Allen Struck by Thunder 6-1, Game Recap, Video Highlights, Steve Martinson's Post Game Comments, Rematch Preview and More

The Allen Americans lost to the Wichita Thunder last night by a score of 6-1 before a huge crowd of 11,004 at the INTRUST Bank Arena. It was arguably the worst loss of the season for the Americans at a time when they should be playing their best hockey. For the #3 ranked team in the league to lose to the #24 ranked team in the league by a score of 6-1 just should not happen. The only thing positive about the embarrassing loss is the Americans won't have to wait long to do something about it. Just 21 hours and 31 minutes after the final buzzer sounded in Wichita and a 365 mile bus trip to think about the loss, the puck will drop at the Allen Event Center for the rematch (7:05 pm).


- It took just 94 seconds for Wichita to get on the scoreboard last night. It was the ninth time in the 11 games these teams have played this season the Thunder scored the first goal of the game. By the time the first period was over the game was pretty much over as Wichita had a 4-0 lead. Allen's Alex Breton scored the only goal of the second period to close the gap to 4-1. That was as close as the Americans got as the Thunder added two unanswered goals in the third period to make the final score 6-1.


- The poor performance was more surprising because Allen's record against Wichita this season going into the game was 7-0-3-0.  The Thunder had not been playing well lately losing nine of their last 11 games including four straight.


- Not that it had anything to do with the loss but the Americans were shorthanded, playing one player short. They would have been two players short but Iowa reassigned Mitch McLain who met the team in Wichita.


- Here is the game recap issued by the Allen Americans:  https://allenamericans.com/americans-give-up-four-in-the-first-and-lose-to-wichita-6-1/


- Here is the game recap issued by the Wichita Thunder:  https://www.wichitathunder.com/news/press-release/thunder-snaps-skid-with-6-1-win.html 


- Here are the video highlights:

- Coach Martinson didn't have much to say after the loss. "Didn't see that coming. It is hard to believe after playing three games in three days last weekend and playing so well in the 2-1 overtime win in Tulsa on Sunday we would come out tonight and do this. We were bad in our defensive zone coverage and had a bad effort overall."



ALLEN VS WICHITA REMATCH PREVIEW


 - The good news for Allen is Tyler Sheehy will be back in the lineup tonight after missing the last six games with an injury. Overall Sheehy has missed 15 games (injury and callups) this season but still leads the ECHL in scoring. His presence is noticed in all phases of the game; even strength, PP and PK. Not sure how much playing time he will get in his first game back since February 14 but he is definitely a difference maker.


- The first goal of the game last night was a power play goal by Wichita. It was their only power play of the game. Allen had three power play opportunities and failed to convert on any of them. Allen has allowed a power play goal to Wichita in their last seven head to head matchups. If Allen expects to win tonight they have to do better on special teams. Hopefully, Sheehy will help win the special teams battle.


- Look for Dereck Baribeau to get the start in goal. Dereck did not make the trip to Wichita but typically the goalie that stays home works with goalie coach Chris Johansen. Avoiding the quick trip to Wichita and the 12+ hours on the bus should have Baribeau ready for the game tonight.


- Having Mitch McLain back with the Americans is also a big plus. Mitch is a Steve Martinson type player who is tough, greasy, has a lot of skill and is a leader. Mitch is from Minnesota and in his last year of high school led his team with 64 points (35G, 29A) in just 25 games. In his last year in juniors (Langley Rivermen) he led his team in scoring with 60 points (24G, 36A) in 57 games. In college (Bowling Green) he led his team in scoring and penalty minutes as a junior and goals as a senior. He spent the entire last season (2018-19) with the Iowa Wild and finished with 10 goals and 10 assists. Mitch was captain of his junior team for two years and his college team as a senior. His accolades include All-American and All-Academic honors. Not sure how long he will be in Allen but with his skill and style of play he will quickly become a popular player.


- If you watched the video highlights you saw Allen did have goal scoring chances but just could not finish. You also saw the many defensive breakdowns on the Wichita goals. The Americans out shot the Thunder 33-31. Allen has an 11.9% shooting percentage compared to 10.2% for Wichita. If Allen can out shoot Wichita tonight you have to like their chances of winning the game.


- The five goal loss last night was the third time this season Allen has lost a game by five or more goals. If you are looking for a positive sign here it is. On October 18 Allen lost to Utah 10-4. The next night Allen beat Utah 5-4 in overtime. On January 13 Allen lost to Utah 6-1. The next night Allen beat Utah 6-5 in overtime. On February 28 Allen lost to Wichita 6-1. The next night they play Wichita and ?????.



