Not For the Purists, Allen Loses 7-6 in a Shootout, Game Recaps, Video Highlights, Coach's Comments, The Week Ahead, Playoff Race, Players Used by ECHL Teams

 

It was not a game for the hockey purists, but Allen's 7-6 shootout loss to Utah last night had a little bit of everything and was entertaining and exciting to the end. There were lots of ups and downs for both teams. If you want the goal by goal nuts and bolts checkout these game recaps from both teams:
 

• Allen Americans game recap: https://allenamericans.com/news/2025/03/americans-earn-a-point-in-7-6-shootout-loss-to-utah 
• Utah Grizzlies game recap: https://utahgrizzlies.com/news/2025/03/grizz-win-7-6-shootout-thriller-on-retro-night 

 

- Here is my take on one of the strangest games of the season:

• Allen scored first at 4:06 of the opening period on Mark Duarte's 21st goal of the season. It was a good sign since the team that scored first had won the last nine Allen games. 
• Allen took a 2-0 lead at the 7:38 mark of the first period on Ayden MacDonald's seventh goal of the season, first since joining Allen three games ago.
• Just when you thought this game could be a repeat of Friday night when Allen scored two early goals and never looked back, Utah fought back. 
• Seven seconds after Allen took the 2-0 lead, former Allen defenseman, Josh Thrower fought Allen's Reid Perepeluk in an effort to change momentum.
• It seemed to work as the Grizzlies scored three unanswered goals in just three and a half minutes to take a 3-2 lead. It could have been four unanswered goals, because Utah also had a goal that was ruled good initially but was overturned for goalie interference.
• Trailing 3-2 after the first period was a reminder moment, The Americans record when trailing after the first period is not good, 2-27-2-1 (.113).
• The second period was worst than the first period. The teams combined five more goals scored on a just 18 shots on goal. Allen tied the score 3-3 on Jared Westcott's sixth goal of the season (3rd in Allen). Utah again scored three unanswered goals to take a 6-3 lead. This time it took the Grizzlies longer to score the three straight goals (4:58). Allen scratched back one goal on the power play with one minute remaining in the period. Brad Morrison's scored his fifth goal of the season (2nd since joining Allen seven games ago). 
• Disallowed goal number two came in the second period. It appeared Allen had scored, but the referee ruled Hudson Wilson and Matt Araujo were going to be fighting and were engaged so he blew his whistle. If you look at the replay it sure looks like the goal was scored before the referee blew his whistle. 
  
• The second period ended with Allen trailing 6-4 and the alarm bells went off again. Allen's record when trailing after the second period is 2-35-2-2 (.098) and Utah's record when leading after the second period is 15-1-1-1 (.889).
• Statistics be damned as the Americans dominated the third period outshooting Utah 18-9 and outscoring the Grizzlies 2-0 to tie the scored 6-6 and send it to overtime. Goals by Michael Gildon, his sixth of the season, but first in Allen and Quinn Warmuth's (6) power play goal led the way.
• A third goal was disallowed which was costly to Allen. The referee ruled he blew his whistle before the Allen goal was scored because the goalie covered the puck. Replay shows clearly that never happened, but the inadvertent whistle cancelled the goal.
  
• Overtime was a wild affair. Both teams had numerous chance to win the game. There was a total of 15 shots in the overtime period. Allen had eight shots and Utah had seven, which was more shots than the Grizzlies had in the entire second period (6). 
• The shootout went four rounds before Utah ended Allen's hopes for a series win.
• Allen had 50 shots in the game, the highest total of the season and outshot Utah 50-45. However, outshooting an opponent is not the key to victory for the Americans. Allen has outshot its opponents just 13 times all season and has a record of 2-9-0-2 (.231).
• Not sure if it was great power plays or poor penalty kill by both teams. Allen was 2-5 on the power play (40.0%) and Utah was 2-6 (33.3%). That converts to a penalty kill percentage of  66.7% for Allen and 60.0% for Utah.
• Allen's save percentage was .864, Utah's was .880.
• Allen's shootout record this season now stands at 0-3. The Americans are 1-10 in shootout attempts.

 

- To recap the above, the game was definitely entertaining with both teams coming back multiple times. There were 95 shots on goal, 13 goals scored, two fights, 15 overtime shots and a four round shootout. The game would grade out very high on the entertainment scale but very low on the quality hockey scale. At this point of the season, with the two worst teams in the ECHL playing, the entertainment scale is much more important than the quality hockey scale.

 

- Here are the video highlights, all 10 minutes worth.  Unfortunately the highlights do not include the two Allen goals that were disallowed: https://echl.com/videos/allen-americans-vs-utah-grizzlies-mar-29-2025  

 

- Here are coach Ferguson's post game comments to me late last night. Considering the team had a very early wake up call this morning (I heard 2:30 or 3:00 am) to catch their flight home, taking the time to answer all of my questions is much appreciated. With the game going to a shootout and not ending until 11:20 pm Allen time and the storms passing through Collin County after midnight, my 4:00 am wake up call came way too early this morning. Here are coach Ferguson's comments:

"I loved the way our group competed tonight."

"We had a good start with Mark Duarte staying hot, scoring his 21st goal of the year to get us going." 

"After we took the 2-0 lead we had a four minute lull where we let the emotions get the best of us and took a couple of undisciplined penalties and they took the lead."

"We were never out of the fight and knew we were the better team 5-on-5. We clawed our way back from the 6-3 deficit. All of the shots shows our tenacity."

"We were down to nine forwards by the end of the game and were running on fumes. It was a great comeback in the third period. Both teams good chances in overtime. Utah won the skills competition to collect the two points."

"Duarte and Gorman didn't finish game. Westcott missed the last seven minutes of regulation and some of the overtime as well. We will know more about them on Monday."

"I will be bringing in a college goalie, who just finished his collegiate career, to help us for the rest of the season."

"We are excited to get back on home ice, in front of our fans, after two long weeks away."

 

- Next week will be another busy week for the Americans. The good news is six of their last seven games are at home. Here is the schedule for next week:

• Tuesday - Tulsa at home (10:30 am start)
• Friday - Idaho at home (7:10 pm start)
• Saturday - Idaho at home (7:10 pm start) 
• Sunday - Wichita on the road (2:05 pm start)

The team will drive all night after the game on Saturday for the afternoon game in Wichita on Sunday. It sounds bad, but it is even worse. Wichita plays in Tulsa on Friday, but is off on Saturday.

 

- After last night's results the Mountain Division playoff race is more clear with team's having six or seven games remaining. Yes, if one team wins out and another loses all of its games, things could change. Realistically, this is where it ends up. Kansas City and Tahoe will be the top two seeds which comes with home ice advantage in the first round of the playoffs. Rapid City, Utah and Allen miss the playoffs. That leaves the three teams in the middle to battle for two playoff berths. Here are the current points for the three teams with their remaining schedule, including home (H) and away (A) games:

• 79 points: Wichita -  Iowa (A), Tulsa (A), Allen (H), Tahoe 3 times (A)
• 78 points: Tulsa - Rapid City (H), Allen (A), Wichita (H), Idaho (H), Allen 3 times (A)
• 75 points: Idaho - Tahoe (A), Allen 2 times (A), Tulsa (A), Kansas City 3 times (H)

Who has the best schedule? Tulsa would get the nod as the Oilers have four of seven games against Allen. Yes, they are on the road, but Allen has won six games at home all season. Wichita has the toughest schedule. The Thunder only have six games left and five of the six are on the road. If it all comes down to the final series of the season, which it likely will, here is how each team finishes. Wichita is at Tahoe for three games, Tulsa is at Allen for three games and Idaho is at home against Kansas City for three games.

