Allen Struggles Even Strength and Excels on Special Teams in Loss, Game Recap, Steve Martinson's Comments, Game Three Preview, Stats and More

Last night, the second game of the three game series in Rapid City ended with an identical score as game one, a 4-2 loss for the Americans. The score was the same but the games were different. As a matter of fact, last night the Americans met the keys of the game but still lost. Allen scored the first goal of the game though it didn't come until the 7:57 mark of the second period. The other key to the game was to win the special teams battle. Mission accomplished as Allen was 2-4 on the power play and perfect on the penalty kill (0-3). The Americans have not allowed a power play goal to Rapid City for nine straight games.

- Allen rarely loses a game when they score first, score two power play goals and are perfect on the penalty kill but that was the case last night. The Americans were shutout when even strength. In the two losses to the Rush in this series Allen has scored just four goals but only one was at even strength. That is not good enough to be successful. The Americans were out shot last night in every period and 36-26 for the game.

 

- Goal scorers for Allen were Colby McAuley (7) and Spencer Asuchak (12). Asuchak has a goal in three straight games and has scored five goals in the last five games. 

 

- Here is the game recap from the Allen Americans: https://allenamericans.com/news/general/empty-net-goal-spoils-americans-third-period-rally/  

- Here is the game recap from the Rapid City Rush: https://www.rapidcityrush.com/en/news/2021/4/garlent-s-hat-trick-downs-allen-win-streak-at-four-games

 

- Here are Steve Martinson's comments when I talked to him this morning:

"Too many times we had offensive zone possession but generated no shots."

"We had too many offensive zone turnovers on low percentage/soft plays."

"We need to get more shots. When you are not scoring you need to get more shots on net and look for rebounds. That is how we scored the two power play goals."

"Greasy goals are what we need to look for tonight."

"We are not defending hard enough to overcome our lack of scoring."

"We need players that have scored goals in the past that have not been scoring to step up tonight."

"Jake Paterson will start in goal tonight."

"I will probably make a change at forward for the game tonight because a player is dinged up and needs a rest."

 

GAME THREE PREVIEW

- The formula to salvage a win out of this series with Rapid City is even strength scoring. One even strength goal in six periods of hockey won't win many games even if special teams are going well. Allen is 3-6 (50%) on the power play in the two losses and (0-7) 100% on the penalty kill so you can't expect more from special teams. The game tonight will require Allen to improve when the teams are playing 5-on-5 which is the majority of the game. Rapid City has outscored Allen 7-1 in the first two games when the teams have been playing 5-on-5. Allen leads 3-0 on special teams in the two losses.

 

- Allen's recent power play success has improved its overall ECHL power play rank to #2 (19.8%). The road power play is also ranked #2 at 22.3%. 

 

- The Americans need to generate more than 26 shots if they expect to win tonight. Allen has a decent record when being out shot by its opponent (13-8-2-1) but it is rare to get only 26 shots, be out shot by 10 and win a game. 

- The referee scheduled tonight is the same as the first two games of the series, #29 Logan Gruhl. He called only six minor penalties in game one and seven last night. Wouldn't expect a lot of power play opportunities for either team tonight.

 

- Rapid City has been one of the best teams in the ECHL over the last five weeks. The Rush have beaten Allen four of five times they have played during that time. Rapid City's overall record since March 6 is 12-3-1-1. Allen's record over that same period is 11-6-1-1.

OTHER COMMENTS

- The Western Conference standings had another shakeup last night with teams at the top (Allen & Wichita) losing and teams at the bottom (Tulsa and Kansas City) winning. Rapid City's win over Allen moved the Rush into a tie for fourth place and the final playoff spot. Here are the current standings with each team's record over the last 10 games in parenthesis. You can see why the standings remain close with no team winning more than six games. 

.679 - Fort Wayne (6-3-1-0)

.656 - Wichita (6-4-0-0)

.641 - Allen (6-3-0-1)

.531 - Utah (4-4-1-1)

.531 - Rapid City (6-3-1-0)

.510 - Tulsa (3-4-2-1)

.510 - Kansas City (5-5-0-0)

 

- Look for more movement in the standings after the games tonight as crunch time is fast approaching. Most teams have fewer than 25 games remaining in the season. In the games tonight Allen is at at Rapid City, Tulsa is at Wichita, Kansas City is at Utah and Fort Wayne is at Indy. Here is the ECHL Today with previews: https://www.echl.com/en/news/2021/4/echl-today-april-17  

- With his next goal Corey Mackin will join the Allen Americans 20 goal club. Less than 30 players have scored 20 goals in a season in the history of the franchise. If he stays healthy Corey has a shot at 30 goals this season which is an exclusive club. Seven players have scored 30 goals in a season. The most exclusive club is the 40 goals club. The only members are Chad Costello and Gary Steffes who accomplished the feat the same season (2014-15). It was Allen's first year in the ECHL and the year the Americans won their first Kelly Cup.

