Allen Loses 5-4, Game Recap, Martinson Comments, Jersey Auction Results and More

Finally, the championship banner is in the rafters

If you were looking for a silver lining from the 5-4 Allen loss to Wichita last night before a crowd of 5042 (that includes around 60 tickets sold to dogs) it is the fact the Americans were able to pick up one point by getting the game to overtime. A lot went wrong for Allen starting with another early goal scored by the opponent (34 seconds into the game), an odd man rush goal, a breakaway goal,  an open net goal because of miscommunication, blowing a lead after the second period, losing the special teams battle, and giving up an overtime goal.

The best thing about the loss is Allen won't have to wait long to do something about it as less than 20 hours after the overtime loss the puck will drop in Wichita for a rematch (5:05 PM). Allen has only won five of their last ten game so another loss to Wichita tonight would put them below .500 for the last ten games and the traditional January/February slump will have commenced.



STEVE MARTINSON'S POST GAME COMMENTS

- We had too many guys not on their "A" game tonight playing weak defensively, giving Wichita the blue line, not covering guys in front of the net, and standing still trying to make passes rather than moving their feet.

- We had plenty of good scoring chances but we just could not finish.

- Everyone except Patrik Valcak will go to Wichita and I will decide tomorrow who will be the healthy scratch (one player must sit out).

- The main reason we struggle in overtime games is we are not good enough defensively when we play four on four.


OTHER COMMENTS

- The goal scorers for Allen were Brett Lyon (4), Trevor Ludwig (5), Greger Hanson (15), and Kyle Follmer (7). Six of the seven goals Follmer has scored this season have come against Wichita.

Brett Lyon about to score his fourth goal of the year - photo by scenebykimberly.com

- It is often said lose the special teams battle and lose the game. It was true last night as Allen was 0-3 on the power play while Wichita was 1-4.

- Allen led 3-2 after the second period and lost the game which rarely happens. Prior to last night Allen was 27-2 when leading after two periods.

- Allen is ranked #26 in the league in games that go to overtime. Their win percentage is just .286 with a record of 2-5. (1-3 in overtime and 1-2 in shootouts).

- Aaron Dell was in goal for Worcester (AHL) last night as they beat St. John's 3-1. Aaron has started the last five games for Worcester and has a record of 4-1. The team was shutout in his only loss. In the four games Aaron has played in February he has a GAA of 1.51 and save percentage of .951. One of the writers who covers the Worcester Sharks posted this on social media, "You know, we may have a goaltending controversy brewing... "3rd string" goalie Aaron Dell is out performing both Anderson & Grosenick."

- The last place Brampton Beast shut out Rapid City 5-0 last night in Rapid City after doing the same thing on Friday night. Chad Painchaud may have put a lock on player of the week in the ECHL as he scored three goals last night to go with the four goals he scored on Friday. Add in two goals Chad had in a losing cause in Rapid City on Tuesday and his total for his visit to the Rush was nine goals in three games.

- The ECHL passed the 3,000,000 attendance mark last night and Allen will pass the 100,000 mark Monday when they host the Quad City Mallards.

- From all indications the first annual Pucks n Paws night was a big success with over 60 dogs in attendance. The team wore specialty jerseys that were auctioned off after the game with a portion of the proceeds going to the SPCA of Texas. Here are the auction amounts:

Clarke $ 650
Schultz $750
Schaafsma $900
Follmer $600
Hanson $800
Bisquit $700
Trevor Ludwig $700
Trimberger $450
Gill $450
Young $450
Descoteaux $450
Costello $700
Gens $700
Tyler Ludwig $550
Baker $550
Steffes $700
Messier $600
Lyon $700
McMillin $450
Dell $500
Combs $550
Asuchak $700
Schwartz $450

The Biscuit inspired specialty jerseys benefited the SPCA

DID YOU KNOW: Chad Costello currently leads the ECHL scoring race by 18 points. The Allen Americans have never had a player finish higher than 6th in the league scoring race. Here are the scoring leaders by season and where they finished in the scoring race.

2009-2010: Bruce Graham - 6th
2010-2011: Colton Yellow Horn - 7th
2011-2012: Bruce Graham - 15th
2012-2013: Anthony Maiani- 17th
2013-2014: Alex Lavoie - 7th
2014-2015: Chad Costello - 1st (after 46 games)

Allen vs Wichita Game Preview & Overseas Signing Deadline Tomorrow

- It is game day in Allen as the Americans take on the Wichita Thunder tonight at the Allen Event Center. For Allen it is the start of three games in three days and four games in five days with three of the next four games against Wichita. The Thunder started a three games in three days last night as they beat Missouri at home by a score of 5-4 after taking a 4-0 lead in the first period. The Thunder boarded the bus immediately after the game and drove overnight (361 miles) to get to Allen. It is a trip both teams will take tonight as they play again tomorrow (Sunday) in Wichita in a game that starts at 5:05 pm.