 

-  The Mountain Division could end up with a team missing the playoffs despite having 80+ points. Quite a contrast in the Mountain Division last season when Tulsa made the playoffs with 69 points and a .479 point percentage and Allen made the playoffs with 70 points and a .486 point percentage. In the South Division, South Carolina missed the playoffs with 85 points and a .590 point percentage. 

 

- There are only six games on the ECHL schedule today with all afternoon starts. Five Mountain Division teams will be in action:

• Idaho at Tahoe
• Rapid City at Tulsa
• Wichita at Iowa

Here is the ECHL Today with all of the previews and an explanation how Wheeling, Iowa and Tahoe can clinch playoff berths today: https://echl.com/news/2025/03/echl-today-march-30

 

DID YOU KNOW: The ECHL Stats post today is about the number of players each team has used this season. Allen is in the middle of the pack with 47 players used. Of the teams that have used 50 or more players, none are ranked higher than fourth in their division standings and most will not make the playoffs.

 

Players used by ECHL teams this season ranges from 61 to 35. Notice all of the division leaders are at the bottom of this list and have used fewer than 40 players:

 

61: BLM

56: REA

53: ADK

52: IND

51: UTA

50: MNE, ORL

47: ALN, WHL

46: FW, GVL, WOR

44: IDH, NOR

43: IA

42: CIN, KAL, TAH

41: SAV

39: *KC*, RC

38: FLA, *SC*, *TOL*, TUL

36: ATL, WIC

35: JAX, *TR*

 

*Division Leaders

 

Losing Streak Snapped in Role Reversal, Game Recap, Coach's Comments, Rubber Game Preview, Playoff Teams, Empty Net Goals and More

 

The Allen Americans snapped their eight game losing streak with a 5-2 win over Utah last night. The Americans flipped the script on what has happened to them so many times this season. Here are some examples:

• Allen scored the first goal of the game on the first shot of the game 15 seconds after puck drop.
• Allen took a 2-0 lead before the first period was halfway over and never looked back. 
• Allen led 3-0 after the first period and the game was over. 
• Utah's record when trailing after the first period is 3-25-4-0.
  
• Utah never got closer than two goals once Allen had a 2-0 lead. 
• Allen led 4-1 after the second period.
• Allen's record when leading after the second period is 12-1-3-1.
  
• Utah's record when trailing after the second period is 1-30-2-0.
• Allen's three goal margin of victory is the widest all season (tied).

 

- The entire night was setup by Brad Morrison's first goal since joining the Americans six games ago. He fought off three defenders to get Allen on the scoreboard 15 seconds into the game. Allen had given up the first goal in every game of its eight game losing streak. Scoring first last night was huge.   

- Scoring three first period goals is unheard of for the Americans. It did happen one other time this season. In Allen's first win of the season on November 2nd the Americans scored three first period goals on the way to a 6-4 win over Utah. That was only time Allen scored six goals in a game this season, and it happened on the road. 

 

- Goal scorers for Allen were Brad Morrison (4), Miko Matikka (5), Mark Duarte (20), Reid Perepeluk (1) and Liam Gorman (6). J.C. Brassard had two assist. Here are the game recaps from both teams:

• Allen Americans game recap: https://allenamericans.com/news/2025/03/game-recap-americans-end-losing-streak-with-a-big-win-in-utah 
• Utah Grizzlies game recap: https://utahgrizzlies.com/news/2025/03/lamaster-scores-first-pro-goal-in-5-2-loss 

- Luke Richardson was outstanding in goal saving 32 of 34 shots for a .941 save percentage. Richardson will have to carry the load for Allen the rest of the season. Anson Thornton was injured on Wednesday (lower body) and has been placed on 14-day injured reserve. No one is saying officially Thornton is out for the season. He will be eligible to come off IR for the last two games of the season on April 11 and 12, however, there is no doubt he is gone for the season. My guess is coach Ferguson will sign a goalie that is just finishing his college/junior career to backup Richardson for the final seven games of the season. 

 

- Here is what coach Ferguson had to say after the win last night:

"It was nice to jump out to a lead for once, especially so early in the game. We ran a little faceoff play to start the game. Morrison saw some open ice and entered the zone and made a great play on that goal."

"We emphasized pucks to the net of the rush tonight and three of our goals came off the rush. The other 5-on-5 goal was the result of a great forecheck, which has been a strength of ours in this series. Perepeluk was in a good spot, used the defenseman as a screen and put it home."

"We did a great job at the end of the game killing a couple of penalties and Richardson stood tall all night."

"They had some push back in the second period as expected, but we stood our ground. It was a great effort by our group."  

- Allen will have a chance to win a series tonight for just the second time in four months. The only series win for the Americans since last November was the sweep against Rapid City at the end of January. A win tonight will also give Allen a season series win against Utah. Allen is 4-3-1-0 against the Grizzlies.

 

- More of the same from last night is the recipe for success tonight. A good start, play with the lead, commitment to defense, good goaltending and staying out of the penalty box will lead to another win. Easier said than done. 

- The referee will be the same tonight as the first two games. After calling 19 penalties in game one he called only four last night. Would expect there will be more than four penalties tonight, but he will still let the players decide the game.

 

OTHER COMMENTS

- Allen doesn't have much to play for the rest of the season other than pride and jobs for next season in Allen or elsewhere. The Americans could still avoid having the worst record in the league but it would take a big turnaround. The bottom three teams are Allen (40 points), Utah (50 points) and Adirondack (51 points. If Allen wins its last eight games it would have 56 points. Any combination of Allen losses or wins by Utah and Adirondack that totals six points assures the Americans last place. However, there are a few other stats Allen can escape last place if they win a few games down the stretch. It would be small victories, but something to shoot for. Here are some examples:

• Allen is #29 in goals scored (152), just behind Indy (153).
• Allen is #28 in goals allowed (264), just ahead of Utah (268).
• Allen is #29 average goals scored (2.38), just behind Indy (2.39).
• Allen is #29 in average goals allowed (4.13), just behind Utah (4.13)
• Allen is #29 in average shots allowed (37.88), just behind Wichita (35.95).  

 

- In the race for the playoffs in the Mountain Division, Tahoe beat Idaho last night and has opened up a six point lead for second place. Tahoe is on an 8-0-1-0 streak and looking like it will be the #2 seed behind Kansas City. It looks more and more like the race will come down to Wichita (79 points), Tulsa (76 points) and Idaho (73 points) battling for two playoff berths. Rapid City is lurking in sixth place with 67 points. Tulsa has lost five straight and is at home against Rapid City tonight and Sunday afternoon. As usual in the division the final playoff team will not be decided until the last two games of the season.

 

- Hank Crone played his first game for Norfolk last night since being traded by Idaho. All he did was lead Norfolk with three points (1G, 2A). It looks like Norfolk will be the #2 or #3 seed in the North Division. Crone's former team, Idaho, is in a fight to make the playoffs.