 

- Allen's road record has fallen to 13-12-0-0 which is a points percentage of .520. Rapid City and Utah are the only teams in the conference with a worse road points percentage than Allen. FYI, last season Allen's road points percentage was .677. The Americans home points percentage last season was .742, this season it is .786. 

 

DID YOU KNOW: If you are an offensive defenseman nothing shows why you should want to play in Steve Martinson's system more than the stats below from the ECHL Stats post this morning. Les Lancaster would also be on this list with his .775 points per game average but he doesn't qualify because he has only played in 80 ECHL games. 

 

Since 2016-17 just seven ECHL defensemen have played a minimum of 100 games and averaged more than .700 points per game. Here are the ECHL defensemen with the best points per game average over the last five seasons (minimum 100 games) with their last ECHL team:

.837 - Matt Register, Allen

.825 - Alex Breton, Allen

.810 - David Makowski, Allen

.791 - Kevin Schultz, Wheeling

.756 - Simon Dennis, Toledo

.751 - Eric Knodel, Reading

.744 - Nolan Zajac, Reading

 

 

Allen vs Rapid City Game Preview, ECHL Teams Who Play Each Other the Most and More

 

Allen's three game series in Rapid City resumes tonight (8:05 pm CDT) after the Americans lost game one 4-2 on Wednesday. It is an important game for the Americans given they have lost three of the last four games they have played against the Rush. 

- Allen has been playing great hockey and had a seven game point streak snapped on Wednesday. Coach Martinson talked about one factor in the loss on Wednesday was overall team defense which has been excellent recently. In the seven game point streak Allen never allowed more than three goals and the goals allowed average was just 2.29 per game. On Wednesday Allen allowed four goals and gave up too many odd man rushes. In addition, two of Rapid City's goals were scored when players on the weak side were left uncovered. 

 

- Allen will have some lineup changes tonight. Jake Paterson will be in goal. Martinson has been alternating goalies since Paterson returned from injury but at some point, based on performance, a goalie will get back to back starts. 

 

- Darian Skeoch  (I think it is pronounced Skee-Oh) will make his Allen debut tonight after being acquired in a trade from Indy. The 6'4" and 225 pound, 24 year old, right shot defenseman will bring some of the toughness Allen has lost recently. Steve Martinson's quote about Skeoch says it all, "Skeoch is one of the toughest players to come out of the Western Hockey League (WHL) in the last 10 years. Darian will wear jersey #16.

- A big key for Allen tonight will be to get off to a better start. The Americans fell behind 2-0 in the fourth minute of the game on Wednesday and could never recover. Scoring first and leading after the first period makes Allen almost unbeatable so a good start will be key.

 

- The other key tonight will be special teams. The referee scheduled is the same as Wednesday night (#29 Logan Gruhl) and he called only six minor penalties in that game. It is never wise to predict penalties especially in a game between Rapid City and Allen but based on Wednesday there may not be a lot power play opportunities.

 

- Allen's power play has been outstanding recently. The Americans were 1-2 on Wednesday, have at least one power play goal in four straight games and had a power play goal in eight of their last nine games. In those nine games dating back to March 27, Allen's power play percentage is 25.6% (11-43).

 

- Allen's penalty kill has not allowed Rapid City a power play goal in the last eight games these teams have played. They have played nine games this season and Allen's penalty kill percentage is now 97.0% (1-33).

 

- The leading scorers in the head to head games between these teams is Josh Lammon for Allen who has eights points (4G, 4A) and Tyler Coulter for Rapid City who has nine points (5G, 4A). Other Allen players to watch tonight are Corey Mackin who has three goals and three assists in the last four games, Spencer Asuchak who has four goals in the last four games and Matt Register who has seven assists in the last four games.