OTHER COMMENTS

 - Allen didn't get any closer to clinching a playoff spot last night. While the Americans were losing, Tulsa beat Rapid City 6-3 to move ahead of the Rush by one point (61 vs 60). However, Rapid City has three games in hand over Tulsa. The teams play again tonight in Rapid City.


- Utah and Idaho both gained ground on Allen even though they played each other. Idaho came from behind to tie the score 1-1 early in the third period and won the game in overtime. Utah earned one point and is now six points in back of Allen. With their win, Idaho is now nine points behind Allen. Utah plays Idaho again tonight in Boise.


- In the battle for the Brabham Cup, Allen and Newfoundland lost ground last night with losses while Florida gained ground with a win. South Carolina was idle. All four teams are in action tonight. Here are the winning percentages with games remaining in parenthesis:

.768 - South Carolina (16)
.728 - Florida (15)
.707 - Allen (14)
.694 - Newfoundland (18)


- Allen has a total of three goals in their last two games but still lead the ECHL in average goals per game. The Americans are the only ECHL team averaging over four goals per game (4.02). 
   



DID YOU KNOW: How important is having Tyler Sheehy in the lineup for the Allen Americans? With Tyler out of the lineup (15 games) Allen's winning percentage is .533 (7-5-3-0). With Tyler in the lineup (43 games) Allen's winning percentage is .756 (30-8-3-2).       

 

Allen vs Wichita Preview, Roster Update, All-Time Rookie 30 Point Scorers and More

It is game day for Allen as the Americans are in Wichita to take on the Thunder tonight (7:05 pm). It seems hard to believe but the Americans are down to their last 15 games of the regular season.  The game tonight will be the 11th time these teams have met this season. They will play for the 12th and final time tomorrow (Saturday) in Allen.


- The Americans will once again play shorthanded as Brett Pollock and Tyler Sheehy did not make the trip to Wichita. Coach Martinson shared with me that Mitch McLain (Iowa Wild) was meeting the team in Wichita to make a total of 15 skaters for the game. There will be nine forwards and six defensemen. Cole Fraser could get shifts on the blue line and upfront.


- Jake Paterson and Andrew Shortridge are the two goalies on the trip. If you have noticed, recently coach Martinson has gone away from a strict rotation of goalies and played a hot goalie in back to back games. Jake Paterson stopped 42 of 43 shots in Allen's 2-1 overtime win over Tulsa last Sunday. I wouldn't be surprised if Paterson gets the start in Wichita. 


- Allen has earned at least one point in all 10 games they have played against Wichita this season with a record of 7-0-3-0.


- In their 10 head to head games Allen has outscored Wichita 50-32 and out shot them 366-310. Neither team has done a good job on the penalty kill. Allen has a power play goal in nine of the 10 games and a power play percentage of 25.6% (11-43). Wichita has a power play goal in seven of the 10 games including the last six and a power play percentage of 24.3% (9-37).


- The recent games against Wichita have turned into run and gun contests with Allen coming out on top. The scores of the last three games, all Allen wins, were 8-5, 7-6 and 6-3. While Allen should fare well tonight in a high scoring game I am sure coach Martinson would much prefer a more defensive minded game. 


- Despite Allen's great record against Wichita this season the Thunder have scored the first goal in seven of the 10 games. Would be a good sign to see Allen score the first goal tonight. 


- Four of the 10 games Allen and Wichita have played this season ended up being decided in overtime. Wichita has won three of the four overtime games.


- Olivier Archambault leads Allen when playing Wichita with 20 points (7G, 13A) followed by Alex Breton with 13 points (4G, 9A) and Jordan Topping with 12 points (6G, 6A).



OTHER COMMENTS


- Tyler Sheehy is eligible to come off the injured reserve list tomorrow and could be back in the lineup. Despite missing 13 games because of injury and call ups, Tyler still has a two point lead in the ECHL scoring race with 64 points. He has a 17 point lead in points scored by rookies.


- I decided to take a look at points scored by rookies over the 11 year history of the Allen Americans franchise. In the last 11 years just 10 rookies have scored 30 or more points. Alex Lavoie is the only one that led the league in rookie scoring and he was also selected as the league's Rookie of the Year. Tyler Sheehy could become the second Allen player to win the rookie scoring title and the league Rookie of the Year Award.