 

- Kansas City clinched a playoff spot last night with its 3-0 win over Wichita. Orlando and Tahoe have a chance to punch their tickets to the playoffs tonight. Orlando clinches if Atlanta loses and Tahoe clinches if it beats Idaho in regulation time. Here are the teams that have qualified for the playoffs. Seven of the 16 teams have been decided. Here is the list in point percentage order by division:

South Division

• .750 - South Carolina 
• .727 - Florida
• .652 - Jacksonville

North Division

• .714 - Trois Riviéres

Central Division

• .705 - Toledo
• .633 - Fort Wayne

Mountain Division

• .700 - Kansas City

 

- Last season two teams (Allen and Tulsa) made the Kelly Cup playoffs with a losing season and Maine qualified with a record of exactly .500. This season it looks like every playoff team will have a winning record. The only division that is close is the Central. Bloomington and Indy are tied for fourth place with .500 point percentages. You would expect whichever team makes it to the playoffs will have to play better than .500 hockey down the stretch. 

 

DID YOU KNOW: Today's ECHL Stats post is about empty net goals. Allen has scored eight empty net goals and avoided the list below with Liam Gorman's empty net goal last night. The other empty net goals were scored by Mark Duarte (2), Easton Brodzinski (2), Spencer Asuchak (1), J.C. Brassard (1) and Kyle Crnkovic (1).

 

Brady Fleurent (Norfolk) and Jay Dickman (Wichita) lead the ECHL with seven empty net goals. Six entire teams have seven or fewer empty net goals. Here is the list:

 

3 - Greenville

3 - Idaho

7 - Fort Wayne

7 - Indy

7 - Maine

7 - Worcester

 

- Here are the teams that lead the ECHL in empty net goals:

17 - Norfolk

17 - South Carolina

15 - Florida

15 - Savannah

Allen vs Utah Preview, ECHL Most and Fewest Penalty Minutes and More

 

It is game two of the three game series against Utah tonight as the Americans try to find a way to snap their eight game losing streak. Allen has won just one game since February 2. The Americans accomplished the win by playing great defense in a 4-1 victory in Tahoe. In the loss to Utah on Wednesday the Americans scored five goals, just the fourth time all season they have scored that many goals, but Allen gave up six goals in defeat.

 

- The challenge tonight for Allen will be twofold. Keep the offense going and improve the defense. Prior to Wednesday, Allen had scored an average of 1.60 goals per game over the last 20 games. How did the Americans all of a sudden breakout with five goals? Allen did it on the power play. After going 0-39 in its previous 11 games the Americans were 4-7 (57.1%) on Wednesday. The four power play goals is tied for the most in a game in the ECHL this season. Yes it was accomplished against the worst penalty kill team in the league (70.1%), but Allen is not going to score four power play goals tonight. Where Allen must improve is on even strength hockey. Allen won the power play game 4-2, but Utah won the even strength game 4-1. 

 

- If you accept it is unlikely Allen will be unable to match its five goals scored on Wednesday, the key tonight is defense. In its last eight games Allen has allowed 9,4,3,3,7,1,5,6 goals. That is an average of 4.75 goals per game, but includes three games the Americans held their opponent to three or fewer goals. Allen limited Jacksonville and Utah to three goals and Idaho to one goal. The key tonight is whether Allen can limit Utah to three or fewer goals while scoring three or more themselves. 

 

- To be successful tonight Allen has to get off to a better start which won't be hard given Utah scored on the first two shots of the game on Wednesday. Allen trailed 2-0 before fans were settled in their seats. A good start means the Americans score the first goal of the game. Something they haven't done in the last eight games. By no means does scoring first mean victory for the Americans given they have by far the worst record in the league at 8-9-5-1 (.479) when scoring first, but that is a whole lot better than when Allen gives up the first goal, 6-30-3-0 (.200). 

 

- I will have the lineup later today, but would assume Brayden Watts will be back in the lineup and Miko Matikka will see if he can go after the morning skate. When there is illness around a locker room you just never know what the lineup could look like. Goalie Anson Thornton is out with an injury, so Allen will go with an EBUG tonight and tomorrow night. The team did not practice yesterday after a tough game on Wednesday and back-to-back games coming up. They had a team stretch yesterday, played some soccer and got treatments with the trainer.

 

- Allen's top four leading scorers against Utah this season may all be missing in the game tonight. Brayden Watts (9 points in six games) is likely to be in the lineup after missing the game on Wednesday. Kyle Crnkovic (8 points in 5 games) and Easton Brodzinski (six points in five games) have been traded. Spencer Asuchak (5 points in 5 games) is injured.  

 

- The referee tonight, #9 Hunter Mottinger, is the same referee that worked the game on Wednesday. He called a total of 16 penalties in the three Allen games he worked earlier in the season. He called 19 penalties on Wednesday including an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty with less than eight minutes left in the game, which led to the game winning goal. From my experience referees usually let those type of penalties go late in the game with the score tied. Hopefully, the game tonight will be closer to the five or six penalties than the 19 penalties and it will be more of letting the players decide the game. It also means players will have to avoid all of the stick penalties that plagued the game on Wednesday.  

 

OTHER COMMENTS

- Rapid City kept its long shot playoff hopes alive with a big 3-2 win in Tulsa last night. Rapid City was outshot 57-31 in the game. It was in losing cause, but the 57 shots by Tulsa was an ECHL high this season. The Oilers also had a season high of 29 shots in the second period.

The teams play again on Saturday and Sunday. Rapid City has eight games remaining. After the two games this weekend against Tulsa, the Rush travel to Kansas City for three games next week. Rapid City trails fifth place Idaho by six points and fourth place Tulsa by nine points. 

- Here are the top and bottom ECHL teams in penalty minutes:

Most penalty minutes (900 or more PIMS)

• 1231 - South Carolina
• 1078 - Iowa
• 1000 - Florida
• 993 - Adirondack
• 971 - Worcester
• 938 - Norfolk
• 924 - Jacksonville

Fewest penalty minutes (660 or fewer PIMS)

• 555 - Tahoe
• 613 - Kalamazoo
• 622 - Atlanta
• 641 - Reading
  
• 642 - Wichita
• 650 - Rapid City
• 660 - Utah 

Notice there are no Mountain Divisions teams on the most penalty minutes list and all but one team is from the Eastern Conference. However, four of  the teams on the fewest penalty minutes list are from the Mountain Division. Oh how times have changed! 

- There are 12 games on the ECHL schedule tonight with two teams (Kansas City and Fort Wayne) having a chance to qualify for the playoffs if everything falls their way. Here is the ECHL Today with all of the previews and playoff details:https://echl.com/news/2025/03/echl-today-march-28 

DID YOU KNOW: With 6-10 games (depending on team) remaining in the ECHL regular season here is the question. Is this season a throwback to the Colorado and Allen Mountain Division, Kelly Cup, rivalry days? Allen and Colorado won four straight Kelly Cups (2015-2018) and were very skilled and very physical teams.

 

In 2024-25 South Carolina is the #1 ECHL team in points (97) and the #1 team in penalty minutes (1231). It’s South Division rival, Florida, is #2 in the ECHL points (96) and #3 in penalty minutes (1000).

These are two standout teams as the playoffs approach, but only one can make it to the Kelly Cup finals.

 

FYI, the only one other ECHL team that has 90 points is Toledo (91) and the only one other team has 1000 penalty minutes is Iowa (1078).

A Different Way to Lose, Game Recap, Coach's Comments, ECHL Rookie Numbers Rising, Critical Playoff Dates and More

 

The results were the same, but Allen got to its eighth straight loss and 20th loss in the last 21 games in a much different fashion last night. The Americans lost 6-5 to Utah in a game with six power-play goals, 13 opportunities, and 19 penalties.