- Allen had a spirited practice yesterday after the trip to Ontario where they came away with a split. The good news is all players were practicing including Patrik Valcak who is coming back from an injury. With 20 players on the roster (not including Brian McMillin who is on injured reserve) two players will have to sit out. Valcak will be one of the players. Coach Martinson had not decided who would be the other player sitting out when we talked after practice yesterday. It is a nice problem to have when you can have healthy scratches.

-  Tonight will be the ninth of seventeen games between Allen and Wichita this season. Allen has won five of the eight games they have played thus far including the last three in a row when they have defeated the Thunder by scores of 3-2, 8-2 and 6-4. When Wichita was successful against Allen earlier in the season they made the games defensive, low scoring affairs. Wichita has won three times and the scores were 3-1, 2-1 in overtime, and 3-2 in a shootout.

- Here is a statistical comparison of Allen and Wichita:

Points: Allen (70) - Wichita (50)
Goals For: Allen (189) - Wichita (131)
Goals Allowed: Allen (120) - Wichita (142)
Goal Differential: Allen (+69) - Wichita (-11)
Team Plus/Minus: Allen (+217) - Wichita (-34)

Allen is ranked #1 in league standings. Wichita is ranked #15.
Allen is #1 in average goals scored per game (4.26). Wichita is #20 (2.85).
Allen is ranked #5 in average goals allowed (2.67). Wichita is #16 (3.09).

- Special teams is almost always the key to victory and Allen has the edge in this department. If you look at the head to head matchups in the eight games played this season Allen has gone 10-48 (20.8%) on the power play and 3-37 (91.9%) on the penalty kill.  More broadly at home Allen is ranked #12  (19.4%) on the power play and #6 (87.7%) on the penalty kill. On the road Wichita is #25 (11.2%) on the power play and #16 (81.1%) on the penalty kill.

- While these are two of the most penalized teams in the league with Wichita ranked #1 in average penalty minutes per game (22.59) and Allen ranked #3 (22.18) the head to head games have typically resulted in low penalty minute games for both teams. The one exception was the last time they played (January 17) in Allen when they combined for 98 penalty minutes.

- Allen has the best home record in the ECHL with a record of 19-4. Wichita has struggled on the road with a record of 10-15.

- Riley Gill will start in goal for the tenth consecutive game for Allen. Josh Trimberger will be the back up goalie.

- The top two lines for the Americans (at least to start out) should be Costello-Schultz-Asuchak and Hanson-Steffes-Schaafsma.

- It is Pucks N Paws Night tonight and heard there were over 50 dogs signed up as of a couple of days ago. Should be quite the scene with the dogs. The Americans will be wearing specialty jerseys which will be auctioned off right after the game with a portion of the proceeds going to the SPCA.


OTHER COMMENTS

- It was good to see Brian McMillin taking in practice yesterday. He is off the crutches, still wearing a brace but working hard on his own and with a physical therapist on his rehab. It will still be several weeks before he can put on his skates for a cruise around the rink.

- Tomorrow (February 15) is one of the critical dates for the ECHL as it is the last day to sign players from overseas. If there are any players in Europe that wish to come back to the ECHL it will have to be done by 3:00 pm EST tomorrow. I don't keep in contact with Jack Combs but tracking his statistics since he signed in Sweden with Bjorkloven makes you wonder if he has any regrets in leaving Allen. He has been a healthy scratch in several games and according to eliteprospects.com he has played in just three games since joining Bjorkloven a month ago and has only one point (a goal).

- In other action last night in the Central Division, Brampton beat Rapid City in Rapid City by a score of 5-0. Brampton was led by Chad Painchaud who became the fourth player in the league to have four goals in a game this season. Jack Combs had four goals for Allen back in December against Quad City.

- Wichita played at home last night and beat Missouri 5-4 after getting a 4-0 lead by the 15:53 mark of the first period. Wichita was led by recently acquired center Justin Bernhardt who had two goals and an assist and was named the games #1 star. Bernhardt started the season playing in Germany and signed with the Thunder a couple of weeks ago. Bernhardt wears #14 and would be a player to keep an eye on in the game tonight. Congrats to the Thunder for a great win at home and having one of the bigger crowds in the ECHL this season of 10,490.