76 points - Alex Lavoie (2013-14)
64 points - Tyler Sheehy (2019-20)
56 points - Spencer Asuchak (2013-14)
44 points - Braylon Shmyr (2018-19)
*41 points - David Strathman (2010-11)
41 points - Nick Layton (2011-12)
*39 points - Alex Breton (2018-19)
*39 points - Justin Baker (2014-15)
33 points - Tobias Whelan (2009-10)
*30 points - Eric Roy (2015-16)

*defensemen


- Two of Allen's rookie defensemen could make the 30 point list, Jack Sadek has 29 points and Les Lancaster has 27 points. Lancaster is currently on loan to Stockton (AHL) and has also been loaned to Iowa and San Antonio this season. Les has 27 points but has played in only 34 games for Allen. Based on a full season he would have 55-60 points.


- Allen could punch their ticket to the Kelly Cup playoffs this weekend. Allen plays Wichita twice while Tulsa is in Rapid City for three games. Any combination of points gained by Allen or lost by Tulsa totaling five puts the Americans in the playoffs.


- There are 12 games tonight around the ECHL and it is worth some scoreboard watching for Allen fans. Utah is at Idaho and Tulsa is at Rapid City. Here is the ECHL preview on all 12 games: https://www.echl.com/en/news/2020/2/echl-today-feb-28 


- The top two teams in the ECHL by winning percentage are both in the South Division. There are four teams in the league with a winning percentage above .700.

.768 - South Carolina
.723 - Florida
.719 - Allen
.708 - Newfoundland

If South Carolina is to be caught it will have to happen in the next two weeks. The Stingrays have lost players recently to the AHL and they are hitting the road for two weeks and seven games. Three of those games are in Idaho. If Florida, Allen and Newfoundland don't make up ground in the next two weeks the Brabham Cup will most likely go to South Carolina. The Stingrays finish the season with eight of nine games at home.



DID YOU KNOW: The rivalry between Allen and Wichita goes back many years and was probably cemented when the Americans came back in game seven of the 2013 CHL championship to beat Wichita in overtime. More than any other team, Allen has dominated Wichita since the teams joined the ECHL in 2014. Even last season when Allen had the worst record in the ECHL their record against Wichita was 8-4-0-2. The Americans had only 25 wins last season which means 32% of their total wins came against Wichita. Here are the records over the last five years:

45-12-4-2: Allen's overall record against Wichita
20-6-3-2: Allen's record in Wichita
25-6-1-0: Allen vs Wichita in Allen

A Fun Practice for the Americans, Loaned Players Reach 10, PIMS Stats and More

It is always fun going to an Allen Americans practice and a hockey game breaks out. Thus was the case yesterday as there were no coaches, no drills, just a bunch of guys having having fun playing the game they love. It was another three on three cross ice tournament. There were three teams; the defensemen, the young forwards and the old forwards. A series of six minute running time contests leading to a final match where the losing team had to represent the team at a Twin Peaks event tonight.


- My observations of this three on three tournament:

The defensemen were dominate, winning four of the five games they played, winning most games by lopsided scores. Their only loss was 1-0 to the young forwards. Looked like defensemen play offense better than forwards play defense.

While the games were fun these guys take any competition seriously.

With his size and reach Stepan Falkovsky seems to cover the entire ice surface in a cross ice game.

The "old" forwards took it in the shorts and will be spending their evening at Twin Peaks tonight. Knowing them they will probably claim they lost on purpose.

It is a long season so it is nice to see a few practice days where the goal is to have some fun.


- It was good to see Tyler Sheehy and Brett Pollock, who have been out with injuries, back on the ice playing in the three on three tournament. It doesn't necessarily mean they will be playing on Friday but there is a chance. Josh Brittain who had been out sick, is also back.


- The NHL trade deadline passed on Monday with the Minnesota Wild making no moves. The next critical date to keep an eye on is next Monday (March 2) which is the AHL trade/loan deadline. Then March 5 is the ECHL trade deadline. 


- One of the recruiting tools Steve Martinson uses is his reputation for loaning players. He is arguably the best recruiter in the league which is a big part of his success. This season he has outdone himself with  number of players he recruited and signed who have spent time in the AHL. Several have earned AHL contracts (SPC). Here is the list of players signed by Martinson in the off season who have seen time with AHL teams. This list doesn't include players like Alex Breton and Olivier Archambault who Martinson helped get AHL deals before the season began.