 

OTHER COMMENTS

- There are six games scheduled in the ECHL tonight with all seven Western Conference teams in action. Here is the ECHL Today with previews on all six games: https://www.echl.com/en/news/2021/4/echl-today-april-16

-  I had a question about what the AHL loan deadline that is coming up next week (April 21) means for ECHL teams? I haven't been able to verify this but my understanding is the loan deadline date is the last time AHL teams can move a contracted player from one ECHL team to another. AHL teams could still send players from their roster to the ECHL after April 21 and the players could qualify for the ECHL playoffs as long as they play five games before the end of the AHL season (May 16). 

 

- Darian Skeoch's recent fight card defies his toughness. He fought twice in the 13 games he played in Indy. His two years in college (Carleton University) he couldn't fight. If you go back to his last season in the WHL (2017-18) he had 10 fights.  

 

DID YOU KNOW: Allen plays Utah 18 times which ranks in the top five for most games two ECHL teams play each other this season. Here is the ECHL Stats post from today. If you are on Facebook you can get this directly if you "Like" the ECHL Stats & Information page and if you are on Twitter follow ECHL Stats (@EchlStats):

 

If absence makes the heart grow fonder these teams are not very fond of each other. ECHL teams that play the most games against each other this season:

 

27 - Florida & Orlando

19 - Fort Wayne & Wheeling

19 - Fort Wayne & Indy

19 - Indy & Wheeling

18 - Allen & Utah

18 - Jacksonville & Greenville 

 

- Florida and Orlando play each other 38% of their 72 game schedule.

 

- Fort Wayne plays 76% of their 50 game schedule against just two teams. That is 38% of the Komet’s games against Wheeling and 38% against Indy.

 

 

 

Allen's Seven Game Point Streak Snapped by Rush, Game Recap, ECHL Rookie Goalie Stats and More

 

Two goals in the fourth minute of the game just 46 seconds apart doomed the Allen Americans last night as they lost 4-2 to the Rapid City Rush before a crowd of 1718 at the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center. To make matters worse the first two goals were scored by former Allen Americans, Garrett Klotz and Mike Hedden. 

 

- After falling behind 2-0 Allen closed the gap to 2-1 with 49 seconds remaining in the first period on Zane Franklin's sixth goal of the season but that is as close as Allen would get. Rapid City had a 4-1 lead when Spencer Asuchak scored his 11th goal of the season and fourth goal in the last four games. Asuchak's goal came at the 15:36 mark of the third period on the power play to make the score 4-2. The Americans pulled goalie Frank Marotte and had some opportunities but could not close the the gap from 4-2.

 

- Here is the press release issued by the Rapid City Rush with a detailed recap of the game: https://www.rapidcityrush.com/en/news/2021/4/total-team-effort-gives-rush-series-opener-against-allen 

 

- The odds were against the Americans from the time they gave up the two goals early in the game. Here are the facts:

7-9-1-1: Allen's record when they give up the first goal of the game.

1-9-0-0: Allen's record when trailing after the first period.

3-10-0-0: Allen's record when trailing after the second period.

0-8-0-0: Allen's record on the road when trailing after the second period.

 

- If there was a silver lining from the loss last night it was special teams. Allen managed a power play goal going 1-2. The Americans have at least one power play goal in four straight games and in eight of their last nine games. In those nine games dating back to March 27, Allen's power play percentage is a lofty 25.6% (11-43).

 

- Allen's penalty kill has not allowed Rapid City a power play goal in the last eight games these teams have played. They have played nine games this season and Allen's penalty kill percentage is now 97.0% (1-33).

 

- Les Lancaster was able to play last night after being banged up in the series against Kansas City. it was good that Lancaster was able to play because the Americans played with just five defensemen.

 

- Matt Register had two more assists in the loss last night and now has a four game assist streak. He  has nine assists in his last six games. Matt ranks #3 in points by defenseman in the ECHL with 33 (2G, 31A). Les Lancaster is still #1 with 35 points (13G, 22A).  

- Coach Martinson thought team defense was an issue last night which included losing track of players on the weak side on a couple of the goals and the forwards not getting back quick enough on some of the goals. Martinson also said the team was missing some of the toughness in front of the net. Some of the defensemen with the most hits are gone including Ottenbreit, Kneen, Doetzel and Lochead. The team will get some of that toughness back with the addition of Darian Scoech who arrived in Rapid City last night and will play on Friday. Another tough defenseman will join the team at the end of next week. 

 

- Allen's record against Rapid City is now 5-4-0-0 but the Rush have won three of the last four games including two in Allen. 