 

- It was a typical start for the Americans as they gave up two goals in the first 105 seconds of the game. Utah took a 2-0 lead, scoring on the first two shots of the game. Every time a team has taken an early multiple-goal lead in the last 20 games, it was game over. Not last night as the Americans battled back with two goals of their own to tie the score 2-2 by the end of the period. Jared Westcott scored a power-play goal, his fifth goal of the season (2nd in Allen), and Jay Powell also scored his second goal since joining Allen.

 

-  Allen took the lead 3-2 early in the second period (4:37) on a Quinn Warmuth power-play goal, his fifth of the season. It was the first time in 22 periods (7+ games) that Allen had a lead in a game. The lead didn't last long as Utah scored twice to take a 4-3 lead, but that lead evaporated in the last minute of the period. Mark Duarte scored on Allen's third power play goal of the game to tie the score 4-4 going into the second intermission. It was Duarte's team leading 19th goal of the season. 

 

- Allen took the lead 5-4 just 46 seconds into the third period on yet another power-play goal. J.C. Brassard scored his fifth goal of the season and the third goal of the night by a defenseman. Once again, the Allen lead didn't last long. Just 22 seconds after the Brassard goal the Grizzlies got the tying goal again to make the score 5-5. The game-winner came, fittingly, on the sixth power-play goal of the game. Utah took the 6-5 lead with just over eight minutes remaining in the game. Allen had a 5-1 shot advantage in the last eight minutes but could not score the equalizer. 

 

- Here are the game recaps and video highlights:

• Allen Americans game recap: https://allenamericans.com/news/2025/03/game-recap-americans-score-four-power-play-goals-but-lose-6-5 
• Utah Grizzlies game recap: https://utahgrizzlies.com/news/2025/03/grizzlies-win-6-5-thriller-at-maverik-center 

- Here are some stats from the game, both good and bad:

• Allen ended its 0-39, 11 game power play drought going 4-7 last night.
• In one game, Allen raised its power play percentage from 15.5% to 16.9%.
• Allen came back from 2-0 and 4-3 deficits in the game to take the lead.
• Allen scored five goals for the first time since January 8 and just the third time all season.
• Allen allowed six goals; it was the seventh time in the last 21 games giving up 6 or more goals.
• Allen held its own on shots, Utah had a 32-31 advantage. 
• Allen gave up the first goal of the game for the eighth straight game.
• Allen was playing without forwards Brayden Watts (sick) and Miko Matikka (injured). Both could return for the game on Friday.

 

- I swapped messages with coach Ferguson after the game. This is what he had to say:

"You score five goals, and you expect to win."

"It was a tough call on the game-winner. You would hope the referee wouldn't decide a 5-5 game with under 10 minutes left in the game. But they are human too."   

"I liked our effort tonight after being down 2-0 on the first two shots of the game. The guys clawed back to take the lead a couple of times. It was good to see that resilience in our group."

"We need to hang on to those leads. It is a big weekend ahead of us. Excited to see our response." 

OTHER COMMENTS

- There were a couple of important Mountain Division games last night with playoff impact. Wichita beat #1 Kansas City on the road 3-2 while Idaho lost to Tahoe 5-1 on the road. The other team in the playoff mix, Tulsa, plays Rapid City at home tonight. It is the only ECHL game being played tonight. Here are the Mountain Division standings with games remaining in parenthesis:

• 89 points - Kansas City (8)
• 83 points - Tahoe (8)
• 79 points - Wichita (8)
• 76 points - Tulsa (9)
• 73 points - Idaho (9)
• 65 points - Rapid City (9)
• 50 points - Utah (7)
• 38 points - Allen (9)

 

- Most and fewest wins this season show just how poorly Allen has played even compared to other poor-performing teams:

FEWEST WINS

• 14 - Allen
• 21 - Utah
• 22 - Adirondack
• 23 - Greenville
• 25 - Cincinnati 

MOST WINS

• 46 - South Carolina
• 44 - Florida
• 42 - Kansas City
• 41 - Toledo
• 41 - Trois Riviéres

 

-  It is hard to have a wider gap than this. Both teams could make the record book this season for most and fewest home wins. South Carolina's home point percentage is .857. Allen's home point percentage is .283.

 

- The end of the ECHL season is coming fast, especially for the teams that will not make the playoffs. The upcoming critical dates:

• April 11 - Last day to place players on waivers
• April 13 - Last day of the regular season
• April 14 - Playoff rosters due
• April 16 - Playoffs begin

 

DID YOU KNOW: As teams add amateurs, the number of rookies on ECHL rosters is increasing. These are rookie numbers by team as of Tuesday.

 

16: ADK, BLM, CIN, GVL, SAV, UTA

15: ALN, REA, WHL, WOR

14: IA

13: IND, *KC*, MNE, RC

11: TUL, WIC

10: KAL, NOR, *TAH*, *TOL*, *TR*

9: *SC*

8: ATL, IDH, ORL

7: *FLA*, *FW*

6: *JAX*

 

*Top eight ECHL teams by points and point percentage. Likely Kelly Cup champion will come from this group. Notice the top teams skew toward the bottom part of this list.

Allen vs Utah Series Preview, Americans Attend Utah HC Game, Equipment Manager Matt Miletich Gets NHL Experience, Practice at Olympic Oval and More

 

The Allen Americans begin a three game series tonight against the Utah Grizzlies with their last best hope to get on the winning track. Even though Allen plays six of its last seven games at home the Americans will be underdogs in all of them. Allen has a winning record against Utah (3-2-1-0), but a combined record of 4-16-4-1 (.260) against the opponents Allen will face after the Utah series. 

• 1-5-2-1: Tulsa (4 games - all at home)
• 0-4-0-0: Idaho (2 games - at home)
• 3-7-2-0: Wichita (1 game - on the road)

 

- Allen has played Utah five times this season but four of the games were in November. The only recent meeting was in Allen 10 days ago. In that game the Americans outshot Utah 48-33 but lost the game 3-1. Allen gave up the first goal, trailed 2-0 heading into the third period, cut the score to 2-1, but could not get the equalizer. An empty net goal made the final scorer 3-1. 

 

- Allen set season highs for shots in a period (20) and shots in game (48) in the last game against Utah, so you would expect Allen will have plenty of scoring chances tonight. The question is can the Americans capitalize on those chances? Here are a few stats that Allen will have to overcome in this series to be successful:

• The last time and only time Allen scored six goals in a game was a 6-4 win in Utah on November 2.
• Allen has scored five goals just twice all season, in back to back wins on January 4 and 8.
• Allen's record in the last 20 games is 1-17-1-1 (.100). The only time the Americans scored four goals was in the lone win.
• In the last 20 games Allen has been shutout four times, scored one goal five times, two goals five times, three goals four times and four goals once. 
• Allen's average goals per game in the last 20 games is 1.60 (32 goals).
• In the last 20 games Allen has allowed nine goals twice, seven goals twice and six goals twice.
• Allen's average goals allowed in the last 20 games is 4.40 (88 goals). 
• Allen has not scored a power play goal in the last 11 games (0-39).
• Allen hasn't scored the first goal of the game in its last seven games.
• Allen has given up the first goal of the game in 16 of the last 20 games.   

- What is certain is one of these teams will earn two points in each of the three games in this series (tonight, Friday, Saturday). If Allen has any hope of avoiding last place in the ECHL a series sweep against Utah is essential. While not impossible to win three straight, it is definitely a long shot. Allen has swept a series just once all season. A three game sweep of Rapid City at home at the end of January. Allen trails Utah by 10 points (38 vs 48) so the Americans are running out of time.

