Allen Gets Shootout Win, Game Recap, Video Highlights, News and Notes

 

The Allen Americans ended their two game losing streak last night with a 2-1 shootout win over the Utah Grizzlies. A win is a win and any time you can add two points in the standings is a good night, especially at home, but there is still a lot of work to be done to get back to the Allen team that started the season with a record of 12-3. 

 

- Maybe the die was cast when Allen scored the first goal of the game. The Americans had given up the first goal in four straight games prior to last night. It took until 1:27 of the second period but they managed their first and only goal of the game (until the shootout) when Corey Mackin scored shorthanded. Allen is almost unbeatable when scoring first with a record of 11-1.

 

- If you watched the game and look at the box score there are several things that stand out. The first being the fact Utah was playing with a short bench. They just had two of their best players loaned to their AHL affiliate (Colorado) so the Grizzlies played last night with 14 skaters instead of the 17 allowed. Despite being shorthanded the Grizzlies outshot the Americans 32-25 including a lopsided 15-6 in the third period when Allen should have been the fresher team. Coach Martinson's comment to me was, "Utah's forwards had more energy in the third period than we did."  Jake Paterson made a spectacular save on what should have been a sure goal with just over two minutes remaining in the game. It was definitely a game saver.

- Utah's only goal came on the power play. The Americans have allowed a power play goal in seven of their last eight games. The penalty kill percentage over that time is a meager 70.8%.

- Allen was scoreless on the power play (0-2) and have not scored a power play goal in the last three games. However, the Americans have had few power play opportunities the last three games going 0-5.

 

- Neither team did much in the overtime period with each getting just one shot on goal. It was another story when the game went to a shootout. The shootout didn't even go three rounds as Allen's shooters, first Conner Bleackley and then Corey Mackin both scored and Jake Paterson stopped Utah's first two shooters to the secure the win. Allen caught a break as the Grizzlies switched goalies for the shootout which has to be tough for the goalie that sat on the bench the entire game and overtime to come in cold for the shootout. Haven't seen any comments about the reason for the switch but injury is the only plausible reason you would make a change. 

 

- Allen is now 2-0 in shootouts (both against Utah) and has the best conversion percentage in the ECHL at 60% (3-5) and are also tied for #1 in shootout goals allowed with zero (0-5).

 

- Here are the video highlights with the goals, the fights, the shootout and the Paterson's remarkable save. Remember, you can find the video at this link if you have problems opening it:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4PWpLYmvqnA   

Here is the game recap issued by the Utah Grizzlies: https://www.utahgrizzlies.com/en/grizzlies-news/allen-defeats-utah-2-1-in-a-shootout

 

OTHER COMMENTS

- The Americans now prepare for a trip to Kansas City where they will play the Mavericks on Saturday (7:05 CST), Sunday (4:05 CST) and Monday (1:05 CST). Allen then returns home to play the Mavericks twice more (February 19 & 20). The Allen roster is down to 20 players with two goalies, eight defensemen and 10 forwards but that includes forward Colby McAuley who is on injured reserve. Martinson has players coming but not sure if anyone will be available for this weekend. You can be sure he is on the phone talking to players, agents and coaches.   

 

- The Allen Americans released Braylon Shmyr yesterday. Braylon returned to Allen this season after playing for the Americans as a rookie in 2018-19 when he had 44 points (20G, 24A). Shmyr was injured in training camp and spent the first two months of the season on injured reserve. He played in three games since he returned to the lineup and had no points. In talking to coach Martinson he knows he has forwards coming soon and he wanted to release Shmyr now rather than later because teams are looking for forwards and Braylon will be claimed off waivers. 

- Conner Bleackley made a great pass to Corey Mackin for Allens only goal last night. The two also scored the Allen goals in the shootout. Bleackley has played in 12 games since signing in Allen and has yet to have a negative plus/minus game. He leads the team in plus minus (+11), Matt Register is second at +9.

- Three of the top six Allen players in points per game are no longer with the team as they have been recalled by their AHL team; #1 Joe Garreffa (1.18), #5 Tyler Sheehy (.92) and #6 Jake McGrew (.73). Now #2 Corey Mackin (1.00), #3 Jesse Mychan (.95) and #4 Matt Register (.94) are carrying the load. Register leads all ECHL defensemen in points per game (minimum 10 games).

- Wichita signed former Allen forward Bryan Moore last week but he refused to report. The Thunder have now signed another former Allen forward, J.C. Campagna.