- In the third Central Division game last night Tulsa visited Quad City and came away with a 2-1 victory. With the win and the Rapid City loss to Brampton the Oilers jumped over the Rush and are back in the fourth and final playoff spot by one point.

- The teams in 2nd thru 5th place in the Central Division keep beating each other so the standings remain very close. Only five points separates #2 Quad City (52 points) and #5 Rapid City (47 points). Allen currently has an 18 point lead (70 points).

- Reading lost to Wheeling last night in overtime to snap their 12 game winning streak which is the longest winning streak in the ECHL in over five years.


DID YOU KNOW:  The 2012-2013 Kelly Cup (ECHL) and Ray Miron Presidents' Cup (CHL) playoff MVP award winners are both from Minnesota and play for the Allen Americans. Riley Gill (ECHL) & Brian McMillin (CHL).

Incredible Individual & Team Statistics Plus Five Ways to Improve the ECHL

The Allen Americans lead the ECHL in points (70) and winning percentage (.778) so you would expect they would be among the league leaders in some individual and team statistics. The fact is the statistics reinforce the outstanding season Allen has had thus far. Here is a look at an update on individual and team stats.


INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS

- When you consider there are 28 teams in the ECHL, if a player is in the top fifteen in any statistical category that is quite impressive so to see the numerous categories that are dominated by Allen players is amazing. Will try to illustrate this below by listing the top three players on the team with their stat and then where they rank in the league in that stat. Have included Jack Combs even though he is no longer with the team.

Points - Costello 73 (#1), Combs 56 (#2), Steffes 50 (#6)
Goals - Steffes 31 (#1), Combs & Costello 22 (#5)
Assists - Costello 51 (#1), Combs 34 (#4), Gens 26 (#21)
Power Play Goals - Steffes 12 (#1), Schultz 7 (#3), Tyler Ludwig 5 (#22)
Power Play Assists - Costello 17 (#1),  Gens & Combs 11 (#8)
Shorthanded Goals - Hanson 4 (#1), Six tied with one
Game Winning Goals -  Steffes & Combs 6 (#3), Hanson  5 (#8)
Penalty Minutes - Lyon 240 (#1), Gens 129 (#12), Clarke 112 (#19)
Plus/Minus - Costello +25 (#3), Combs +24 (#4), Trevor Ludwig & Steffes +23 (#5)
Shots On Goal - Steffes 161 (#3), Costello 143 (#13), Combs 135 (#26)
Points By Defenseman - Gens 33 (#3), Young 30 (#5), Baker 28 (#10)
GAA - Gill 2.43 (#7)
Save Percentage - Gill .918 (#7)
Goalie Wins - Gill 24 (#1)
Minutes Played - Gill 1954 (#2)

- Allen defensemen dominate the statistics for defensemen. They occupy four of the top fourteen spots in scoring by defensemen (Gens (#3), Young (#5), Baker (#10), Tyler Ludwig (#14). No other team has more than two in the top twenty. Tyler Ludwig is #2 in goals scored (12) and #3 in power play goals (5), Aaron Gens #2 is assists (26) and power play assists (11), Gens is #2 in penalty minutes (129), Justin Baker is #3 in shooting percentage (15.6%), and Trevor Ludwig is #3 in plus/minus (+23).



TEAM STATISTICS:

If you somehow combined all team statistics Allen would come out on top. Here is how the Americans rank in the 28 team ECHL in some of the statistical categories. The first number is Allen's number and the second number is how they rank in the ECHL.

Win Percentage - .778 (#1)
Points - 70 (#1) 
Average Goals For - 4.20 (#1)
Average Goals Against - 2.67 (#5)
Average Shot For - 33.09 (#2)
Average Shots Against - 29.78 (#13)
Power Play Percentage - 21.3% (#4)
Penalty Kill Percentage - 89.7% (#1)
Average Penalty Minutes - 22.18 (#3)
Win % When Scoring First - .833 (#8)
Longest Winning Streak - 9 games (#3)
Home Winning Steak - 11 games (#1)
Team Plus/Minus -  +217 (#1) 
Goal Differential -  +69 (#1)
Home Wins - 19 (#1)
Road Wins - 14 (#6)

- There are some stats where Allen is either at or close to the bottom of the league. Penalty shots is one of those stats as Allen is 0-2 on penalty shots (Combs & Schaafsma) and in the only penalty shot against the Americans, Missouri scored a goal. Allen is ranked #26 (.333) when games go to overtime as they are 2-4. The Americans rank #17 in attendance with an average of 4021.