 

- Allen and Utah are the two worst teams in the ECHL (by point percentage). Here is an update on how Allen and Utah rank in some key stats this season:

• Goals scored average: Allen #29 (2.29) - Utah #16 (3.03)
• Goals allowed average: Allen #29 (4.13) - Utah #28 (4.03)
• Shots for average: Allen #18 (29.63) - Utah #12 (31.42)
• Shots against average:  Allen #29 (38.03) - Utah #26 (34.59)
• Power play percentage: Allen #25 (15.5%) - Utah #20 (18.5%)
• Penalty kill percentage: Allen #16 (80.0%) - Utah #29 (71.1%)

 

- I will post the lineup later today on social media, but coach Ferguson did share with me newly acquired forward Ayden MacDonald and Reid Perepeluk (who had been out injured) will be in the lineup. Allen will add some banging bodies up front to get after the Utah defensmen trying to bring the puck out of the zone. That proved to be successful against Utah in the last game when Allen had 48 shots.

 

- Just one referee will work the game tonight. Hunter Mottinger (#9) is the scheduled referee. By my records he has worked three Allen games this season and called a total of 17 penalties (5,6,6) so you would expect a more let them play type of game tonight. Neither of these teams is a high penalty minute team this season. Allen is ranked #13 (276 PIMS) and Utah is ranked #28 (241 PIM). With the players Ferguson is adding to the lineup, Allen could be looking for a physical game which typically comes with more penalties. Have to expect Mottinger will call more than six penalties tonight.

 

OTHER COMMENTS

- The trip to Utah, home of Allen's NHL affiliate, provided a unique opportunity for the team. They attended a Utah HC hockey game Monday night. It was against the Detroit Red Wings. The game was close going into the third period (2-1), but Detroit scored three unanswered goals to make the final score 5-1. Here is what coach Ferguson and Mark Duarte had to say about the experience:

Brett Ferguson

"The players were in a suite together so that was a nice touch by the Utah HC."

"Some of our guys knew some of the NHL players (Noah Kane's cousin, Patrick, plays for Detroit). The guys that knew some of the NHL players got to meet up after the game."

"Our equipment manager, Matt Miletich, was able to work the game, helping out the Utah equipment staff."

"I was able to meet with some of the Utah management staff, as did our contracted players."

 

Mark Duarte

"Attending the Utah game was a great time. We are very grateful to the Skinner family and coach Ferguson to put that together for us. It was cool we had the chance to see our affiliate's facilities and to see them play."

"We still have a handful of new faces on the team, so it is nice to do things like this outside of the rink and get to know one another."

 

-  Allen equipment manager, Matt Mieltich,  had one the best experiences of all. Matt is in his second season as an equipment manager and had the opportunity to not only see how an NHL equipment staff operates, he got to experience it. I asked Matt to share with me how his day went. Here is what he had to say:

Hey Barry, last night was a wonderful opportunity. It started with a long day of getting off the bus from Boise and going straight to the arena to work. I went with the equipment manager from the Utah Grizzlies, so when we got there, he showed me around the Delta Center and the Utah hockey club facilities and the Utah hockey club equipment. Staff were in the weight room getting their pregame workout in before the players showed up. I had the opportunity to sit down and talk with the Utah hockey club equipment staff for a little bit pregame. We discussed the ins and outs of what type of issues they deal with at their level. Found out that there’s not much difference at the NHL level than at the ECHL level.  It boils down to the resources, and money is the big difference. From my end, it was an unbelievable, surreal experience. Just getting to see how things at the NHL operate. They did give me a pullover 3/4 zip.  I was able to get a couple of pictures of myself to document the experience. During the game play, I was just behind the bench, observing and watching the equipment staff more than I was watching the game. It all didn’t quite hit me until I made my way back to the hotel and just realized what I had been through. I was trying to piece together the evening from seeing players that you see on TV all the time. The next thing you know, you’re up close and personal with them as they’re walking by or just saying hi. The atmosphere is very professional. The game day staff had a lot of good personalities that made the evening that much more enjoyable. Everyone was very welcoming and let me jump right in and get my hands dirty. It’s an experience I will never forget and hopefully look forward to getting another opportunity sometime in the future.

Matt on the Utah HC bench 

 

- Yesterday Allen held their practice at the Utah HC practice facility that I talked about on Sunday. In case you missed it here it is again:

- The practice on Tuesday will be at Utah's temporary practice facility (they are building a permanent one). The temporary practice facility is at the Olympic Oval and the hockey rink is in the middle of the speed skating track. When the players leave the locker room, they walk on carpet laid over a running track and skate across a 400-meter speed skating oval known as the "Fastest Ice on Earth." The hockey rink is in the middle of the oval and has been converted from Olympic size to NHL size. The players might be able to take a lap around the oval depending on its schedule. Here is a photo that shows the track, the oval and the hockey rink.

 

Utah HC temporary practice facility at Olympic Oval

 

Here is what I heard from coach Ferguson and Mark Duarte about the Utah HC practice facility:

"The practice facility was cool. They just took the ice out of the oval over the weekend so the guys didn't have a chance to take a lap on it. The size of the facility is crazy. You could fit two NHL size rinks inside the skating oval. It was a great experience for our guys.".....Ferguson

"Practice at the Utah HC facility was awesome and talking to Matt at practice about his experience and the high standards the NHL staff  hold themselves to is something we can learn from.".....Duarte

"We are working to build a winning culture in Allen and we are lucky to be in Utah's system. We all have the goal to be the best we can be and play at the highest level possible. Our visit to the Utah HC acts as motivation and shows you all the little things it takes.".....Duarte

 

- This week will be huge when it comes to the Mountain Division standings. Check out the schedule:

• Idaho plays four games in five nights in Tahoe.
• Wichita plays four games in five nights starting in Kansas City tonight, at home against Kansas City on Friday, back in Kansas City on Saturday and in Iowa of Sunday. Whew!
• Rapid City plays three games in Tulsa.
• Allen plays three games in Utah.  

 

- If the last week of the season is make or break for some teams and surely it will be, here is how the season ends:

• Allen plays Tulsa three times at home.
• Idaho plays Kansas City three times at home.
• Rapid City plays Utah three times at home
• Tahoe plays Wichita three times at home.

 

- There are eight games on the ECHL schedule tonight. The only team that can clinch a playoff spot is Kansas City. If the Mavericks win and Idaho loses in regulation, Kansas City will punch its ticket to the Kelly Cup playoffs. Here is the ECHL today with all of the previews: https://echl.com/news/2025/03/echl-today-march-26   

 

DID YOU KNOW: The ECHL Stats post today is about South Carolina possibly reaching the record book for home wins. Allen on the other hand is trying to avoid the record book for fewest home wins in a season. To avoid the record book listing for fewest home wins Allen will need to win four of its final six home games. Allen has six home wins. If the Americans end up with eight home wins they will tie with four other teams for the second fewest all time. If Allen ends up with six or seven home wins they will be second all time by themselves: 

South Carolina has 28 home wins this season with one home game remaining (vs Orlando). If the Stingrays win that game they will join the record book for all-time home wins in a season. Here is the list:

 

MOST HOME WINS, ONE SEASON

32 - Idaho Steelheads, 2022-23

30 - Cincinnati Cyclones, 2018-19

30 - San Diego Gulls, 2003-04

30 - Louisiana IceGators, 2001-02

30 - Alaska Aces, 2005-06

29 - Missouri Mavericks, 2015-16

29 - Alaska Aces, 2011-12

29 - Cincinnati Cyclones, 2005-06

29 - Gwinnett Gladiators, 2005-06

29 - Toledo Storm, 2002-03

29 - Pee Dee Pride, 1998-99

 

 

        

 

Allen Loses 5-2, Game Recap, Video Highlights, Week Ahead, Utah HC Practice Facility, Shootout Shooter Record and More

 

The Allen Americans lost to the Idaho Steelheads 5-2 last night in a game that was not as close as the score. Idaho scored 24 seconds after the opening puck drop and the die was cast. The game was very similar to the 7-0 shutout on Wednesday. Idaho scored three first period goals in both games followed up by two second period goals while holding Allen scoreless. Allen went on a scoring spree (by recent standards) late in the third period with two goals by Miko Matikka to make the final score 5-2.