 

- The Americans had the smallest crowd of the season last night with 1246 attending the game. When you combine it was a rare Tuesday night game, the Dallas Stars were playing and the weather forecast was iffy it was a tough combination of factors. Allen's average attendance after eight home games is now 1835 which places them #9 of the 13 teams playing. Look for the average attendance to increase as the season progresses.

- Here is my post from ECHL stats today. Quite a tribute to Allen that of the five players in ECHL history that have won three or more championships, two of them have won championships  in Allen.

With Tom Brady winning his seventh championship it is time to look at the players with the most ECHL championships. Only five players in the history of the ECHL have won three championships and just one has four:

 

4 - Nick Vitucci (Goalie) - Carolina 1989, Greensboro 1990, Toledo 1994, Charlotte 1996

3 - Scott Burt (Forward) - Idaho 2004, 2007, Alaska 2011

3 - Riley Gill (Goalie) - Reading 2013, Allen 2015, 2016

3 - Matt Register (Defenseman) - Allen 2016, Colorado 2017, 2018

3 - Patrick Wellar (Defenseman) - Alaska 2006, South Carolina 2009, Reading 2013

 

 

 

 

DID YOU KNOW: No players were with coach Martinson in all four championship seasons in Allen. Six players won three championships with the Americans. Spencer Asuchak is the only one on this list still playing pro hockey and has a chance to win a fourth championship in Allen.

 

 

Tyler Ludwig - 2013, 2014, 2015

Trevor Ludwig - 2013, 2014, 2015

Brian McMillin - 2013, 2014, 2015

Jamie Schaafsma - 2013, 2014, 2015

Spencer Asuchak - 2014, 2015, 2016

Greger Hanson - 2014, 2015, 2016

Allen vs Utah Preview, Wild Games Postponed After COVID Breakout, WOW Stats Around the ECHL and More

 

The Utah in Allen tonight for one game before the Grizzlies travel to Wichita for three games this weekend. It will be the fourth time this season Allen has played the Grizzlies, the Americans won two of three games in Utah at the end of January.

- Allen's schedule is always dominated by games with Tulsa (230 miles from Allen) and Wichita (360 miles form Allen). That is not the case with the current schedule. The schedule for the last two months of the season (April 4 to June 6) hasn't been released but you can assume their will be a heavy dose of games against Tulsa and Wichita. What is clear is the current schedule has a lot of games against Utah (1240 miles from Allen). Between January 29 and April 3 the Americans schedule has 29 games, 11 of them (38%) are against Utah. 

 

- Allen's record is 13-5-1-0 (27 points) with a points percentage of .711. Utah's record is 11-4-1-0 (23 points) with a point percentage of .639.

 

- Utah arrives in Allen on a three game win streak. Their last loss was in a shootout at home on January 30 against Allen. The Americans enter the game tonight having lost three of their last four games. 

 

- In their three head to head games Allen had the edge in goals (11-8) but Utah had the edge in shots (85-83). Utah was 4-14 (28.6%) on the power play, Allen was 3-14 (21.4%). Allen took 16 penalties for 40 minutes, Utah took 17 penalties for 40 minutes. Based on the head to head stats these teams are evenly matched.

 

- If you compare special team rankings Utah on the road is #5 (18.2%) on the power play and #1 on the penalty kill. Allen at home is ranked #6 (15.6%) on the power play and #8 (82.1%) on the penalty kill. Utah has the stats edge on special teams both head to head and overall. This will be a key tonight for the Americans. 

 

- With the advantage scoring the first goal of the game provides it is not a surprise the team that scored first won all three games these team recently played in Utah. Allen's record when scoring first is 10-1, Utah's record when scoring first is 7-1-1-1. Allen has given up the first goal in their last four games and lost three of them. The Americans have to get off to a better start tonight if the expect to win. Being ready to play from the first puck drop will be more important than ever for Allen to get out of this mini-slump.

 

- The top scorers for Allen in the three head to head games against Utah were Jesse Mychan with five points (1G, 4A) and Matt Register with four points (1G, 3A). Corey Mackin had two goals in the three games. Utah had four players with three points in the three games against Allen but two of them were loaned to Colorado (AHL) yesterday. They lost their top scoring defenseman, Miles Gendron and forward Riley Woods.

 

- A couple of other team stats worth noting are shooting percentage and save percentage. Allen scores on 10.3% of their shots on goal, Utah on 9.7%. Team goalie stats shows Allen with a .922 save percentage and Utah at .901. 

 

- With the exception of Colby McAuley, who is on injured reserve, everyone else should be available for the game tonight which means one defenmseman will sit out.  Jake Paterson will get the start in goal and if you notice what looks like a new player on the ice it is just Zane Franklin sans the big red beard. 