Josh Atkinson (signed SPC with Iowa)
Matt Register (signed SPC with Iowa)
Jake Doty (signed SPC with Ontario)
Turner Ottenbreit
Les Lancaster
Brett Pollock
Gabe Gagne
Jordan Topping
Jared VanWormer
Jake Paterson


- It is possible every player on the list above with the exception of Atkinson could be on Allen's playoff roster. One of the best things about loaning players during the season is they will be better players after spending time in the AHL.


- A big three game series between second place Utah and third place Idaho takes place tonight, Friday and Saturday in Boise. Even though Utah is currently in second place, Idaho has dominated their head to head series with the Grizzlies with a record of 6-1-0-1. Eight of Utah's 15 remaining games (53%) are against Idaho with six of the eight in Boise. Utah also has three games in Allen.


- Idaho doesn't have an easy schedule by any means. In addition to eight games against Utah they have to play league leading South Carolina three times (all at home) and two games in Allen.


- There are six games on tap around the ECHL today. Here is the ECHL preview on the six games:  https://www.echl.com/en/news/2020/2/echl-today-feb-26


- Congratulations to former Allen Americans defenseman Aaron Gens who starts a new full time job today as the Hockey Programs Manager at the Children's Health StarCenter in McKinney. Along with a co-manager, Aaron will be responsible for all of the youth and adult hockey coming through the rink. He also plans to continue coaching one of the youth teams. 



DID YOU KNOW: Allen is having one of their best regular seasons since joining the ECHL but is doing it in a different way when it comes to penalty minutes. Allen has always been at or near the top of the list in all categories of penalties. Not the case in 2019-20. Here is how Allen ranks in the PIMS categories:

15th - Average penalty minutes per game
7th - Minor penalties
17th - Five minute major penalties
13th - 10 minute misconduct penalties
21st - Game misconduct penalties  

Gutsy Performance Leads to Overtime Victory, Game Recap, Video Highlights, Martinson's Post Game Comments, NHL Trade Deadline Impacts and More

There are some games that show the character of a team in a way that makes you sit back and admire what they just accomplished. Thus was the case yesterday as a gutsy performance by the Americans led to them beating the Oilers in Tulsa 2-1 in overtime before a crowd 5149 at the BOK Center.


- Here are some of the obstacles the Americans were dealing with on Sunday:

Third game in less than 48 hours
Same day bus travel (230 miles) after Saturday night game
Playing a team that had Saturday off
Playing a team they had lost to 5-3 on Friday
Playing two players short with only 14 skaters
Playing with only eight forwards and six defensemen
Missing their #1, #2, #5, #7 and #9 goal scorers
Playing with a starting goalie that had not played since February 8th


- You have to be impressed how the Americans overcame all of the obstacles to win a low scoring game. Allen scored first, late in the first period, on Olivier Archambault's third goal in two games. Former Allen defenseman Miles Liberati got the equalizer for Tulsa early in the second period and that was the extent of the score in regulation time. Josh Lammon took a pass from Archambault and scored on a breakaway just 69 seconds into the overtime to give the Americans two well earned points. Allen goalie Jake Paterson was outstanding stopping 42 of 43 shots for a .977 save percentage.


- Here is the game recap from the Tulsa Oilers: https://tulsaoilers.com/americans-outlast-oilers-in-goaltenders-duel/


- You can find the video highlights at this link. The goals are out of sequence but all three are included:  https://www.echl.com/en/tag?id=5bb763bdd3bc0f20ed973ef0&name=ECHL%20Video



STEVE MARTINSON'S POST GAME COMMENTS

"The game was a solid effort all the way around by the team."

"Even though Tulsa had  some scoring chances we didn't give up many and we avoided the cross ice passes down low."

"Our defensemen made a lot of great "D to D" passes that helped with our breakouts."

"It was great to see Josh Lammon get rewarded on that game winning goal. He made a good rush and a nice move on that goal."

"Jake Paterson was outstanding in goal. Jake and our goalie coach, Chris Johansen, worked together while he was out of the lineup and their hard work payed off tonight."

"I would like to see this game be a defining statement that says we can play the way we need to play when we have to."



OTHER COMMENTS

- South Carolina is the first team to qualify for the 2020 Kelly Cup playoffs. The Stingrays have been in the ECHL since 1993-94 and have missed the playoffs only one time (2006-07).


- Allen has not clinched a playoff spot but they are getting close. The Americans can no longer be caught by Wichita. A combination of Allen gaining points or these teams losing points that total the following will mathematically eliminate these teams from catching the Americans. Since Tulsa is in fifth place, once Allen eliminates them the Americans will be guaranteed a playoff spot. 