 

- The Americans scoring drought lasted over 188 minutes (188:52). From a third period goal by Noah Kane in a 3-1 loss to Utah on March 16th to Matikka's first goal in the third period last night.  The minutes grow when you look at first and second period goals. It has been 361:25 since Allen has scored a second period goal and 434:24 since the Americans have scored a first period goal. 

 

- The reason it is so important for Allen to score early in games is the Americans do not play well from behind, especially compared to Idaho. Here are the stats to prove the point:

• 2-27-2-0: Allen's record when trailing after the first period.
• 16-0-2-0: Idaho's record when leading after the first period.
• 2-35-2-1: Allen's record when trailing after the second period.  
• 22-0-1-0: Idaho's record when leading after the second period.  

Allen trailed after all nine periods in the series with Idaho. The Americans have two more games against Idaho at home (April 4,5). Those games will be meaningless to Allen but most likely critical to Idaho. If Allen is going to play the spoiler, scoring early will be key.

 

- Allen was outscored 13-2 in the series with Idaho and outshot 113-91. What really hurt was the Americans continued futility on the power play. Allen was 0-11 (0.0%). Idaho was 2-11 (18.2%). Allen has now gone a full month without scoring a power play goal. The Americans have not scored a power play goal in their last 11 games, going 0-39. The power play that was once ranked #3 (22.0%) in the league has now fallen to #25 (15.5%). 

- If you are looking for positives from the series there is not much. Allen averaged 30.33 shots per game and held Idaho under 40 shots per game (37.67). That was not happening earlier in the season. Allen also had the same number of power play opportunities as Idaho (11) which is an improvement. Each team had 39 penalty minutes. Two goals doesn't sound like much, but Allen scoring the two late game goals last night was more goals than the Americans have scored in any of the last six games. Miko Matikka scored his third and fourth goal since joining the Americans 16 games ago. 

 

Here are the game recaps from both teams and the video highlights:

• Allen Americans game recap:
  https://allenamericans.com/news/2025/03/game-recap-americans-end-scoring-drought-in-loss-to-idaho 
• Idaho Steelheads game recap: https://idahosteelheads.com/news/2025/03/steelheads-complete-series-sweep-with-5-2-win-over-americans 
• Video highlights: https://echl.com/videos/allen-americans-vs-idaho-steelheads-mar-22-2025
  

 

- The Americans now move on to a series with Utah next Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. Here is the schedule for the next week:

• Sunday: day off in Boise
• Monday: bus to Salt Lake City 
• Monday night: team is set up to attend the Utah HC vs Detroit Red Wings game
• Tuesday: practice at Utah HC practice facility
• Wednesday: play Utah
• Thursday: practice
• Friday: play Utah
• Saturday: play Utah
• Sunday: fly home

 

- The practice on Tuesday will be at Utah's temporary practice facility (they are building a permanent one). The temporary practice facility is at the Olympic Oval and the hockey rink is in the middle of the speed skating track. When the players leave the locker room, they walk on carpet laid over a running track and skate across a 400-meter speed skating oval known as the "Fastest Ice on Earth." The hockey rink is in the middle of the oval and has been converted from Olympic size to NHL size. The players might be able to take a lap around the oval depending on its schedule. Here is a photo that shows the track, the oval and the hockey rink.

 

Utah HC temporary practice facility at Olympic Oval

 - Here is a story about the practice facility done by the local television station: 

- I will have a complete series preview next week, but the three games against Utah will be Allen's best chance to get back on the winning track. Allen has a winning record against Utah (3-2-1-0) and the Grizzlies are also struggling. Allen's record in the last 10 games is 1-8-1-0, Utah's is 2-7-1-0. Here is Allen's record against its remaining opponents with games remaining against each team in parenthesis:

• 1-5-2-1: Tulsa (4 games)
• 3-2-1-0: Utah (3 games)
• 0-4-0-0: Idaho (2 games)
• 3-7-2-0: Wichita (1 game) 

OTHER COMMENTS

- The Mountain Division had the same results last night as on Friday night. Allen, Utah, Rapid City and Tulsa lost. Kansas City, Tahoe, Wichita and Idaho won. No teams has clinched a playoff spot yet. Here is a different look at the standings. The maximum points each team can earn if they win all remaining games. Current points are in parenthesis:

• 107 points - Kansas City (89)
• 99 points - Tahoe (81)
• 97 points - Wichita (77)
• 94 points - Tulsa (76)
• 93 points - Idaho (73)
• 83 points - Rapid City (63)
• 64 points - Utah (48)
• 58 points - Allen (38)

Every time a team loses a game the maximum points are reduced. Once the maximum points are lower any other team's current points the team can't be caught. For example, Allen's maximum points is 58. Every other team, except Utah, already has more than 58 points. Even if the Americans win their last 10 games the only team they could catch is Utah. 

- The Americans have contributed to several players winning Player of the Week, Goalie of the Week, Player of the Month and Goalie of the Month even with their poor play this season. It is going to happen again this week for Idaho Goalie Ben Kraws. He is a lock for ECHL Goalie of the Week. Kraws was 3-0 this week with two shutouts. He saved 89 of 91 shots for a save percentage of .978 and had a GAA of 0.66.

 

- Here are Allen's goal scorers the last 14 games when the Americans scored only 19 goals, an average of 1.36 goals per game.  

• 4 goals - Matikka
• 2 goals - Brassard
• 2 goals - Warmuth
  
• 2 goals - Jacobs
• 2 goals - Isaacson
• 1 goal - Powell
  
• 1 goal - Kane
  
• 1 goal - Wilson
  
• 1 goal - Nault
  
• 1 goal - Westcott
  
• 1 goal - Watts
• 1 goal - Duarte 

 

- The change of scenery has been good for Kyle Crnkovic. He has played five games since going to Toledo and has five points (2G, 3A) including one game winning goal. Toledo is in first place in the Central Division, 10 points ahead of second place Fort Wayne. 

DID YOU KNOW:  There was an 11 round, 22 shooter shootout on Friday in Reading’s 2-1 win over Norfolk. Shane Sellar, Reading’s 11th shooter scored the game winner. The 22 shooters was not close to the all time record. Here are the top three all-time:

 

21 rounds, 42 shooters - Evansville beat Florida 5-4 on Feb. 22, 2013. Andre Bouvet-Morrisette scored the game winner. 

 

21 rounds, 42 shooters - Hampton Roads beat Birmingham 7-6, on Oct. 16, 1992. Brett Barnett scored the game winner.