OTHER COMMENTS

Below is a portion of an article written by Justin A. Cohn of the Fort Wayne Journal Gazette (journalgazette.net) where he talks about some things the ECHL should consider changing. Most of these have been talked about on this blog in the past but Justin does a great job of providing the ECHL with a concise list of potential changes most fans would like to see happen. Almost positive you will find some of your pet peeves on this list.

 

What’s in a name?

ECHL is an acronym. No matter how many times the ECHL tries to convince you it’s not, claiming its brand is besmirched by calling the league anything other than ECHL, the premise is silly. The average person sees ECHL and assumes it’s short for East Coast Hockey League, which of course it was for many years.
The ECHL doesn’t want to be regarded as East Coast – it has teams all the way to Anchorage, Alaska – but therein lays the problem because for every new team that enters the league, it creates a bevy of fans and reporters who then refer to it as the East Coast Hockey League. Many players, coaches and general managers – all of whom know better – call it the East Coast Hockey League every day, and you can’t introduce people to a product when they can’t even comprehend what to call it. So just change the name and move on to more important things.

Change OT

The AHL has been testing out a new sudden-death overtime system this season and the ECHL would be wise to follow suit. It’s four minutes of four-on-four, then three minutes of three-on-three before a shootout. The NHL is interested in the format. People are thankfully tiring of shootouts – especially the three-rounders used in the NHL and AHL – and this adds some excitement and fairness to the games. The gripe that the three-on-three OT could be too tiring for teams’ top players is silly; sometimes third-line players are the best fits for those types of situations.

Pay-per-view

Gone are the days that radio was the only way to keep track of your favorite team on the road. Now, through ECHL-TV, which is provided through Neulion, you can watch all the games (live or otherwise) on your computer or mobile device. It’s wonderful. You can stream four games at one time.
But there’s a hitch: The all-access pass, which doesn’t include the playoffs, costs $299.99. That’s insane, when you consider that you can get the NHL equivalent of 40 out-of-market games and multiple camera angles for $159.

Tracking rosters

Fifteen former ECHL players have made their NHL debuts this season, 556 all-time. But have you tried keeping track of transactions of the team you follow? The Komets have had 12 players called up at various points this season, yet none of those moves are on the transactions report at www.echl.com.
Fans who want to keep track of players going in and out of the ECHL need to do so through third-party sites that aren’t exactly reliable.

All-Star lame

Few things are as unexciting as an all-star game in the minor leagues, but the ECHL has taken it to an even stranger level. Not only did it this year pit all-stars against a mediocre host team (Orlando), but the game didn’t even include many of the league’s best players, such as Fort Wayne’s Shawn Szydlowski. If anything, it was an all-prospect game with players chosen by coaches who are thought to be the best under-24 AHL material.
Have an all-star team chosen by fans, reporters and broadcasters take on a future stars team chosen by coaches. The best players will make it, and the fans will have some interest.




DID YOU KNOW: The Reading Royals have won 12 consecutive games which is the longest win streak in the ECHL in the last five years and have moved into first place in the Eastern Conference standings. Only six teams in the history of the ECHL have had longer win streaks led by the 2007-2008 Cincinnati Cyclones who won 17 consecutive games. Last season (2013-2014) Aaron Gens and Riley Gill were teammates on the Reading team where they finished first in the conference but lost in the first round of the playoffs to the #8 seed (Fort Wayne). Gill was also a member of the 2012-2013 Reading team when they finished first in the conference and went on to win the Kelly Cup. Riley was the Kelly Cup MVP going 13-4 during the playoffs with a GAA of 1.91 and save percentage of .930. Gill had four shutouts in the playoffs with two coming in the final series.

Allen Wins 5-3, Game Recap, Martinson Comments, ECHL Playoff Question Answered & More

The Allen Americans took on Ontario last night in the second of back to back games trying to avoid a second loss to the Reign. The game started out eerily similar to the 4-1 loss on Tuesday night. Ontario got an early goal (3:39) by the same player (Mike White) who scored the first goal on Tuesday. Just as they did in the first game the Reign got a shorthanded goal. It was one of those crazy goals that happen in hockey. The Ontario player (Maxim Kitsyn) forced a turnover in his defensive zone during the power play and cleared the puck from inside his blue line. The rolling puck made its way down the length of the ice and went in between Gill's skate and the post.

- What made the difference in the game last night is each time Ontario would take the lead early in the first period Allen would respond. After the White goal to make the score 1-0, Ian Schultz answered just 67 seconds later with his nineteenth goal of the season. When the Reign got the shorthanded goal at 7:02 of the first period to make the score 2-1, Allen answered right back with a goal by Kyle Follmer (6) just 90 seconds later. The Americans showed why they are the highest scoring team in the ECHL by adding two more goals by Josef Fojtik (3) and Greger Hanson (14) to make the score 4-2 at the end of the first period.