3 points - Kansas City
6 points - Tulsa
13 points - Rapid City
22 points - Idaho
23 points - Utah   


- South Carolina has to be the favorite to win the Brabham Cup as the regular season champion. Here are the current ECHL points standings with games remaining in parenthesis:

86 points - South Carolina  (17 games remaining)
82 points - Allen (15 games remaining)
81 points - Florida  (16 games remaining)
75 points - Newfoundland  (19 games remaining)
74 points - Cincinnati  (16 games remaining)  


- The NHL Winter Classic next season will be hosted by the Minnesota Wild. It was announced yesterday the St. Louis Blues will be taking on the Wild. High temps shouldn't be an issue for the January 1, 2021 game. The average temperature for that day is a low of 6 degrees and high of 24 degrees. The all time record low for January 1 is -30 and the record high is 48.


- Utah stumbled at home losing to Kansas City 1-0 on Saturday and 2-1 in a shootout yesterday. The teams will play again tonight in the only ECHL game scheduled. The Americans now have a 10 point lead in the standings over Utah and 13 points over Idaho.


- The Americans don't play again until Friday when they travel to Wichita to play the Thunder. The teams will have a rematch in Allen on Saturday. The big question for the week is who will return from injury, illness and loans to the AHL.


- The NHL trade deadline is this afternoon (2:00 pm CST) and it will finally be known if the Wild add players or subtract players through trades. The answer to this question will have an impact on whether Allen will lose players to Iowa or gain players from Iowa as the season ends and the playoffs begin. Keep in mind any player under contract with the Wild, either AHL or NHL, could be moved at the deadline so it is possible, though not likely, Wild contracted players on the Allen roster could be traded today.

  

DID YOU KNOW: Once the game last night headed to overtime the advantage was with Allen. The Americans have the most overtime wins in the ECHL (10) while Tulsa has the fewest (1). Allen is 10-6 in overtimes, Tulsa is 1-6.

Allen Wins Another High Scoring Game, Video Highlights, Game Recap, Martinson's Comments, Allen vs Tulsa Preview and More

If you like offense you enjoyed the Allen Americans 8-5 win over Wichita last night before a big Star Wars crowd of 5663 at the Allen Event Center. It was the third time this season Allen has been involved in a game with 13 goals. The only game with more than 13 goals was the Allen 10-4 loss to Utah in the third game of the season.


- Last night was the 23rd time this season Allen has scored five or more goals in a game and the third time the Americans have scored eight goals.


- If you like defense it was another disappointing effort by the Americans who gave up five goals to a team that is ranked #24 in the ECHL in winning percentage. It was the 14th time this season Allen has allowed five or more goals in a game.


- The bottom line is Allen came away from Star Wars night with two big points. Combined with a Utah 1-0 loss at home to Rapid City,  the Americans have increased their Mountain Division lead to nine points with 16 games remaining in the season.


- Allen dominated the first period by out shooting Wichita 19-7 but once again gave up the first goal of the game. It was the eighth time in 10 games against the Thunder this season Allen has surrendered the first goal.


- Indicative of the lack of defense by both teams the score was tied 1-1, 2-2, 4-4 and 5-5 before Allen finally took control in the third period. The Americans have scored more third period goals than any team in the ECHL (80) and have allowed only 57. Allen has best third period goal differential of +23.


- After allowing Wichita to tie the score 5-5 midway through the third period the Americans scored three unanswered goals in the last nine minutes of the game to get the win. The eighth goal was an empty net goal scored by Spencer Asuchak who had gone over two months (28 games) without a goal.


- Allen out shot Wichita 52-35 last night. The 52 shots is the second highest shot total all season. There is little doubt about the offensive talent on this team. They scored eight goals last night and the Americans #1, #2, #5, #7 and #9 goals scorers were out of the line up. A team is usually in trouble when they are missing five of their top 10 goal scorers. 


- Goal scorers for Allen were Colton Heffley (1), Corey Durocher (9), Jack Sadek (5), Alex Guptill (23), Olivier Archambault (15 & 16), Stepan Falkovsky (14) and Spencer Asuchak (6).
 