 

- Today is an off day before the three game series resumes on Friday and Saturday. It was only one game but with the loss last night Allen moved from first place to third place in the Western Conference standings. Wichita is first (.670), Fort Wayne is second (.667) and Allen is third (.656).

 

- The top three spots in the Western Conference seem to shuffle after each game. Here is what is in store for the weekend:

Allen - plays in Rapid City on Friday and Saturday

Wichita - plays Tulsa in Tulsa on Friday and in Wichita on Saturday and Sunday

Fort Wayne - plays Wheeling at home on Friday, at Indy on Saturday and at Wheeling in Sunday. FYI, starting on Sunday, Fort Wayne plays Wheeling six straight times.

 

- Rapid City's win last night along with Utah's overtime loss to Kansas City pulled the Rush closer to the fourth and final playoff spot. Utah is in fourth place in the conference (.543) but Rapid City is right behind (.521). Tulsa and Kansas City bring up the rear with matching .500 points percentages.

 

- Garrett Klotz scored the first goal of the game against his old team. It was just the second goal and sixth point of the season for Klotz in 35 games played. Garrett was playing his first game after missing the last four because of the birth of his daughter last week. 

 

- Here is the odd stat of the day. Because of so many extra time games this season when three points are awarded instead of two for a game won in regulation time, every team in the ECHL has a points percentage of .500 or above with the exception of Wheeling who has a points percentage of .409. South Carolina has lost 25 of 44 games but has a points percentage of .545.

 

DID YOU KNOW: Two rookie goalies that have played in Allen (one current, one last season) are among the top rookie goalies in the ECHL:

 

ECHL rookie goalies with the most wins this season:

 

15 - Evan Weninger, Wichita

9 - Devin Cooley, Florida

7 - Justin Kapelmaster, Allen

7 - Stefanos Lekkas, Fort Wayne

7 - Matt Greenfield, Kansas City

6 - Hunter Shepard, South Carolina

 

 

ECHL rookie goalies with the best save percentage this season (minimum 600 minutes played):

 

.926 - Evan Weninger

.920 - Matt Greenfield

.915 - Hunter Shepard

.914 - Stefanos Lekkas

.913- Devin Cooley

.913 - David Tendeck

.912 - Justin Kapelmaster

 

   

Allen vs Rapid City Preview, Conner Bleackley Traded, Will Lochead Loaned, Forward Brett Neumann and Defenseman Darian Skeoch Added and More

 

Given the number of times the Allen Americans have played four games in five days or three games in three days in this crazy season they have a light week coming up with three games in four days in Rapid City. The Americans will play tonight, Friday and Saturday with all games starting at 8:05 pm CDT.

 

- There was a lot of roster movement yesterday starting with the loan of defenseman Will Lochead to the Cleveland Monsters (AHL). Allen was already short defenseman which was made worse when Les Lancaster was injured on Sunday. Steve Martinson has always supported players being loaned to the AHL even though in this case it meant Allen was down to four healthy defensemen. Martinson has been trying to add defensemen but the need became critical with Lochead loaned to Cleveland. Martinson traded Conner Bleackley, the rights to Kayle Doetzel and future considerations for rookie defenseman Darian Skeoch.

 

- In a separate transaction, rookie forward Brett Neumann was assigned to Allen by the Bridgeport Sound Tigers (AHL). 

 

- When I talked to coach Martinson this morning he was unsure if Les Lancaster would play tonight. It will be a game time decision. Defenseman Darian Skeoch will not arrive in Rapid City until late tonight so will not play. Brett Neumann is with the team and will be in the lineup. What this all means is you could see a forward playing defense tonight. Frank Marotte is expected to get the start in goal.

 

- Martinson has also come to terms with another defenseman who should arrive in Allen around the 25th. He is described as a punishing physical defender with some offensive skill who was the captain of his team in the past. Martinson is also expecting another player being added to the roster this week. Stay tuned.

 

- There has been a lot of roster changes so here is an update. Rookies are marked with an asterisk.  The current Allen roster includes three goalies, eight defensemen and 14 forwards. If you look at players on the trip to Rapid City there are two goalies, six defensemen and 12 forwards. Dyson Stevenson and Kameron Kielly are the forwards not with the team.