 

- Jesse Mychan has the current second longest point streak in the ECHL. He has at least one point in six straight games. In those six games he has three goals and six assists. Matt Register has also been on a points scoring binge with points in six of his last eight games. In those eight games Matt has 10 points (2G, 8A). He is now #2 in the ECHL in points by defensemen with 16, just one point behind the leader.

 

OTHER COMMENTS

- Allen's NHL affiliate has had a big COVID breakout. The Minnesota Wild had five players on the COVID list last week but that increased to nine on Sunday and 11 on Monday. More games have been postponed and the team isn't sure when they will return to play. In the story it says Minnesota will not call up a bunch of players from Iowa to replenish the roster so this should not impact Allen. Here is a story with all of the details: https://www.kvrr.com/2021/02/08/minnesota-wild-has-2-more-games-postponed-as-covid-19-issues-continue/   

- Here is the Allen Americans weekly update from Tommy Daniels:  https://allenamericans.com/news/press-release/americans-weekly-update-5/

 

- Allen's roster has been stable for a couple of weeks. Based on past history Steve Martinson is always trying to improve the roster and that is even more the case when the team is struggling. My guess is you will see roster changes soon. 

 

- Allen's AHL affiliate, Iowa Wild, is off to a 1-1-1-0 start after three games. Tyler Sheehy has played in all three games, has one assist and is in the top five on the team in plus/minus (+2). Tyler wasn't given much of a chance to show what he could do at the next level last season as he had a MVP type season in the ECHL (he was runner-up). If given a chance to play regularly in Iowa it may be playoff time before Sheehy is back in Allen. 

 

- Posted this on my ECHL Stats page today. Some stats that got my attention.

WOW numbers from the stat sheet:

 

- Florida has killed 49 of 51 (96.1%) power plays at home

- Greenville has gone to OT in 58% of their games

- Indy is 7-1-1-0 when out shot by their opponents

- Wheeling has a shorthanded goal in 36% of their games (5 of 14)

- Allen and Wichita are 10-1 when scoring first

- Wichita leads the ECHL with a team save percentage of .932

 

 

 

DID YOU KNOW: Tuesday night home games were good to the Americans last season. They played four, won three and lost the other in overtime. The score in the three wins were 5-1, 6-5 and 4-0.  The overtime loss was 6-5. If the Tuesday night luck holds look for the Americans to score a lot of goals tonight.  

Allen Hits A Rough Patch, The Stats, The Fix, Salaries and the Recent History of .700 ECHL Teams

 

After earning 80% of the possible points (24 of 30) in their first 15 games the Americans have hit a rough patch. Allen will be back at practice today preparing for a home game against Utah tomorrow (Tuesday) night, hoping to avoid losing their fourth game in the last 10 days. Allen has lost three of their last four games and earned 38% of the possible points (3 of 8). 

- There are a lot of stats that show what has happened recently with the Americans. A good example is the penalty kill which is ranked #8 in the league at 83.3%. In their first 13 games Allen's penalty kill gave up five goals. In the last six games the penalty kill unit has given up six power play goals.

 

- Allen is ranked #4 in average goals allowed (2.58) but a week ago the were ranked #1 (2.35). In their last four games the Americans have allowed 16 goals for an average of 4.00 goals per game.

 

- The Americans are scoring enough to win. In their last seven games they have been held to fewer than three goals just once. They had two goals in Wichita on Saturday. It is the defensive zone play that needs improvement to turn things around. I am sure at practice today coach Martinson will be talking about the usual culprits when the team isn't playing well defensively. He will talk about puck possession. winning puck battles, avoiding neutral zone turnovers, trying to make plays that aren't there, getting pucks in deep, finishing checks, being aggressive in jumping into the play but not gambling and avoiding odd man rushes. Having watched Martinson over the years at practice it is the mental mistakes and low hockey IQ decisions that he tries to erase through drills and repetition. 

- If you track roster sizes around the ECHL you may have noticed the Allen Americans have consistently had the fewest players under contract. As of this morning according to Elite Prospects the Americans have 22 players under contract, two fewer than any other team. Two teams have 24, one team has 25, five teams have 26, two teams have 27, one team has 28 and one team has 29. It is important to note coaches and general managers have to deal with the salary cap (up to 20 players on the active roster) when it comes to players salaries but they also have an overall salary budget to pay for all players under contract. What it says to me is the Allen Americans are paying less in total player salaries (not average salary) than any other team in the ECHL. Martinson is doing more with less. The thing to remember as the Allen roster changes is Martinson has to make sure the salaries meet the salary cap as well as  the overall budget caps. While the salary cap is set in the Collective Bargaining Agreement the overall salary budget is set by each team's President/Owner and can vary greatly from team to team. 