- Here is the game recap issued by the Allen Americans:  https://allenamericans.com/americans-down-thunder-on-star-wars-night/ 


- Here are the eight Allen goals courtesy of Sporfie:

Colton Heffley - his first pro goal in his first pro game on a great pass from Jake Doty

https://sporfie.app.link/2if1jhTBj4


Corey Durocher - another great pass from Doty

https://sporfie.app.link/APT3hNZBj4


Jack Sadek - great pass number three from Doty

https://sporfie.app.link/7Dtjj04Bj4


 Alex Guptill - Alex with his 23rd goal of the season

https://sporfie.app.link/CHkAMO8Bj4


Olivier Archambault - first of two goals by Archambault

https://sporfie.app.link/IIhqtAeCj4


 - Stepan Falkovsky - An Archambault pass sets up the "Falcon" for his rocket of a slap shot which was the game winner.

https://sporfie.app.link/KCB5AZkCj4


-  Olivier Archambault - A great pass by Mitch McLain leads to Archambault's second goal of the game.

https://sporfie.app.link/C8rJJRoCj4


-  Spencer Asuchak - This empty net goal was Asuchak's first goal since November 12. Notice he first misses the open net before stuffing the puck in on a second effort.

https://sporfie.app.link/LbwNYAtCj4


- I stopped by coach Martinson's office after the game and he was watching the end of his son's game from New Mexico. While it was nice to get the win he was frustrated how the team can have so many dominating shifts offensively and then give up so many great scoring chances. He singled out Jake Doty, who had the primary assist on the first three Allen goals and his line mates (Heffley and Durocher) for their hard work. He also talked about the penalty kill breakdowns and the need to tighten that up on Sunday. 



ALLEN VS TULSA PREVIEW

- There will be no rest for the weary as the Americans hopped on the bus at 10:00 am for the 230 mile trip to Tulsa where they will take on the Oilers this afternoon (4:05 pm). After Tulsa beat the Americans 5-3 on Friday they had Saturday night off while Allen was playing Wichita.


- It is bad enough the Americans have to play their third game in 48 hours while Tulsa was resting on Saturday, to make matters worse Allen will be playing shorthanded. Matt Register, Mitch McLain, and Kyle Bauman are headed back to Iowa today. Brett Pollock is injured, Josh Brittain is sick, Les Lancaster is in Stockton and Jared VanWormer is in Cleveland. It adds up to 14 skaters for the game in Tulsa. With six defensemen and eight forwards look for Cole Fraser to move up front for the game. Incidentally, I was talking to Cole's parents at practice on Thursday and they told be he played forward for most of his youth hockey career.


- Allen's penalty kill struggled last night giving up two goals in three opportunities but over the last six games is 3-20 (85.0%). The Americans power play was 2-4 last night and over the last six games is 5-28 (17.9%). In the two games this week against Tulsa neither team was great on the power play. Allen was 1-7 (14.3%) and Tulsa was 0-7. It is fair to say whoever wins the special teams battle today will most likely win the game.


- Another key today against Tulsa is keeping the shots on goal down. Tulsa is the #1 ranked team in the ECHL in shots on goal. The Americans have a record of 5-2-0-0 against Tulsa but they have been out shot in six of the seven games including both of the losses to the Oilers.


OTHER COMMENTS

- Once again the Americans overcame the big crowd (5663), specialty jersey curse with the win last night. The live auction of the Star Wars jerseys saw some active bidding and the highest auction prices in a long time. The lowest price was $550 and two jerseys hit $1000. Stepan Falkovsky's jersey went for $1100 and Spencer Asuchak's went for $1000.


- Les Lancaster, Jared VanWormer and Turner Ottenbreit were all healthy scratches last night. Lancaster he has sat out both games since he was loaned to Stockton. It is great when players get loaned to AHL teams but it is tough when they don't get to play especially when the Americans will be playing short two skaters today.


DID YOU KNOW:  Six ECHL teams have scored more than 190 goals this season. All six are currently in a playoff position:

230 - Allen Americans*
207 - Newfoundland Growlers*
202 - Florida Everblades
199 - Brampton Beast
192 - South Carolina Stingrays*
192 - Fort Wayne Komets

*Lead their division in points & winning percentage

 

Allen Loses to Tulsa, Game Recap, Video Highlights, Martinson's Post Game Comments, Allen vs Wichita Preview and More

After allowing a total of four goals in four games going into last night's game against Tulsa it appeared the Allen Americans defensive play had turned around. Turned out not to be the case as the Americans lost to the Oilers 5-3 before a crowd of 4002 at the Allen Event Center. The game was not as close as the final score.


- With a 1-1 tie after the first period the wheels came off for the Americans in the second period as turnovers in the defensive zone, turnovers in neutral ice and turnovers trying to carry the puck into the offensive zone led to four unanswered Tulsa goals. When Tulsa scored at the 18:09 mark of the second period to make the score 5-1 the game was essentially over. Allen managed to score with .3 seconds left in the period to make the score 5-2 to give themselves some hope but could not close the gap in the third period until they tallied a meaningless goal with six seconds remaining in the game.