- After the unfortunate shorthanded goal in the first period Riley Gill shut down the Reign in the second and third period as they out shot Allen 30-14 but could only manage one power play goal. If you recall, Riley recently shared the advice he still remembers his dad giving him when he was young which was to quickly forget bad things that happen during a game. Gill certainly took his dad's advice last night as he was outstanding after the shorthanded goal.  Allen got the only goal of the third period when Tyler Ludwig got his twelfth goal of the season on a five on three power play to make the final score 5-3.

- The split with Ontario was important to show that the top Central Division teams can compete with teams outside the division. Allen finished the season 2-2-1-0 in the five games outside the division. Not the record they were hoping for but the victories were against  two of the best teams in the league (Toledo & Ontario) and all five games were on the road. The Americans know if they play their brand of hockey they can beat any team in the league.

- Talking to Steve Martinson after the game he was happy to get the victory especially after the strange start with another early goal allowed and the shorthanded goal. The team responded well after both of the early Ontario goals with four goals of their own in the first period. Martinson liked the balanced scoring with all three lines contributing goals. Some of the calls during the game were frustrating but the Americans ended up with a five on three goal in the third period. Coach Martinson singled out Kyle Follmer as a player having a strong game (1 goal, 1 assist, +2).

- Four different players had two point nights (Steffes, Costello, Fojtik, Follmer) and Costello with two assists increased his league leading point total to 73. He has a 20 point lead in the scoring race.

- For Ontario the loss last night was only the third time they have lost a game in regulation after scoring the first goal which they have done 27 times this year.

- Allen was out shot by Ontario 39-27 but that is a good thing as the Americans kept their streak alive of never having lost a game in regulation when they are out shot by the opponent. On the season they are now 12-0-1-1 when being out shot. Hard to figure that stat out.

- Another odd stat is Ontario had more shorthanded goals (2) than power play goals (1) in the two games against Allen. In the 19 homes games prior to playing Allen, Ontario had not scored a single shorthanded goal.

- For the two games Allen was 3-15 (20%) on the power play and the penalty kill unit killed 12-13 (92.3%). For the season Allen has the #4 ranked power play (21.3%) and the #1 ranked penalty kill (89.7%).


OTHER COMMENTS

 - Two former Allen Americans were involved in transactions yesterday. Charles Lachance (2013-2014) was waived by Tulsa and claimed by the Missouri Mavericks. The Mavericks are closing in on 50 different players on the roster for the year. Steve Kaunisto (2011-2012) was traded by the Rapid City Rush to the Florida Everblades.

- In the only other Central Division action last night Quad City beat Missouri 3-2. Quad City remains in second place in the division, 18 points behind Allen.

- Ty Rimmer, who played for Quad City last year and is with Bakersfield this year announced yesterday via twitter that he had been diagnosed with testicular cancer two weeks ago, had the tumor surgically removed and is on his way to a full recovery.  Best wishes to the 22 year old netminder, hope to see him back in goal soon.

- Before the Allen vs Ontario game yesterday a news conference was held to unveil the new logo when Ontario joins the AHL next season. They will still be called the Reign but will have a new logo and uniform  reminiscent of their NHL parent club (LA Kings).

The AHL Ontario Reign logo and LA Kings inspired jersey

- With all of the movement in establishing the AHL Pacific Division it is hard to keep everything straight. The NHL Calgary Flames bought the ECHL Stockton Thunder and moved the franchise to Glens Falls, NY to replace the AHL Adirondack Flames which are moving to Stockton. Yesterday the new ECHL team in Glens Falls unveiled name, logo, and color schematics. The team will be known as the Adirondack Thunder.

The ECHL team in Glens Falls, NY has new name & logo

- Had a question about the sequencing of playoff games knowing they will all be seven game series. Here is the answer courtesy of the ECHL Director of Communications. "All playoff series are 2-3-2 unless both teams agree otherwise or limited date availability at an arena requires a deviation. Any change to the 2-3-2 format requires approval by the ECHL."

- The Americans do not arrive back home until this evening. Tomorrow they will start preparing for back to back, home and home games against Wichita this weekend, the first of which is at the Allen Event Center on Saturday.


DID YOU KNOW: With a win at home on Saturday Allen will match the number of wins they had at home for the entire season last year. The Americans current home record is 19-3-1. Last year the Americans home record was 20-10-3.