Goalies 

#31 - Frank Marotte*

#34 - Jake Paterson

#39 - Justin Kapelmaster* (injured)

 

Defensemen 

#5 - Phil Beaulieu*

#14 - Les Lancaster 

#20 - Ben Carroll*

#21 - Dominic Cormier*

#25 - Nolan Kneen* (injured reserve)

#43 - Matt Register

#47 - Will Lochead (loaned to AHL)

#?? - Darian Skeoch*

Forwards

#8 - Steve Owre* 

#11 - Kameron Kielly*

#15 - Corey Mackin

#17 - Colby McAuley

#19 - Chad Butcher 

#26 - Spencer Asuchak    

#27 - Sam Laberge

#28 - Tim Doherty*

#29 - Josh Maser*

#40 - Josh Lammon

#44 - Zane Franklin*

#71 - Dyson Stevenson (injured reserve)

#77 - Scott Conway

#?? - Brett Neumann* 

- The game tonight will be the ninth of 16 times Allen plays Rapid City this season. In the eight games these teams have played Allen's record is 5-3. The record in Allen is 3-2 and in Rapid City the Americans record is 2-1. Over the last five seasons Allen's record in Rapid City is 11-4-0-0.

- Allen has an edge in almost every statistical category but the most important thing to remember is Rapid City beat the Americans twice in Allen by scores of 6-4 and 5-2,  just two weeks ago. 

- Allen has the edge over Rapid City in average goals scored per game (3.4 vs 2.9), average goals allowed (2.8 vs 3.2), average shots for (32.4 vs 30.9) and average shots allowed (32.5 vs 33.9). Allen's goal differential (goals for minus goals against) is +26 and Rapid City's goal differential is -14.

- Head to head totals in the eight games these teams have played show Allen leading in goals 29-24 and shots 276-232. Head to head the power play advantage also goes to Allen. The Americans are 4-31 (12.9%) against Rapid City which isn't great but Rapid City has just one power play goal against Allen all season. The Rush scored a power play goal in game one on December 18 and haven't scored again. They haven't scored a power play goal against Allen in the last seven games and are 1-29 (3.4%) in the eight games these teams have played. 

- Even though these teams just played three games against each other at the end of March the Americans are a much different team. Allen has added more speed, skill and puck carrying ability with the addition of Chad Butcher, Steve Owre and Brett Neumann. Jake Paterson is also back after a stint on the IR. Allen enters this series on a four game winning streak and a six game point streak.

- Allen has scored first in 61% of its games which is the best percentage in the ECHL. Rapid City has scored first in 43% of its games the second worst percentage in the league. Allen's record when scoring first is 21-5-1-0 which converts to a point percentage of .796. Rapid City's record when scoring first is 14-4-2-0 which converts to a point percentage of .750. A good start tonight is key for both teams.

- Shorthanded goals aren't a factor very often but it should be noted Rapid City has given up more shorthanded goals (10) than any other team in the league. Allen is ranked #3 allowing just three shorthanded goal. The Americans have scored six shorthanded goals this season with four of them coming against Rapid City. 

OTHER COMMENTS

- Here is the Allen Americans press release on the roster changes yesterday: https://allenamericans.com/news/general/americans-trade-for-defenseman-darian-skeoch-from-indy/

 

- Corey Mackin was selected as the ECHL Player of the Week yesterday. Here is the ECHL press release on Corey's selection: https://www.echl.com/en/news/2021/4/allen-mackin-named-inglasco-echl-player-of-the-week

 

- There are five games on tap in the ECHL tonight. In addition to Allen at Rapid City the only other Western Conference teams in action are Kansas City at Utah. Here is the ECHL Today with a preview on all of the games: https://www.echl.com/en/news/2021/4/echl-today-april-14   

DID YOU KNOW:  Looked at shutouts for ECHL Stats this morning. A couple of Allen Americans on the all time list:

Team defense and goalie play improves as the season progresses based on the number of shutouts by month this season:

1 - December

8 - January

9 - February

17 - March

 

- There have been six shutouts in the first 11 days of April including four this past weekend. 

 

- Ryan Bednard (Greenville) leads the ECHL with three shutouts.

 

- Here are the all time leaders in shutouts in a single season:

8 - Laurent Brossoit (Alaska/Bakersfield, 2013-14)

8- Ryan Zapolski (South Carolina, 2012-13)

8- Jean-Philippe Lamoureux (Alaska, 2008-09)

7 - Parker Milner (South Carolina, 2019-20)

7- Jake Paterson (Toledo, 2016-17)

7- Riley Gill (Allen, 2016-17)

7- Jeff Jakaitis (South Carolina, 2014-15)

7- Frederic Cloutier (Louisiana, 2001-02)

7- David Brumby (Jackson, 1999-2000)

7- Maxime Gingras (Richmond, 1998-99)

 

    

Getaway Day, Roster Update, Paterson's ECHL Save of the Week, Allen's Five Year Road Record by Team and More

 

It is getaway day for the Allen Americans as they head to Rapid City for the only three road games between March 22 and May 11. The Americans will have a lite workout this morning and have a flight to Rapid City this evening. Gone are the 1100 mile, 20+ hour bus trips to South Dakota on Big Red.