- Allen is going to have to play much better when they play the Oilers in Tulsa on Sunday afternoon. It won't be easy as Tulsa takes the day off today (Saturday) while Allen has to play Wichita and then travel to Tulsa overnight.


- Goal scorers for Allen were Jordan Topping (22 & 23) and Jared VanWormer (21). Here are the video highlights:

Here is the game recap from the Allen Americans: https://allenamericans.com/oilers-big-second-period-sinks-americans/


Here is the game recap issued by the Tulsa Oilers:  https://tulsaoilers.com/oilers-sink-americans-at-allen-event-center-thanks-to-great-second-period/



STEVE MARTINSON'S POST GAME COMMENTS

    

"The biggest thing we talked about before the game was getting pucks in deep and avoiding turnovers and we didn't execute that at all."

"On one of their goals we had three different players turn the puck over which finally led to a 2-on-1."

"We had enough puck possession to win that game, we just weren't smart. You can't turn the puck over like we did tonight."

"You think we are getting better defensively and then some of the same guys make the same mistakes. It is back to the drawing board with some of those guys."

"We are loaning VanWormer to Cleveland (AHL). He will be leaving in the morning.



ALLEN VS WICHITA PREVIEW

 - The game tonight will be number 10 of 12 Allen will play Wichita this season. Allen has earned points in all nine previous games with a record of 6-0-3-0.


- Wichita arrives in Allen as a team that is really struggling. The Thunder have lost three straight, eight of their last 10 and 13 of their last 16 games. Wichita would like nothing better than to come to Allen and beat the division leading Americans. This is the kind of game Allen has to win.


- Tonight will be the final game for Matt Register, Mitch McLain and Kyle Bauman who will head back to Iowa tomorrow. Jared VanWormer is on his way to Cleveland (AHL) and of course Les Lancaster just got loaned to Stockton (AHL). Coach Martinson mentioned last nigh that Josh Brittain is day to day because of illness. Stepan Falkovsky is available tonight after serving his two game suspension.


- Goalie Jake Paterson was placed on injured reserve yesterday retroactive to February 9th. Andrew Shortridge will get the start in goal tonight. 


- In their nine head to head games Allen has outscored Wichita 42-27 and out shot them 314-275. Allen has a power play goal in eight of the nine games and a power play percentage of 23.1% (9-39). Wichita has a power play goal in six of the nine games and a power play percentage of 20.6% (7-34).


- Despite the great record against Wichita this season the Thunder have scored the first goal in six of the nine games. Allen gave up the first goal last night in the loss to Tulsa and never led in the game. The Americans need to get off to a better start tonight.


- Four of the nine games Allen and Wichita have played this season ended up being decided in overtime. Wichita has won three of the four overtime games.


- Olivier Archambault leads Allen when playing Wichita with 16 points (5G, 11A) followed by Jordan Topping with 12 points (6G, 6A) and Alex Breton with 11 points (4G, 11A).


- The referee scheduled is Casey Terreri who was the referee last night. He let the teams play for the most part as he only called four penalties in the game and just one against Allen. However, tonight is Wichita not Tulsa so look for more penalties.



OTHER COMMENTS


- Here is the Sporfie highlight that the referee reviewed on the disallowed Allen goal last night that would have tied the score 2-2. Pretty clear the goal is dislodged before the puck goes in.


https://sporfie.app.link/rnMEdDGRh4  


- Les Lancaster, who just loaned to Stockton, did not play last night. Stockton plays again tonight in Tuscon. Gabe Gagne also sat out last night but he has been playing regularly since being loaned to Rockford the end of January. He has played in 14 games and has seven points (3G, 4A). His plus/minus is -2. Gabe is expected to be in the lineup tonight when Rockford visits division leading Milwaukee.


- Allen still has a seven point lead over Utah and 11 point lead over Idaho in the Mountain Division but are losing ground because they have lost four of their last six games. While Allen is at home tonight against Wichita, Utah takes on Kansas City at home and Idaho is at home against Rapid City. Only Tulsa is idle.


- Allen isn't the only top team struggling. Newfoundland has lost four straight games including three straight at home after winning 19 straight at home. At the other end of the spectrum is South Division leading South Carolina who has won five straight and seven of their last eight games. Central Division leading Cincinnati has won four straight games after losing five straight.