Allen Loses to Ontario 4-1, Game Recap, Martinson Comments, Matvichuk Loses Bet & His Hair

The final score in the latest ending (11:41 pm in Allen) game in team history was 4-1 in favor of Ontario before a smaller than normal crowd (6139) at the Citizens Business Bank Arena. It was a story of missed opportunity by the Americans. Opportunity started right out of the gate when Ontario took the first of three "too many men" penalties they would take on the night. One of the keys to victory was a fast start and Allen was on the power play 49 seconds into the game. The Americans not only failed to convert on the power play, they allowed a shorthanded goal (the 6th they have allowed this season) to give Ontario the lead at the 2:02 mark of the first period. An even strength goal by the Reign at 7:13 upped the lead to 2-0 and it was apparent it was going to be a long night for Allen. Ontario improved to a record of 22-2-0-2 when scoring first. Aaron Gens scored the lone goal for Allen on a power play in the second period to cut the lead to 2-1 but that is as close as the Americans could get. The story was definitely one of missed opportunity:

- Power play for too many men at :49 results in short handed goal allowed

- Three too many men penalties on the night by Ontario ended up with no Allen goals, one Reign goal

- Allen scored their only goal on the power play but we're 1-8 on the night. 

- The Americans could not capitalize playing against a backup rookie goalie with only three ECHL games who was just signed by Ontario. 

- The Reign were forced to play their EBUG (emergency back up goalie) for the last 12:33 of the game after the starting goalie was injured and Allen could not get a puck past him as he made 10 saves.

- Allen outshot Ontario 39-30 and lost the game 4-1.

- The best part about the loss is it won't take long to do something about it as the two teams play again tonight. It will be the last game of the regular season for Allen against an opponent outside the Central Division. It has not been a pleasant experience for the Americans thus far playing outside the division as they have only managed one win in four games. Lose tonight and the theory Allen isn't as good as their record because they play all of their games against weaker Central Division teams might hold some water. With Allen's loss last night to Ontario the Central Division record when playing teams outside the division is now 9-25.

- The game tonight (9:00 PM CST) will be a real test for Allen to show they can play with the teams in the Pacific Division by getting a split with Ontario. A loss tonight would be the first time all season Allen has lost back to back games in regulation.

- Steve Martinson's post game comments were mostly about special teams though he felt in general the team was not sharp after skating for only four of the past ten days. Special teams play was very poor with a less than stellar power play and giving up that early shorthanded goal was frustrating. Garrett Clarke had a breakaway where the puck appeared to go off the back cross bar that was not called a goal.

OTHER COMMENTS

- Chad Costello had his 17 game point streak come to an end. It was only the fifth game all season Chad has not scored a point.

- The game last night was only the second time all year a forward has not scored a goal for Allen.

- The Central Division standings are starting to tighten up as two of the teams toward the bottom of the standings the last few weeks have started to play better hockey. Rapid City beat Brampton last night, has won five straight games and leap frogged Tulsa for the fourth playoff spot in the division. Tulsa lost to Missouri last night (7-3) to continue their slide. The Mavericks are 5-5 in the last ten games and just five points out of a playoff spot. Allen maintains an 18 point lead in the standings but only four points separates second place Quad City and fifth place Tulsa.

- Since the end of November the Americans have won just six of thirteen road games.

- Allen has not won a game all year on the road when trailing after two periods. It is a strange statistic but the Americans have not lost a game in regulation all year when they are out shot by their opponent. The Americans record when being out shot is 11-0-1-1.

- Happy Birthday to Allen captain Jamie Schaafsma who turns 32 today.

- Missouri not only won their game last night against Tulsa they got to see the coaches shave their heads to pay off a bet. Richard Matvichuk had some fun with the team agreeing to have his head shaved (along with the other coaches) if the team won at least five games during their seven game home stand and last night was the fifth win. If they didn't get the five wins the goalies would have had their heads shaved. With most of the sold out crowd looking on after the game goalie Mike Clemente as well has Matvichuk's family (wife Tracy and sons Dillion and Dalton) took turns with the clippers.

Goalie Mike Clemente admires the coaches new haircut

DID YOU KNOW: The Allen Americans lead the ECHL in shooting percentage. They score on 12.5% of their shots on goal.

Allen vs Ontario Game Preview, Stats, Remembering Reign's Blackwater & Register in Allen & More

It is game day for the Allen Americans as they play the Ontario Reign tonight and tomorrow night in sunny southern California. The games will be unique for many different reason and here a few of them.

- The only chance Allen has to play a team in the Pacific Division unless they meet in the semifinals of the Kelly Cup playoffs.

- Playing the team ranked #1 in the ECHL with an average attendance of 7467 which is larger than the capacity (6275) of the Allen Event Center (AEC). Ontario plays in the Citizens Business Bank Arena with a capacity of 9736.