 

 - Forward Frank DiChiara was traded to Greenville yesterday for future considerations. Coach Martinson is still talking to teams about additional trades and agents about college players just turning pro. Martinson will not have anything done before the game in Rapid City tomorrow night. The good news is Les Lancaster will make the trip to Rapid City but when he might be able to play is undecided. Dyson Stevenson will not make the trip with the team but could be available for the Utah series starting April 23. 

 

- Coach Martinson has been talking to several AHL teams about getting players assigned to Allen in time to qualify for the playoffs. The rule requires them to play five regular season ECHL games and the five games must be completed before the AHL season ends on May 16. I wouldn't be surprised if Allen gets a player or two assigned this week.  

 

- This has been a strange season at all levels of hockey with the pandemic. There has been fewer college players turning pro because most college conferences gave players an extra year of eligibility and some have opted to stay in college one more season. 

 

- Thanks to everyone who reminded me that Jake Paterson's amazing save in the Kansas City series was voted the ECHL save of the week. If you haven't had a chance to see it, here is a link with the top three saves of the week: https://www.echl.com/en/news/2021/4/echl-saves-of-the-week-apr-5-11  

 

- Today is a good time to say I am always looking for pertinent content for the blog and my ECHL Stats page. If you see a story, article, social media post, stats or anything else you think other Allen or ECHL fans would enjoy please send it along to me by whatever means you can. Thanks! 

- I will have a complete game preview tomorrow but the upcoming series between Allen and Rapid City is vitally important to both teams. Rapid City is fighting to get in the playoffs. While the Rush have been in last place most of the season they have been playing better hockey for over a month. In the last 15 games Rapid City has a record of 10-3-1-1 and have moved into fifth place in the conference within striking distance of fourth place Utah. Allen is in a battle with Wichita and Fort Wayne for first place in the conference. If the Americans win or lose in overtime tomorrow night they will take over sole possession of first place in the Western Conference. 

- Don't forget Rapid City spoiled the first series of the Americans long homestand when they came to Allen and won two of three games. The two wins were by a score of 5-2 and 6-4. Allen will have its work cut out in the three games in Rapid City.

 

DID YOU KNOW: Allen has always been a good road team. Here is Allen's five year road record against their conference rivals. Keep in mind these records include the 2018-19 season when Allen had the worst record in the ECHL which included a road record of 10-21-3-2. Allen has lost 51 road games in the last five seasons, 26 of the losses came in the 2018-19 season.

11-4-0-0: Rapid City

11-6-0-1: Utah

16-8-3-2: Wichita

17-13-1-0: Tulsa

10-12-1-0: Kansas City

65-43-5-3: TOTAL

Allen Sweeps Kansas City, Lancaster Injured, Game Recap, Video Highlights, Martinson's Comments and ECHL Stats on Scoring First

 

The Allen Americans finished their four game series against the Kansas City Mavericks on Sunday afternoon with a come from behind 4-3 victory before a crowd of 1561 at the Allen Event Center (AEC). The sweep is the first time in team history Allen has won a four game series at home. The Americans have earned 13 of a possible 14 points in April and find themselves tied for first place in the Western Conference.

 

- It didn't look good for the Americans yesterday. After a scoreless first period Allen fell behind 3-1 by the midpoint of the second period and it looked like the grind of four games in five days was taking a toll. However, just as they did in game one of the series they mounted a comeback. Two goals late in the second period, one by Les Lancaster and one by Spencer Asuchak with 19 seconds remaining tied the score 3-3 at the second intermission.

- Allen finished the comeback with the only goal of the third period when a shot from the top of the faceoff circle by Matt Register deflected off Corey Mackin into the net at the 12:02 mark. 

 

- Kansas City had trouble pulling the goalie because Allen kept the puck in the offensive zone most of the last two minutes in the game. When the Mavericks were finally able to get an extra attacker on the ice with 32 seconds remaining, Allen was able to withstand the pressure.

