their record to 6-0-0-0. The other undefeated teams are South Carolina (4-0-0-0) and Reading (3-0-0-0).


- The San Jose Barracuda lost to the Texas Stars 3-2 in a shootout last night. Both Bryan Moore and Olivier Archambault were in the lineup. Archambault had an assist in the game. He is playing on one of the top lines and getting plenty of ice time. He has an assist in the last two games. Moore has played in four games since being recalled by the Barracuda has no points, two shots and six penalty minutes. The next game for the Barracuda is on Wednesday against the Ontario Reign.


- Greger Hanson has been recalled by San Diego (AHL) from their ECHL affiliate (Utah) and played in the Gulls 5-3 win over San Antonio last night. Hanson had no points, no shots but did pick up a penalty in the game. The Gulls next game is on Friday at home.


- Don't forget the online auction for the Halloween specialty jerseys the Americans will wear today ends at 5:45 pm CDT. If you always get priced out of buying jerseys at the live auctions this is your  chance to pick one up at the minimum bid of $249. As of this morning according to the BidPal site there are still eight jerseys including Archambault, Asuchak, Chouinard, Gunn, MacArthur and Moore with no bid. As more fans become aware of and sign up at BidPal you may never see jerseys going for the minimum bid in the future. Check out the details on how to sign up and bid here: https://one.bidpal.net/goamericans/welcome 


- Congratulations to Kandy Steinfurth who is the winner of two premium level loge seats for today's game against Tulsa.  Thanks to all who entered the drawing and stay tuned for more free tickets in tomorrow's blog. 


DID YOU KNOW: Allen was shutout last night 2-0 while out shooting Tulsa 45-29. Did you know the last time Allen was shutout 2-0 it was also against Tulsa at the BOK Center in a similar game to last night. On January 26, 2016 Allen out shot Tulsa 43-25 and lost the game 2-0. The #1 star of the game was Tulsa goalie Kevin Carr and the #3 star of the game was Allen goalie Joel Rumpel. Ironiclly, Allen could see both of these goalies this week. Carr plays for Utah and could be in goal on Wednesday when the Grizzlies visit Allen. Rumpel is now with Wichita and will probably be in goal in the home and home series with Wichita on Friday & Saturday.