 

- Here are the ECHL team stats that are expressed in averages. Looking at raw numbers is not very accurate this season because teams have played as few as 14 games and as many as 21. Here are the numbers for Allen expressed in average per game or percentage and the ECHL rank:

Penalty Minutes - 13.32   #4

Power Play - 18.4%   #5

Penalty Kill - 83.3%   #8

Goals For - 3.58   #2

Goals Against - 2.58   #3

Shots For - 34.26   #2

Shots Against - 33.00   #11

 

- Here is the Western Conference Weekly with info on all of the teams and their schedule for the week:  https://www.echl.com/en/news/2021/2/western-conference-weekly-feb-8

 

- I am sure you saw or heard a lot of sports quotes if you watched much Super Bowl coverage yesterday. This one from Vince Lombardi struck me because it applies to a lot more than sports, "Individual commitment to a group effort - that is what makes a team work, a company work, a society work, a civilization."

 

DID YOU KNOW: So far this season there are four teams with a points percentage above .700 led by Indy at.794. Here are the number of teams that finished the season above .700 since 2014-15 with the top team and point percentage in parenthesis:

2019-20: 4 teams (.742, South Carolina & Florida)

2018-19: 2 teams (.764, Cincinnati)

2017-18: 4 teams, (.778, Florida)

2016-17: 2 teams, (.736, Toledo)

2015-16: 1 team, (.757, Missouri)

2014-15: 5 teams (.743, Toledo)

None of the top teams went on to win the Kelly Cup     

First Back to Back Losses of the Season, Game Recap, Video Highlights, Looking Ahead, Former Players in AHL and More

 

The Allen Americans lost in Wichita last night by a score of 5-2 before a crowd of 1630 at INTRUST Bank Arena. The Americans took three of a possible six points in the three game series against the Thunder and lost back to back games for the first time all season. Allen has now lost three of their last four games. 

 

- The game last night was similar to the American's loss in Allen on Friday night the difference being the timing. Wichita scored first, which they did in all three games in the series, but Allen came back to take the lead 2-1. Wichita then battled back and the Americans couldn't respond. On Friday night Allen took a 3-1 lead before Wichita scored the last three goals of the game to take the win 4-3. Last night Allen took a 2-1 lead before Wichita scored the last four goals of the game to take the win 5-2.

 

- On Friday night Allen didn't score a goal after the 17:29 mark of the first period. Last night they didn't score after the 1:29 mark of the second period. What is really atypical is no goals in the third period. Allen has been the best team in the league in the third period but came up blank the last two nights. 

 

- Despite giving up the first goal for the fourth straight game Allen battled back on Phil Beaulieu's second goal of the season to tie the score 1-1 at the first intermission. Allen took a 2-1 lead 89 seconds into the second period on Jesse Mychan's team leading 10th goal of the season. That was the end of the scoring for the Americans as they went the last 38 minutes and 31 seconds of the game without a goal and were outscored 4-0.

 

- Allen had their opportunities as they outshot Wichita 31-24 in the final two periods but couldn't generate enough offense. Special teams did not help as there were only three power plays in the entire game and the Thunder won the battle. The Americans had just one power play and did not score. Wichita had two power play opportunities and scored on one of them.

 

-  Here are the video highlights with all of the goals, the Stevenson fight and some great saves. 

 

 

- Here is the game recap from the Allen Americans: https://allenamericans.com/media/game-recap/americans-lose-series-to-wichita-after-5-2-loss-in-kansas/    

 

- Here is the game recap issued by the Wichita Thunder:  https://www.wichitathunder.com/news/echl-news/wichita-closes-week-with-5-2-win.html

 

- Allen has now lost three of their last four games and won't have much time to sort things out before they take on the Utah Grizzlies on a rare Tuesday night game at the AEC. Too many odd man rushes, too many turnovers, poor starts and special teams play will have to improve. Allen has lost six games all season with three of them coming in the last week. Something is going to have to change.

 

OTHER COMMENTS

- After Allen plays Utah on Tuesday the Americans will play Kansas City five straight games in a weeks time. February 13, 14, 15 (in Kansas City), 19, 20 (in Allen). Playing the same team five times in a week usually does not end up well.