 

20 rounds, 40 shooters - Fresno beat Phoenix 3-2, on Nov. 5, 2008. The game winner was scored by Spencer Carbery, who is now the head coach of the Washington Capitals.

   

Another Defeat, Game Recap, Coach's Comments, Video Highlights, Tonight's Preview, Former Players in DEL Playoffs, Longest Winning Streaks and More

 

If moral victories counted Allen would be a playoff team. Seems like almost every game, including last night, you can point to positives such as the Americans held Idaho, who averages 3.43 goals per game, to just one goal. You also can say Allen had plenty of scoring chances, the Americans got great goaltending and the team never gave up the fight. The bottom line is this team is just not good enough to win. The Americans have had one winning streak of three games all season. That was the three game sweep of Rapid City at the end of January. Allen has had six losing streaks longer than the Americans lone three game winning streak:

• 5 games - 10/24 - 11/1
• 8 games - 12/3 - 12/20
• 5 games - 12/22 - 1/3
• 7 games - 1/10 - 1/25
• 12 games - 2/2 - 3/1
• 6 games - 3/6 - 3/21 (still active)

 

- Here are the facts:

• Allen was shutout 1-0 last night. 
• Allen was shutout in back-to-back games for the second time this season.
• Allen has been shutout eight times (1-0, 7-0, 4-0, 5-0, 6-0, 4-0, 9-0, 4-0)
  
• Allen has lost six straight games.
• Allen has scored 1,0,1,1,0,0 goals in the last six games (0.50 per game)
  
• Allen has lost 18 of the last 19 games.
• Allen is last in goals scored (140).
• Allen is last in points (38).
• Allen is last in point percentage (.311).
• Allen is last in overtime point percentage (.231).
• Allen is last in scoring first point percentage (.479). 
• Allen has 14 wins, no other team has fewer than 20.
• Allen has six home wins, no other team has fewer than 10.
• Allen has the two longest home losing streaks in the ECHL this season (10 & 9 games).
• Allen is last in average goals scored (2.30).
• Allen is last in average goals allowed (4.11)
• Allen is last in average shots allowed (38.07). 
• Allen hasn't scored a power play goal in the last 10 games (0-35).  

 

- There is no time left for moral victories. Allen has 11 games remaining and needs some "real" wins to avoid the ECHL record book for single season ineptness. They are not going to be at the top of any list, but unless the Americans can secure a few wins they will be in the record book (usually 6-8 teams depending on categories) several times. 

- In the game preview yesterday I list five things Allen needed to do to win. Here is how they fared:

- What does Allen have to do to be competitive tonight and earn points?

• Allen has to score the first goal of the game. Idaho is 20-1-6-1 (.839) when it scores first.  Allen gave up the first goal for the sixth straight game.
  
• Allen has to score a power play goal. Currently on a 0-31 drought. Allen went 0-4 and has not scored a power play goal in 10 games.
• Allen has to score four goals, something it has done once (won the game) in the last 18 games. Not even close!
• Allen has to hold Idaho under 40 shots. Allen allowed 38 shots so made this goal
  
• Allen has to have more power play opportunities than Idaho. Allen was 0-4 on the power play, Idaho was 1-5.

 

- Here are the game recaps from both teams and the video highlights:

• Allen Americans game recap: https://allenamericans.com/news/2025/03/game-recap-americans-solid-effort-falls-short 
• Idaho Steelheads game recap: https://idahosteelheads.com/news/2025/03/ben-kraws-records-second-straight-shutout-making-31-saves-in-1-0-victory
• Video highlights: https://echl.com/videos/allen-americans-vs-idaho-steelheads-mar-21-2025

 

- Here is what coach Ferguson had to say when I contacted him after the game. Unlike my diatribe above, his job is to stay positive:

"We played a complete game tonight except for scoring,"

"It was a playoff type game with great atmosphere in the arena."

"It was physical, there were lots of chances at both ends and there was great goaltending by both goalies. Luke Richardson was the best player on the ice."

"This scoring drought has to end, but we keep banging that ketchup bottle."

FYI, Ferguson's ketchup bottle reference is to a quote from former NHL player, Teemu Selanne, who played 21 years, mostly with the Anaheim Ducks. Selanne compared scoring droughts to a bottle of ketchup, "You know how you can't get the ketchup out of the bottle and you keep beating on it and beating on it, and nothing comes out. Then all of a sudden, here it comes, splat! That is how it is with goal scorers. You have to be patient. As long as you keep getting your chances, you feel it is going to happen."

 

- I won't bore you with all of the typical keys to the game, but will share this one. The Americans will have to score as many or more goals tonight than the total goals they have score in the last six games. Allen has scored three goals in the last six games.

 

- If you didn't like the officiating last night you won't like it tonight. This will be the third game for Sam Heidemann (#22) and the second working with a partner (#42) Ryan Seigel. Heidemann called six penalties working alone on Wednesday and the pair called 13 penalties last night. You could see even more penalties tonight. 

 

OTHER COMMENTS

- The bottom three teams in the Mountain Division standings (Allen, Utah, Rapid City) all lost least night. It was a particularly tough loss for Rapid City who was playing Wichita, the team the Rush is trying to catch to make the playoffs. Rapid City fought back from 2-0 and 3-1 deficits to tie the score early in the third period only to lose 4-3. You know it is an important game when arguably the best player on each team, who lead their team in points, drop the gloves for the first time this season. Rapid City's Ryan Wagner and Wichita's Michal Stinil were the participants. I don't normally post video highlights from other games, but if you like highlights these are great. All the goals, two fights and a bunch of saves by both goalies. The loss all but eliminates Rapid City from playoff contention. With 11 games remaining Rapid City trails forth place Wichita by 12 points and fifth place Idaho by eight points. https://echl.com/videos/wichita-thunder-vs-rapid-city-rush-mar-21-2025

 

- The big weekend in the ECHL continues tonight as many teams are battling for playoff spots. There are 12 games on the ECHL schedule tonight. All eight Mountain Division teams are in action, all games are within the division and they all have playoff implications:

• Utah at Kansas City
• Tahoe at Tulsa
• Wichita at Rapid City
• Allen at Idaho 

Here is the ECHL Today with the previews: https://echl.com/news/2025/03/echl-today-march-22

- The top league in Germany (DEL) and one of the best leagues in Europe, is in the middle of the playoffs. Several former Allen players are still playing. The playoffs are in the quarterfinals.

• Alex Breton (2018-20) and Sam Ruopp (2020-21) play for ERC Ingolstadt and lead their best of seven series 2-1.
• Les Lancaster (2019-20) and Konrad Abeltshauser (2014-15) play for EHC Munchen and lead their best of seven series 2-1.

If both teams continue to advance they would meet in the finals. FYI, there are 14 teams in the DEL and there are eight teams left in the playoffs. 