   

 
DID YOU KNOW:  In the history of the Allen Americans franchise only four players have played 100+ games and had a point per game average of more than one.

1.62 - Chad Costello
1.28 - Bruce Graham
1.15 - Greger Hanson
1.07 - Colton Yellow Horn

Allen vs Tulsa Preview, Roster Update, ECHL Scoring First Stats and More

Welcome to another one of those dreaded weekends when the Allen Americans play three games in 48 hours with a little bus time thrown in for good measure. The Americans are at home tonight (Friday) to take on Tulsa and Saturday to take on Wichita. Then they travel to Tulsa for a game against the Oilers on Sunday afternoon.


- The roster changes seem to come fast and furious these days. The three players assigned by Iowa (Matt Register, Mitch McLain, Kyle Bauman) will play tonight and Saturday before heading back to Iowa on Sunday. Jake Doty, who has been with the Ontario Reign (AHL) all season, arrived yesterday afternoon and will play all three games this weekend before heading back to Ontario.


- Brett Pollock, who was injured in the game on Tuesday, will not play tonight and will likely be out all weekend. Stepan Falkovsky, will be out of the lineup tonight as he will be serving the second game of his two game suspension. Les Lancaster has been loaned to an AHL team. Cole Fraser, who has been out with an injury and hasn't played since January 30, will be back in the lineup.


- Tonight Allen will be missing the top point scorer in the ECHL (Tyler Sheehy), the top goal scoring defenseman in the league (Stepan Falkovsky) plus Pollock's 42 points. They still have plenty of firepower in the lineup and watching Register, Doty, McClain and Bauman may be worth the price of admission and a preview of who may be on the playoff roster.


- Coach Martinson announced after the game on Tuesday that Dereck Baribeau would get the start tonight.  Baribeau has had back to back shutouts as a starter. The last time Dereck allowed a goal was in the third period back on February 1st. Since that time he has appeared in four games (started two) and has gone 156:31 without allowing a goal.


- It is a sign of the times that more and more AHL contracted players are on ECHL rosters. Allen will probably have nine contracted players in uniform tonight with three more (Sheehy, Boka, Falkovsky) on the sidelines.  


- The game tonight will be game number seven of 13 Allen will play Tulsa this season. Allen is 5-1-0-0 in the six games these teams have played thus far. Tulsa has been battling to get back in the playoff picture after a poor start to the season. The Oilers are three points behind Rapid City for the fourth and final playoff spot (Rapid City has three games in hand) with 16 games remaining. The games against Allen are very important in their quest to make the playoffs. 


- Scoring first is so important (see Did You Know below) and the stats bear that out. Allen is 23-3-1-1 when scoring first while Tulsa is 17-7-1-1. In their six head to head games this season Allen has scored first in five of them.


- Another key to look for tonight is shots on goals. Tulsa is #1 in the ECHL in shots on goals (36.09) but in the 4-0 win on Tuesday, Allen out shot the Oilers 36-34. If the Americans can keep the shots close it will give them the edge because they have a much better shooting percentage (12.2% vs 8.5%) than Tulsa.


- Head to head Allen has the advantage on special teams. The Americans have scored power play goals in three of the six games for an overall percentage of 15.4% (4-26). Tulsa scored two power play goals in the only game they have beaten Allen this season but were blanked in the other five. Their power play percentage is 10.0% (2-20). 


OTHER COMMENTS

- Utah is idle tonight so Allen will have the opportunity to lengthen their seven point lead over the Grizzlies. Utah is at home and will play Kansas City on Saturday, Sunday and Monday. The Grizzlies then travel to Idaho to play the Steelheads on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. With six games in eight days Utah will have the chance to gain some ground on the Americans.


- Here is the ECHL Today with a preview of all 10 games in the ECHL tonight.  https://www.echl.com/en/news/2020/2/echl-today-feb-21


- Two University of Minnesota alums are at tho top of the ECHL rookie charts. Tyler Sheehy leads all rookies in points (64), goals (25) and assists (39). Jack Sadek is the leader in plus/minus (+27). 

 


DID YOU KNOW: Here is the ECHL Stats and Information post from this morning which shows the importance of scoring first: 

How important is scoring the first goal of a game? Five ECHL teams are almost unbeatable when scoring first with winning percentages above .850. All of these teams are in the top seven in the ECHL in points:

.911 - Reading Royals
.909 - South Carolina Stingrays
.865 - Cincinnati Cyclones
.857 - Allen Americans
.854 - Utah Grizzlies