 

- If you have been tracking the start of the AHL season you have seen some familiar names that have played in Allen. Iowa beat Texas 4-1 last night with four players in the lineup that have spent time in Allen. Goalie Dereck Baribeau stopped 21 of 22 shots to get the win, Tyler Sheehy had an assist, Dmitry Sokolov had a goal and defenseman Josh Atkinson had two shots and two PIMS. San Jose plays their first game today so will be interesting to see if Zach Sawchenko, Joe Garreffa or Jake McGrew crack the lineup. The Barracuda have a lot of forwards on their roster (20) so it will be tough to get in the lineup. 

 

- Other former Allen players that played yesterday include Vincent Arseneau (Utica) who had a 10 minute misconduct penalty (Unsportsmanlike conduct), Gabe Gagne (Rockford) and Jack Sadek (Ontario).    

 

- Seems like a long time ago that Joe Garreffa and Jake McGrew were recalled by San Jose. Even though they only played 11 games in Allen they are still tied for the ECHL lead in goals by rookies with six. It would be great if Joe and Jake return to Allen for the playoffs if not before. It is always better in my mind to have rookie prospects playing in the ECHL if they don't play regularly in the AHL. 

- Allen is tied for the ECHL lead in major penalties with Florida. They both have 13 major penalties, most of them for fighting. 

- Here is an odd stat. Wheeling has the worst points percentage in the ECHL (.321) but leads the league in shorthanded goals with five. The Nailers have just six power play goals but five shorthanded goals.

 

DID YOU KNOW: Allen has scored 68 goals in 19 games and is ranked #2 in goals per game (3.58). Of their 68 goals the Americans have scored 14 on the power play and three shorthanded. That computes to 25% of their goals coming from special teams. The ECHL ranges from 36.2% of goals being scored by special teams (Kansas City) to 17.9% of goals being scored by special teams (Wichita).   

Allen Loses in Overtime, Game Recap, Video Highlights, Rematch Preview, History of the First ECHL Championship and More

 

The Allen Americans lost to the Wichita Thunder 4-3 in overtime last night at the Allen Event Center before the largest crowd of the season, 2259. It was an up and down game for the Americans starting with a downer. Allen gave up the first goal of the game just 59 seconds after puck drop. That was the likely kiss of death given Allen and Wichita have a combined record when scoring first of 19-2. However, the Americans came roaring back scoring three unanswered goals (Asuchak, Bleackley, Franklin) before the first period ended and took a 3-1 lead into the first intermission. Things looked bright at that point since Allen had a perfect 8-0 record when leading after the first period. 

 

- The second period proved to be Allen's undoing as Wichita out shot the Americans 15-6 and outscored them 2-0 to tie the score 3-3 at the second intermission. The second period has been the weakest for Allen all season. They have outscored their opponents 22-12 in the first period but have been outscored by their opponents 21-19 in the second period.

- There was reason for optimism starting the third period as Allen has excelled outscoring their opponents 23-10 in the third period. The third period was a standoff with no penalties, lots of opportunities by both teams but no scoring. 

 

- The game ended at 4:05 of overtime when Jesse Mychan lost his stick momentarily in the offensive zone which set up a 3-on-1 rush for the Thunder. Game over!

- Goals scorers for Allen were Spencer Asuchak (3), Conner Bleackley (4) and Zane Franklin (3). All three Allen goals came in a five minute period in the last part of the first period. Here are the video highlights and a link if you can't open the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jplcGAQslys

- Here is the game recap from the Allen Americans: https://allenamericans.com/media/game-recap/thunder-get-the-second-point-in-a-4-3-overtime-win-over-the-americans/

 

- Here is the game recap from the Wichita Thunder: https://www.wichitathunder.com/news/echl-news/wichita-wins-ot-game-vs-allen.html

 

- The teams got on their buses right after that game last night for the 365 mile trip to Wichita where they will finish the three game series tonight (7:05 pm CST). This will be the last time these teams play until after April 3. Allen could open up an eight point lead over the Thunder with a win in Wichita.

 

- Allen has to find a way to get off to a better start tonight. They have given up the first goal in the first two games and last night it took just 59 seconds for Wichita to get on the scoreboard. 

 

- Neither team managed a power play goal last night, Allen was 0-2, Wichita 0-4. With the game tonight being the third game in four days between these teams, the fact both team are tired and they had to travel overnight, you have to expect there will be more rather than fewer power plays in the game tonight. Which team makes the adjustments to their power play and executes the best will win the special teams battle and likely the game.