 

DID YOU KNOW: Here are the longest winning streaks in the ECHL this season and all-time. The all-time record of 23, set by South Carolina in 2015, is memorable to Allen fans. South Carolina was the big  favorite over the upstart Allen Americans who had just arrived in the ECHL from the Central Hockey League. Allen came back from a 3-1 deficit to Ontario in the Conference just to make it to the finals. The finals series started in Allen and South Carolina took a 2-1. Allen won game four in double overtime and game five in overtime before South Carolina tied the series 3-3. The teams headed back to Allen for game seven, where Allen chased the ECHL MVP goalie on the way to a 6-1 win and their third straight championship and first Kelly Cup. Here are the winning streaks:

 

THIS SEASON

13: Wheeling

11: Rapid City

10: Norfolk

9: South Carolina (still active)

 

ALL-TIME

23: South Carolina, 2015

18: Toledo, 2023

17: Colorado, 2017*

17: Cincinnati, 2008*

15: Victoria, 2009

14: Toledo, 2024

14: Missouri, 2015

14: Louisiana, 2001

14: Knoxville, 1994

 

*Won Kelly Cup

Allen vs Idaho Preview, Keys to the Game, Idaho's High Scoring Defensemen, Allen's All-time Points Leaders, NHL/AHL Contracted Players Assigned and More

 

After the 7-0 shellacking the Idaho Steelheads gave Allen on Wednesday it looks to be a difficult weekend for the Americans. The game tonight will be just the third of six games between these teams this season. Allen has 12 games remaining and four of them are against Idaho. Tonight and tomorrow night in Idaho and in Allen on April 4 and 5.

 

- Here are the cumulative totals in the two games these teams have played:

• Idaho has outscored Allen 13-2
• Idaho has outshot Allen 80-63
• Allen is 0-5 on the power play
• Idaho in 0-2 on the power play
• Allen has taken five penalties for 13 minutes
• Idaho has taken eight penalties for 19 minutes  

 

- Here is how Allen and Idaho rank in some key statistics:

• Goals scored average: Allen #29 (2.33) - Idaho #7 (3.47)
• Goals allowed average: Allen #29 (4.17) - Idaho #22 (3.35)
• Shots for average: Allen #18 (29.5) - Idaho #3 (33.85)
• Shots against average: Allen #29 (38.07) - Idaho #25 (34.32)
• Power play percentage: Allen #25 (16.1%) - Idaho #3 (21.8%)
• Penalty kill percentage: Allen #15 (80.5%) - Idaho #19 (79.7%)
• Team save percentage: Allen #22 (.891) - Idaho #13 (.903)
• Shooting percentage: Allen #29 (7.9%) - Idaho #10 (10.1%)
  

 

-  When you look at the stats above and add in the fact that Allen has scored just 12 goals in its last 17 games (1.4 per game) and hasn't scored a power play goal in its last nine games (0-31), the Americans will have an uphill battle tonight. 

 

- Idaho added two defenseman in the win on Wednesday that makes the Steelheads much stronger. Reigning ECHL Defenseman of the Year, Patrick Kudla, returned to the lineup after missing a month because of an injury. Rookie defenseman, Parker Berge, played his first game for Idaho after being assigned to the Steelheads by Ontario (AHL). Here is the firepower Allen will face from the Idaho defensemen:

• Matt Register - Leads all ECHL defensemen in assists (44) and is #3 in points (49).
• Patrick Kudla - Averaged a point per game last season. 
• Parker Berge - Leads all ECHL rookie defensemen in points (39) and is #7 among all defensemen.

Allen's entire defensive corp has 75 points this season. Register, Kudla and Berge have 111 points. If you include all Idaho defenseman the Steelheads have totaled 181 points this season.   

 

- What does Allen have to do to be competitive tonight and earn points?

• Allen has to score the first goal of the game. Idaho is 20-1-6-1 (.839) when it scores first.
• Allen has to score a power play goal. Currently on a 0-31 drought.
• Allen has to score four goals, something it has done once (won the game) in the last 18 games.
• Allen has to hold Idaho under 40 shots.
• Allen has to have more power play opportunities than Idaho.

 

- I will post the lineup on Facebook and X later today, but if you track ECHL transactions you noticed a couple of changes for the Americans yesterday. 

• Defenseman Artyom Kulakov, who was injured in the game against Utah on March 16, has been placed on the 14-day injured reserve. 
• Defenseman Cole Fraser was placed on reserve and will sit out tonight.
• Defenseman Kenny Johnson was activated from 14-day IR and is expected to be in the lineup tonight for the first time since February 7. 
  

 

- Referee Sam Heidemann (#22), who was the lone referee on Wednesday, will be joined by Ryan Siegel (#42) tonight. Heidemann let the players play for the most part on Wednesday calling only six minor penalties. Would expect you will see more penalties tonight. 

 

OTHER COMMENTS

- Idaho defenseman Matt Register is a sure fire ECHL Hall of Famer after he hangs up his skates. The three time Kelly Cup champion (one with Allen) and three time ECHL Defenseman of the Year is having another great season at the age of 35. His 44 assists is ranked #4 among all ECHL players. His 49 points is more than any Allen Americans player. Register has been a thorn in Allen's side so many times over the years. Don't be surprised if he has a key assist or goal against Allen this weekend.

 

- Had someone ask me how close Spencer Asuchak is to passing Chad Costello for the Allen franchise  points record. In the history of the Americans, four players have totaled more than 175 career points. Here is the list with games played in parenthesis:

• 422 points - Chad Costello (282 games)
• 363 points - Spencer Asuchak (496 games)
• 213 points - Jack Combs (162 games)
• 183 points - Gary Steffes (228 games)   

 

CORRECTION 

- When I posted the all-time points list (above) earlier this morning I forgot to include games played for Allen in the Central Hockey League. The stats above are ECHL games only. Here are the players with 175 or more points when you combine the CHL and ECHL points:

• 422 - Chad Costello (282 games)
• 419 - Spencer Asuchak (562 games)
• 235 - Bruce Graham (185 games)
• 225 - Greger Hanson (195 games)
• 213 - Jack Combs (162 games)
• 183 - Gary Steffes (228 games)
• 178 - Colton Yellow Horn (168 games)

 

- The official records only include regular season games. If you look at all games, regular season and playoffs, there are 10 players that have totaled 200 or more points. A who's who of Allen Americans hockey:

• 502 - Chad Costello
• 482 - Spencer Asuchak
• 302 - Greger Hanson
• 287 - Bruce Graham
• 225 - Gary Steffes
• 221 - Jack Combs
• 219 - Colton Yellow Horn
• 210 - David Makowski
• 209 - Tyler Ludwig
• 201 - Jarret Lukin
• 199 - Jamie Schaafsma

Had to throw in Schaafsma as he is only one point short, and the only other player with more than 175 career points.

 

- This will be a big weekend in the ECHL as many teams will be trying to clinch a playoff spot or battle for a playoff spot. There are 13 games on the ECHL schedule tonight. All eight Mountain Division teams are in action, all games are within the division and they all have playoff implications:

• Utah at Kansas City
• Tahoe at Tulsa
• Wichita at Rapid City
• Allen at Idaho 

Here is the ECHL Today with the previews for all 13 games: https://echl.com/news/2025/03/echl-today-march-21

 

DID YOU KNOW: The ECHL Stats post today is about the number of NHL/AHL contracted players assigned to the top teams in each division. FYI, Allen has three players assigned. Goalie Anson Thornton  (contracted with Tucson) and forward Miko Matikka (contracted with Utah, NHL) are on the active roster. Will Gavin (contracted with Tucson) has been on the 14-day injured reserve since February 1.  

 

Here are the number of NHL/AHL contracted players assigned to the top two teams in each ECHL division. Makes a big difference for some teams. Whether each team’s NHL and AHL affiliate makes the playoffs could impact these numbers. Best case for ECHL teams is if both their NHL and AHL affiliates miss the playoffs.

North

Trois Rivières: 4

Wheeling: 10

 

South

Florida: 6

South Carolina: 14

 

Central

Toledo: 2

Fort Wayne: 4

 

Mountain

Kansas City: 5

Tahoe: 9