- It will be nice weather in Allen with a high of 73 today and 63 tomorrow but nicer in Ontario. In Ontario it will be clear with a high of 82 today and 84 tomorrow.

- Game time in Allen will be 9:00 pm. (7:00 PM PST).

- The most exciting news in Ontario and reason for a press conference tomorrow before the game with Allen has nothing to do with the ECHL. It is to unveil the Ontario Reign's new logo and colors for the 2015-2016, when the team will play its inaugural season in the American Hockey League (AHL) as an affiliate of the Los Angeles Kings.

- The only time all regular season the team will fly on a road trip.


GAME PREVIEW

- Allen and Ontario are two of the best teams in the Western Conference with Allen leading the Central Division with 68 points and Ontario in second place in the Pacific Division with 61 points. Allen has won seven of the last ten games they have played while the Reign have won six of ten.

- There are two players on the Ontario roster that have played for Allen and they both have memorable stories in Allen:
Judd Blackwater - Judd played in Allen for the 2010-2011 season and was known as an elusive forward who could put the puck in the net. A teammate described him as a guy that could stick handle his way out of a telephone booth. Judd had 49 points (20 goals 29 assists) in just 49 games. Blackwater is best remembered for what some have described as one of the best KO fights ever in terms of dominance, entertainment, and originality. Judd was known as a guy that didn't fight often (he had only two fights that year) but handled himself well when he dropped the gloves. On a team that had Kip Brennan as the enforcer Judd Blackwater vs Jim Jorgensen is the fight everyone remembers. Whether you have never seen it or watched it 100 times you will enjoy the fight as well as the classic call by Tommy Daniels.

Matt Register - Matt was playing in a men's league (Sylvan Lake Admirals) back home in Alberta when he was signed to his first pro contract by the Allen Americans part way through the 2011-2012 season. Pretty sure it was coach/advisor Bill McDonald who was responsible for finding Matt. I will always remember Bill telling me Matt was a good sized kid (6'2" 205) who could move the puck and score (when he signed he had 24 points in 18 games in Sylvan Lake as a defenseman) but he was so "green" they didn't know what they had. Bill used to say, "Matt is still used to driving to the rink with all of his equipment on, that is how little experience he has." Now everyone knows what Allen had at the time. Matt has developed into an all-star defenseman for the Reign and was selected as the ECHL's "Defenseman of the Year" last season with 44 points (14 goals 30 assists) and was a +21. He has six games in the AHL this year with the Chicago Wolves where he had four assists in the six games.

Both Blackwater and Register are impact players for Ontario that would like nothing more than to do well against their old team. Best keep an eye on these guys.


- Here is a statistical comparison of Allen and Ontario:

Points: Allen (68) - Ontario (61)
Goals For: Allen (183) - Ontario (145)
Goals Allowed: Allen (113) - Ontario (119)
Goal Differential: Allen (+70) - Ontario (+26)
Team Plus/Minus: Allen (+233) - Ontario (+146)

Allen is ranked #1 in league standings. Ontario is ranked #7.
Allen is #1 in average goals scored per game (4.26). Ontario is #11 (3.09).
Allen is ranked #2 in average goals allowed (2.63). Ontario is #1 (2.53).

- When two good teams play each other special teams is usually a factor. Allen has a better overall power play and penalty kill than Ontario and when you look at home and road stats the Americans have an even bigger advantage.  At home Ontario is ranked #14 (18.8%) on the power play and #7 (87.5%) on the penalty kill. On the road Allen is #1 (23.5%) on the power play and #1 (91.8%) on the penalty kill.

- Keep an eye on who scores the first goal as it will be important for Allen to get off to a good start. Ontario is almost unbeatable if they score the first goal as they have record if 21-2-0-2 when scoring first.

- Both Allen and Ontario have been most productive in the second period. Here are goals scored by period:
Allen:    46 - 77 - 58
Ontario: 45 - 60 - 35
The only negative goal differential for either of these teams is Ontario in the third period as they have scored 35 goals but allowed 40 goals in the third.

- Goalie play may turn out to be the key difference in the game with Ontario having lost their top two goalies recently. Jussi Olkinuora who had played in 27 games (.916 save percentage) was reassigned to St. John's (AHL) the end of January and on Saturday Ontario lost all-star goalie Joe Cannata to injury and placed him on the 21 day IR.  Cannata has played in 19 games and has the ECHL's lowest GAA (2.13). Yesterday, Ontario picked up goalie Daniel Spence in a trade with Colorado. Spence is a 27 year old rookie who has played in just three ECHL games with a GAA of 2.94 and save percentage of .889. With Riley Gill in goal for Allen (the winningest goalie in the ECHL this year) it should be an advantage.