 

- Allen's power play has been better on the road (20.9%) than at home (15.6%). It is just the opposite for Wichita who is worse at home (8.3%) than on the road (16.7%). Allen's road penalty kill (86.1%) is not as good as Wichita's home penalty kill (90.7%). 

 

- Matt Register had two more assists last night. He has at least one assist in five straight games. Matt has 16 points (2G, 14A) in 16 games. His 1.00 points per game average leads all ECHL defensemen.

 

- Jesse Mychan kept his point steak alive with an assist last night. Jesse has a point in five straight games with a total of eight points (2G, 6A). Jesse is tied for second in goals in the ECHL with nine.

 

- Wichita's #18, Gordie Green, has been the leading scorer for the Thunder against Allen this season. In four games he has seven points (4G, 3A) which includes the game winning overtime goal last night. 

 

- Here is the preview of the game tonight issued by the Allen Americans: https://allenamericans.com/media/game-day-preview-allen-at-wichita-3/

 

OTHER COMMENTS

- It may say how close the ECHL is in this strange pandemic season as the top four teams in points (Allen, Indy, Florida and South Carolina) all lost last night. Even more strange is they all lost at home.  

 

- Had a question about how to calculate the percentage that is shown in the standings which will be used instead of points to determine the playoff teams since all teams will not play 72 games. To start with that percentage is referred to as both winning percentage and points percentage which causes some confusion. I have used both terms over time but the precise definition is points percentage and it is simply what percent of a teams total possible points have they earned. 

 

- Here is an example using the Allen Americans current record of 13-4-1-0. If the Americans had won every game (18 total) they would have earned 36 points. What they have earned as reflected in the points column in the standings is 27 points, 2 x 13 = 26 for the wins plus one point for the one overtime loss. You then take the 27 points earned and divide by the maximum points they could have earned (36) and the percentage is .750. which is what is reflected in the "PCT" column in the standings. 

 

- Allen's average attendance after their pandemic restricted sellout last night of 2259 is 1919 which ranks them #8 of 13 teams. The average attendance ranges from a high of 3256 (Jacksonville) to a low of 931 (Wheeling). The ECHL average is 2207.

 

- The Iowa Wild opened their season at home last night losing to the Texas Stars 8-4. Tyler Sheehy played in the game, had no points, three shots and was one five players that didn't have a negative plus/minus. 

 

- The AHL is going through the same COVID startup issues as the ECHL experienced. I have seen five or six games impacted through postponement, cancellation or switched opponents in this opening weekend. If the ECHL is an indicator it will get worse for the AHL and then improve significantly.  

 

- If you follow the ECHL transactions you noticed that Bryan Moore, who was recently traded to Wichita by Greenville, has been suspended by the Thunder. It is obvious he has failed to report to Wichita so the suspension is a way to remove him from the roster and retain his ECHL rights.

 

- I had a chance to check in with coach Martinson this morning and he verified that as expected, Justin Kapelmaster will get the start in goal tonight. When I asked Martinson the one thing the team needs to do better tonight he didn't hesitate, "avoid odd man rushes" which accounted for three of the four goals last night.

 

 

DID YOU KNOW: In the first ECHL season (1988-89) there were just five teams and four of them made the playoffs. The #1 seed (Erie) lost to the #4 seed (Carolina) 4-0 in the first round. The #2 seed (Johnstown) beat the #3 seed (Knoxville) 4-0 in the first round. In the finals, called the Riley Cup at the time, the fourth seeded Carolina Thunderbirds won the cup beating the Johnstown Chiefs 7-4 on the road in game seven. Check out a few of the facts from the finals as the underdog Carolina Thunderbirds won the first ECHL championship. 

- Carolina lost the first two games by a combined score of 14-2

- Game four was postponed because the Carolina rink ice melted because of compressor problems.

- After several fights in game six ECHL Commissioner Pat Kelly suspended three Carolina players for game seven.

- Playing on the road in the deciding game seven with just 11 skaters, Carolina beat Johnstown 7-4 to win the first Riley Cup. 

 

The top three spots for most penalty minutes in an ECHL final series is still held by the three players from Carolina who were suspended for game seven. A record that has held since 1989:

95 PIMS - Steve Plaskon

68 PIMS - Michel Lanouette

58 PIMS - Bill Huard

 

 

Allen vs Wichita Game Preview, Kelly Cup Playoff Format and More

 

The Allen Americans take on the Wichita Thunder tonight at the Allen Event Center (AEC). It will be the fifth time these teams have played this season with the Americans winning three of the first four. The teams will travel to Wichita immediately after the game where they will play for the sixth time on Saturday. After the two games this weekend Allen will not see Wichita again for two months. The ECHL schedule has not been announced for games after April 3. You can expect a heavy dose of games against Wichita when the final schedule is released. If the three games against Wichita that were postponed earlier are rescheduled along with additional games you could see as many as one third of Allen's 30 remaining games between April 3 and the end of the regular season (June 5) be against Wichita.