- Jake Paterson stopped 28 of 31 shots to improve his record to 8-2-1-0. His save percentage is .928. Jake has now played 669 minutes and needs 840 minutes played to qualify for the official ECHL stats. If he was qualified his .928 save percentage would rank him #1 in the league. FYI, Frank Marotte's save percentage is .918 and Justin Kapelmaster's is .912, so the Americans have a great trio of goalies. 

- Goal scorers in the Sunday matinee were Spencer Asuchak (9,10), Les Lancaster (13) and Corey Mackin (19). Here are the video highlights from the Allen Americans YouTube channel: 

Here is the game recap from the Allen Americans: https://allenamericans.com/news/general/americans-sweep-kc-take-over-top-spot-in-the-west/

 

- The big concern for the Americans now is the status of Les Lancaster who was injured shortly after his goal to cut the score to 3-2 late in the second period. I watched the replay several times of when Lancaster was injured and it is clear he was cross checked in the side/back area just above the pants where there is no protection. He immediately crumbled to the ice in pain. Players know the vulnerable spots and it makes you wonder if there was an intent to injury on the play. No penalty was called so it is unlikely the play will be reviewed by the league. Coach Martinson told me Lancaster is day to day so that says to me he could be back soon. 

 

- Coach Martinson also said this about Lancaster's performance yesterday, "Les put everyone on his back when we were flat and trailing 3-1. He is the most valuable players (MVP) in the league hands down."

 

- The Americans will now get ready for their lone road trip among a bunch of home games between March 22 - May 11. The totals are 19 home games and three away games. The three away games are this week in Rapid City with games on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. Allen started this long homestand losing two of three games to Rapid City so there is an an opportunity for payback this week. The team leaves tomorrow to fly to Rapid City.

 

- With Lancaster unlikely to play on Wednesday the Americans are down to just five healthy defensemen. The team has a surplus of forwards and Dyson Stevenson could return at any time. It makes sense Martinson has been on the phone trying to trade a forward for a defenseman for the upcoming road trip to Rapid City. As I have said before he has many other irons in the fire for big and small transactions to improve the roster but the need for a defenseman is now critical. 

 

OTHER COMMENTS

- A big part of Allen's success this season has been the depth. Allen played four lines this past weekend and all four were capable of scoring. In Allen's last 10 wins (regulation and overtime) 10 different players have scored the game winning goal. Now that is depth. 

 

- As predicted the Western Conference standings were shaken up after Sunday action. Allen is now tied for first place and the three teams tied for last place have been separated. It seems like the three teams at the top are fighting for first place, the three teams at the bottom are trying to avoid last place and Utah isin the middle all by itself. Here are the standings:

.670 - Allen

.670 -Wichita

.667 - Fort Wayne

.543 - Utah

.511 - Rapid City

.500 - Tulsa

.489 -Kansas City

- Florida lost three straight games to Jacksonville over the weekend to see its point percentage drop to .688 which is still tops in the ECHL but not by much. The Western Conference now has the #2, #3 and #4 ranked teams in the ECHL in points percentage. 

 

DID YOU KNOW: Came across this stat while doing the ECHL Stats post this morning. Allen scores the first goal of the game more than any other team in the ECHL. 

Scoring the first goal of the game is a big advantage when you consider the team that scores first earns 75% of the points when scoring first. Here are the ECHL teams with the highest and lowest percentage of games they score first:

 

Highest Percentage (50% plus)

61% - Allen

60% - Florida

55% - Wichita

53% - Jacksonville

50% - Indy

50% - Tulsa

 

Lowest Percentage (below 50%)

41% - Orlando

43% - Utah

43% - Rapid City

44% - Wheeling

47% - South Carolina

48% - Fort Wayne

49% - Kansas City

49% - Greenville

 

 

Allen Wins and Goes for Sweep Today, Game Recap, Video Highlights, Game Four Preview and Spencer Asuchak's 300 Point Milestone Saga

 

The Allen Americans beat the Kansas City Mavericks 5-3 last night before a crowd of 1828 at the Allen Event Center. The Americans will go for a sweep of the four games series with the Mavericks this afternoon at 2:05 pm. 

 

- Allen has used a different path to victory in the first three games of the series. Game one was a 3-2 comeback win after trailing 2-0. Game two was the biggest power play production of the season (3-4) on the way to a 4-3 win. Game three last night saw Allen set season records for most shots in a period when they totaled 21 shots in the first period and most shots in a game with 49.