- Spencer Asuchak will be back in the line up for Allen but the Americans will be missing Rylan Schwartz who was recalled by Worcester and Jesse Messier who did not make the trip.

- With the late All-Star break and the bad travel the last week the Americans have not skated on six of the last ten days. They should be well rested! For Ontario on the other hand it will be their fourth game in five days.



DID YOU KNOW: The year after Colton Yellow Horn left the Allen Americans (2012-2013) he played for the Ontario Reign and was leading the ECHL in goals scored until he got called up to the Manchester Monarchs (AHL) for 28 games. Even though he only played in 48 games (out of 72) for Ontario that year he had 36 goals and finished second in the ECHL in goals scored, just two behind the league leader who had 38 goals in 69 games.

California Here We Come, Roster Changes & Is This The Highest Scoring Team In Allen Americans History?

It is rise and shine this morning as the Allen Americans make their way to Ontario, California for two games with the Ontario Reign on Tuesday and Wednesday. It will be the last chance for Allen to show the rest of the league they can compete outside the Central Division and many will be watching. Allen is 1-2 (one loss in OT) outside the division so having a good showing in Ontario is important.

The good news for the team is they are flying rather than taking the bus and will go from the below zero temperatures in Brampton to mid 80's in Ontario. The team left early this morning and will practice when they get to Ontario.

The roster changes for the two games in Ontario look like this:
- Spencer Asuchak has returned to the team after playing two games in Worcester (AHL)
- Rylan Schwartz has been recalled by Worcester so will not be on the trip
- Jesse Messier is injured and will not make the trip to Ontario
- Patrik Valcak has still not recovered from his injury and will not make the trip
- Josh Trimberger is with the team and will be the back up goalie

- Will have a complete game preview tomorrow but Ontario may be the more tired team on Tuesday as they just finished a three games in three days in Colorado yesterday. They lost one game in regulation, one in over time and they won the third in a shootout. To make matters worse Ontario lost their all-star goalie with the best GAA in the ECHL (Joe Cannata) to injury on Saturday. He has been placed on the 21 day IR.


THE RECORDS ARE STARTING TO FALL

- There is no doubt that when this season is completed almost every single season record in the Allen Americans record book will be held by a member of the 2014-2015 team. With just 43 games played the all time record list is already full of players from 2014-2015 and they should be at the top of the list soon. Here are eight major categories of all time single season records:

Points:
88 - Colton Yellow Horn (2010-2011)
79 - Bruce Graham (2009-2010)
76 - Alex Lavoie (2013-2014)
73 - Bruce Graham (2010-2011)
73 - Justin Bowers (2009-2010)
71 - CHAD COSTELLO (2014-2015)

Goals:
34 - Nino Musitelli (2010-2011)
34 - Bruce Graham (2010-2011)
33 - Colton Yellow Horn (2010-2011)
31 - GARY STEFFES (2014-2015)

Assists:
55 - Colton Yellow Horn (2010-2011)
51 - Alex Lavoie (2013-2014)
50 - Justin Bowers (2009-2010)
49 - CHAD COSTELLO (2014-2015)

Power Play Goals:
16 - Bruce Graham (2010-2011)
12 - Tyler Ludwig (2013-2014)
12 - GARY STEFFES (2014-2015)

Shorthanded Goals:
5 - Spencer Asuchak (2013-2014)
4 - GREGER HANSON (2014-2015)
 
Game Winning Goals:
9 - Bruce Graham (2009-2010)
7 - Nino Musitelli (2010-2011)
6 - GARY STEFFES (2014-2015)

Plus/Minus:
+27 - Dave Bonk (2010-2011)
+27 - CHAD COSTELLO (2014-2015)
+26 - GARY STEFFES (2014-2015)
+25 - Jamie Schaafsma (2013-2014)
+25 - GREGER HANSON (2014-2015)
+24 - TREVOR LUDWIG (2014-2015)

Penalty minutes:
257 - Garrett Klotz (2013-2014)
240 - BRETT LYON (2014-2015)
223 - Garrett Clarke (2012-2013)


- Riley Gill will be all over the single season goalie record book at the pace he is going. He is already 7th in games played (32), 3rd in wins (23), 6th in saves (828), 5th in minutes played (1835), 4th in GAA, and 2nd in save percentage (.919). 



DID YOU KNOW: If the Allen Americans keep up the current pace on goals scored (4.26 per game) and goals allowed (2.63 per game) they would end the season with the most goals scored and fewest goals allowed in team history.