 

- Here is a look at the game tonight by the numbers. In the last five seasons Allen's record at home against Wichita is 20-7-1-0. This season Allen is 1-1 at the AEC against the Thunder. Allen's home record this season is 5-1 with the only loss to Wichita. Wichita's road record this season is 4-1 with the only loss to Allen.

 

- Record When Scoring First: Allen 10-1-0-0, Wichita 8-1-0-0

 

- Overtime Record: Allen 2-0, Wichita 1-1

 

- Power Play Record: Allen 16.7% (home), Wichita 21.4% (road)

 

- Penalty Kill Record: Allen 79.2% (home), Wichita 81.0% (road)

 

- Average Goals Scored Per Game: Allen ranked #2 (3.71), Wichita ranked #4 (3.36)

 

- Average Goals Allowed Per Game: Allen ranked #1 (2.35), Wichita ranked #2 (2.36)

 

- Both teams play well with the lead. Allen is 8-0 when leading after the first period and 10-0 when leading after the second period. Wichita is 4-0 when leading after the first period and 8-1 when leading after the second period.

 

- The stats clearly show how important it is to score first and play with the lead. If you combine their records Allen and Wichita are 18-2 when scoring first and 30-1 when leading after the first or second period. Definitely a key to the game tonight.

 

- If you look at special teams percentages above the advantage goes to Wichita but if you look at the four head to head games these teams have played it is a different story. Allen has scored a power play goal in all four previous games against Wichita and had two on Wednesday. Wichita has a single power play goal in three of the four games against the Americans. Another stat worth noting is Allen has five power play goals in their last three games going 5-17 (29.4%). 

 

- As much as you think about physical play and fighting when Allen and Wichita meet the facts are they more often than not don't drop the gloves. They have played 16 times since the beginning of last season and 70% of the time there were only minor penalties called in the game. It is clear both Allen and Wichita have plenty of skill and toughness so they have the ability to play any style that is necessary. What has made the Americans so strong this season is they can adapt to whatever style is needed.

 

- Former Allen forward Bryan Moore was just acquired in a trade by the Wichita Thunder with Greenville. Moore was off to a poor start with Greenville. In nine games Bryan had two goals and no assists. Even though he only played in nine games he took 14 minor penalties which leads the league. Moore hasn't reported to Wichita yet.

 

- Look for Jake Paterson in goal for the Americans tonight with one other possible lineup change as well. If you want to watch the game within the game look for how coach Martinson uses his last change at home to get the Lammon line out against Wichita's top line.    

 

OTHER COMMENTS

- I am sure by now most of you have seen the Kelly Cup playoff format that was released by the ECHL yesterday. The top four teams by points percentage from each conference will make the playoffs which means eight of the 14 teams playing will make the playoffs. With eight teams in the playoffs it will take only three rounds to win the Kelly Cup as opposed to four rounds normally. All three rounds of the playoffs will best of five series with the higher seeded team having the option to play the first two or final three games at home. I was hoping the final round would be best of seven but it was not to be.  With fewer rounds and best of five series the Kelly Cup playoffs will be lightning quick from start to finish. It will all happen in less than a month starting on June 7 and ending no later than July 3.

 

- The AHL starts their season tonight but not is all well as the Canadian Division, which was established for this season only because of the pandemic border crossing issues, is not playing. There are five teams in the Canadian Division; Belleville,  Manitoba, Toronto, Laval and Stockton (playing in Calgary). The problem is the province of Ontario is not ready to approve play for its two AHL teams (Belleville & Toronto). Their statement yesterday says, "Our government is monitoring the public health trends very closely and while we are starting to see the bend curve in Ontario, it is too early to speculate on how and when further restrictions will be loosened. At this time the NHL is the only professional sport league in Ontario that is allowed to play in accordance with a return to play plan approved by the Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health."

 

- The ECHL has now gone six days without a player being added to the Commissioner's Exempt List. Hopefully there will be few COVID related issues the remainder of the season. 