 

- Despite bombarding Kansas City with 21 first period shots and out shooting the Mavericks 21-10 the Americans only scored once due to great goaltending. The lone goal of the first period came late (18:22) when Corey Mackin deflected a pass from Samuel Laberge for his team leading 17th goal of the season. It is always a good sign when Allen scores first as its record is now 21-5-1-0. It is even a better sign when the Americans lead after the first period. Their record is now 15-0-2-1

 

- The teams traded goals back and forth in the second period with each scoring twice. Allen took a 3-2 lead into the second intermission which was another good sign. Allen's record when leading after the second period is now 20-1-1-0. 

- The Americans scored two goals early in the third period to put the game away and give themselves a chance for a sweep this afternoon. Allen has now won three straight games, they have won five of their last six and have points in six straight games. They also improved their home record to 14-3-2-1.

-  Goal scorers for Allen were Corey Mackin (17,18), Josh Maser (1), Colby McAuley (6) and Samuel Laberge (14). Here are the video highlights from the Allen Americans YouTube channel. 

- Here is the game recap issued by the Allen Americans: https://allenamericans.com/news/general/americans-win-third-straight-over-kansas-city/

 

- After the best power play performance of the season on Friday night when the Americans scored on three of four power play opportunities, last night Allen had its worst power play effort of the season. The American were 1-8 on the power play and gave up a shorthanded goal. It was just the third shorthanded goal Allen has allowed this season. Only two teams have allowed fewer than three shorthanded goals, Wichita and Kansas City have allowed two.

 

GAME FOUR PREVIEW

 - When I checked in with coach Martinson this morning he did not anticipate many changes in the lineup for the game this afternoon. He likes the way the team is playing and just hopes more shots aren't directed right at the goalie. Jake Paterson will get the start in goal for the Americans.

 

- It is a cliche to say the fourth game in five days against the same team will be a battle of will over skill. Both of these teams have to have very tired legs and a 2:05 pm start this afternoon doesn't help the rehydration and recuperation process. 

 

- As always a good start and special teams will play a big role in the game today. As a reminder the team that scored first has won six of the seven games between Allen and Kansas City this season. While Allen had a tough night last night going 1-8 the good news is the power play has improved. The Americans have scored at least one goal in seven of the last eight games. Puck movement and possession time has improved so more of the same should prove successful.

 

- In a four game series making adjustments is important and coach Martinson has talked about tweaking some things the last two games. It has certainly worked with the Americans generating a total of 85 shots in the last two wins. If that continues this afternoon it will be a good sign for the Americans.

 

OTHER COMMENTS

- The Western Conference saw plenty of changes in the standings last night. Fort Wayne lost in regulation to Indy and dropped from first place to third place. There is now a three way tie for last place in the conference. Here are the standings;

.685 - Wichita

.663 - Allen

.654 - Fort Wayne

.533 - Utah

.500 - Rapid City

.500 - Kansas City

.500 - Tulsa

Look for more changes after games today as all seven teams are in action with Kansas City at Allen, Utah at Wichita, Rapid City at Tulsa and Indy at Fort Wayne. Every team but Utah could could move up or down in the standings based on how they play today.

 

- I know I keep saying this but coach Martinson has been working tirelessly behind the scenes to improve the lineup. The immediate need is adding a defensemen but with the trade deadline coming up (April 22) Martinson is also looking ahead to the playoffs. I just get the feeling some moves are close. It could be through trades, signing of college players or assignment of players from AHL teams but there is no doubt moves are on the horizon.

 

DID YOU KNOW: Spencer Asuchak was given an assist on Allen's third goal last night which was announced as his 300th point of his career. Unfortunately it was later taken away. I looked at the replay several times and it looks to me like it was the right call to give the goal to Colby McAuley and the assists to Phil Beaulieu and Matt Register. In my mind Asuchak has already reached the 300 point milestone if you count his professional career. If you just count his North American pro career he is at 299. You can't forget the one goal he scored when he played for a short time in the top league in Slovakia at the beginning of the 2017-18 season. Some other Asuchak trivia is related to his AHL career. Spencer has five AHL goals but a hat trick is included. It happened on December 2, 2015 and the headline read, Spencer Asuchak's hat trick powers Chicago Wolves past Manitoba Moose 8-2." There are not a lot of players that can claim an AHL hat trick in their career. Here is the breakdown of Spencer's pro career points.

233 points - ECHL

56 points - CHL

10 points - AHL

1 point - Slovakia     

300  TOTAL