 

- There is a full slate of six games on tap in the ECHL tonight. Here is the ECHL Today with a preview on all of the games: https://www.echl.com/en/news/2021/2/echl-today-feb-5 

 

DID YOU KNOW: The 2021 Kelly Cup finals will be a five game series. It will be the first time in the 33 year history of the ECHL that the championship final has been a five game series. The last time any Kelly Cup playoff series was five games was the first round of the 2012 playoffs.   

Allen Wins, Game Recap, Video Highlights, Interviews and More

 

The Allen Americans defeated the Wichita Thunder 4-3 last night in a game that was described to me in a message as the "cardiac kids" excitement. It was an entertaining game between two excellent teams and there wasn't as much as a roughing penalty let alone a fight between these rivals. There were just eight minor penalties called in the game and the Americans had only two. 

 

- What made the game so exciting is the teams kept trading goals until Allen took their one and only lead midway through the third period. The game didn't start out well for the Americans when Wichita scored the first goal of the game midway through the first period. Prior to last night's loss the Thunder were a perfect 8-0 when scoring the first goal. What helped the Americans is they got the equalizer just 23 seconds after Wichita took the 1-0 lead.

 

- The Americans kept falling behind and kept coming back. Wichita had leads of 1-0, 2-1 and 3-2 before the Americans finally took the lead with two third period goals. It was a great effort by Allen who have now handed Wichita three of their five losses this season.

 

- One of the many things that make the Americans successful is they are the best third period team in the ECHL. They outscored Wichita 2-0 in the third period last night and now have scored 23 third period goals and allowed just 10. Only four ECHL teams have a positive third period goal differential; Allen +13, Florida +8, South Carolina +7 and Indy +4.

 

- The Americans snapped two Wichita streaks in the game last night. In addition to being 8-0 when scoring first the Thunder were 8-0 when leading after the second period. Their 3-2 second period lead evaporated in the third period. Incidentally the Americans record when trailing after two periods improved to 2-3 after the win last night.

 

- Another factor in Allen's win was special teams. They did allow a power play goal but they only took two penalties. Wichita took six minor penalties and the Americans scored on two of them. Allen now has five power play goals in their last three games going 5-17 (29.4%). 

 

- Goal scorers for Allen were Jesse Mychan (9), Josh Lammon (5,6) and Corey Mackin (8). Five players had two points in the game. In addition to the three goal scorers, Conner Bleackley and Sam Laberge had two points. Here are the video highlights and post game interviews coach Martinson and the games #1 star, Josh Lammon. If you have any problems with the videos you can find them at this link: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4skvqPU3CGKx-vRDPCD4tA 

 

    

Martinson post game interview:

Lammon post game interview:

 

- When I had the chance to check in with coach Martinson this morning he was pleased with how the team stuck with it when they kept getting behind by a goal. He emphasized how the Lammon line was able to hold Wichita's top line with out a point. The #1 and #3 ranked players in the ECHL in points per game are on that line. Bobby McMann was averaging 1.33 points per game and Matteo Gennaro was averaging 1.31 points per game before last night. To hold them to no points was the key to the Allen win. Having last change at home allows Martinson to get the matchups he wants.

- Martinson also was pleased with the power play as it has been improving and had two more goals last night including the game winner.

- Turnovers and odd man rushes were costly in the game. Martinson looks to fix that before tomorrow night when the teams play again. Not at practice however, as with three games in four days Martinson gave the team the day off today. 

OTHER COMMENTS

- With goals in the last two games Jesse Mychan is back at the top of the ECHL goal scorers list tied with two other players. Corey Mackin had a goal last night and is tied for #4 in the league in goals with eight. Corey's 17 points is tied for third in the ECHL.

- Allen is now the only team in the Western Conference with a point percentage above .700. After the win last night Allen's point percentage is .765. Three teams in the Eastern Conference are above .700; Indy (.833), Florida (.706) and South Carolina (.700). 

 

- Allen's record in their last 10 games (8-2-0-0) is the best in the ECHL. 

 

- Corey Mackin has a goal in his last three home games. That is tied for the longest home goal streak in the ECHL this season. Here is a trivia question for you. Who has the current longest home goals streak for the Allen Americans? The answer is Gabe Gagne who had scored in five straight home games when he was loaned to Rockford (AHL) last season and never returned. If Gabe happens to be assigned to Allen this season (the Americans hold his ECHL rights) his streak is still alive. 

- The AHL season finally gets underway tomorrow with seven games on the schedule. The San Jose Barracuda do not play (game canceled) but Iowa opens the season at home against the Texas Stars.

 

 

DID YOU KNOW: Alex Lavoie has had a great start with his team in Sweden. In three games Alex has five points (2G, 3A).