Spencer Asuchak Loaned to Charlotte, Roster Update, All-Star Game, Riley Gill's Playoff Stats Hall of Fame Worthy and More

 

When there was a COVID breakout in the AHL and NHL and the NHL decided to create an interim taxi squad, Allen coach Steve Martinson said it was a matter of time before contracted players and free agents from Allen would be recalled/loaned. When the NHL taxi squads were implemented the plan was for them to be in place until the All-Star game (February 5) with a possibility they could be extended.

 

- Allen has had four NHL/AHL contracted players on the roster this season, they have all been recalled at this point. Here is the list:

• Antoine Bibeau - has played 10 games in Allen, currently with Seattle (NHL)
• Frank Marotte - has played nine games in Allen, currently with San Diego (AHL)
• Ryan Lohin - has played six games in Allen, currently with Charlotte (AHL)
• Luke Henman - has played three games in Allen, currently with Charlotte (AHL)

 

- Earlier this month defenseman Nolan Kneen (an AHL free agent) was loaned to Charlotte. After spending some time in COVID protocol, Nolan played his first two AHL games on Saturday and Sunday. He had an assist in both games as the Checkers split two games against the Texas Stars.

 

- Yesterday Allen co-captain, Spencer Asuchak, was loaned to Charlotte. Have to say it was a surprise since Asuchak is 30 years old and hasn't spent time in the AHL since the 2017-18 season when he played six games with the San Jose Barracuda. Spencer clearly has the skill to play at the next level as evidenced by his 60 AHL games played. My guess is Charlotte was looking for a player with a specific skill set and Asuchak met that need. If the Checkers need a big body fourth line center who can play net front and is great on faceoffs, Spencer is the perfect match. The Checkers play four games this week (tonight, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday) so I am sure that was also a factor. Did you know Spencer has five AHL goals to his credit but three of them game in one game. He had a hat trick on December 2, 2015 when he was playing for the Chicago Wolves. Here is the Americans press release on Asuchak heading to Charlotte: https://allenamericans.com/media/spencer-asuchak-signs-pto-with-charlotte-ahl/

 

- In talking to coach Martinson this morning he does not expect any of the players currently loaned/recalled back for the series this weekend in Utah. However, he cautioned me you never know for sure when players might get sent back. He always reminds me of the time he loaned a player to the AHL for one game on a weekend and the player never returned and was in the NHL the following season. Of the injured players, Zach Hall will be available for the road trip and Chad Butcher is day to day. Martinson is still looking for a goalie so he doesn't have to use an EBUG in Utah. 

 

-  I am sure all of the effort Gavin Gould put in just to play in the All-Star game last night was worth it. He has to have been dead tired after all of the games he played last week including Sunday afternoon in Tulsa followed by the bus trip home to Allen and then catching a 7:30 am flight to Jacksonville yesterday morning. It turned out well for Gavin as he scored the first goal of the game and participated in the fastest skater event. He will be flying back to Allen this morning.

 

- Utah beat Idaho 6-3 at home yesterday in one of three MLK afternoon games in the ECHL. The Grizzlies will be a big challenge for the Americans in their three game series on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Utah has won seven of its last eight home games dating back to December 6. Allen has a better road record (.594) than home record (.500). In the Americans last eight road games their record is 5-1-1-1. Allen will have to be at its best and it looks like they will be playing without Asuchak, Bibeau and Kneen.   

 

- The ECHL announced yesterday that the Goaltender of the Year Award will be named after Nick Vittucci who is the all-time goaltender leader in appearances (479), wins (265) and minutes played (27,291). Vittucci won five ECHL championships as a player and a coach. Here is the ECHL press release with the details: https://www.echl.com/en/news/2022/1/goaltender-of-the-year-award-named-in-honor-of-nick-vitucci   

- Vittucci won four championships as a player and was inducted to the very first ECHL Hall of Fame class in 2008. His association with the ECHL spans a couple of decades and includes time as a successful player, assistant coach and head coach. 

- I assumed Vittucci was the all-time leader in most playoff stats given his four championships as a player but not the case at all. Riley Gill, who won two Kelly Cups in Allen plus one in Reading is the all-time playoff leader in appearances (90), minutes (5095) and wins (53, 10 more than anyone else). Maybe the most impressive playoff record held by Riley is career wins in the Kelly Cup/ Riley Cup championship finals. Here are the top five:

• 11 - Riley Gill, Reading, Allen (2013, 15, 16)
• 8 - Gerald Coleman, Alaska (2011, 14)
• 8 - Dave Gagnon, Hampton Roads, 1991, 94)
• 6 - Nick Vitucci, Carolina, Greensboro, Charlotte (1989-91, 96)
• 5 - Scott Stirling, Atlantic City, Trenton (2001, 03)  

 Riley's career was cut short because of injury but his 335 ECHL games played (regular season and playoffs) ranks him #7 all-time. There is no question in my mind Gill should be a first ballot Hall of Famer. 

 

- Congrats to Jackson Leppard who celebrates his 22nd birthday today. He shares a birthday with 27 players that have played in the NHL including Mark Messier, Alex Pietrangelo and Brian Gionta. 

 

DID YOU KNOW: The ECHL All-Star game took place last night with the All-Stars playing the host team, Jacksonville Icemen. Here is the game by the numbers:

 

14-7: Final score, All-Stars beat Jacksonville

7687: Attendance

3G, 1A: points by MVP, Defenseman Marcus Crawford (KC)

5: Most Assists, Olivier Archambault (Trois Rivières)

0: Power Plays

1: Penalty Shot

77: Total Shots

3: All three skills competitions were won by Jacksonville players: 

Fastest skater - Ben Hawerchuk, 13.01 seconds

Hardest shot - Croix Evingson, 90 MPH

Accuracy Shooting - Derek Lodermeier, 6.0 seconds

Vets Lead Allen to 8-0 Shutout, Game Recap, Video Highlights, Martinson's Comments, Bibeau Heads to NHL, Allen Shutout History and More

 

Nothing like ending a four game losing streak in style and that is exactly what the Allen Americans did yesterday with a 8-0 shutout win in Tulsa. Eight goals in one game after scoring a total of six goals in the previous four game losing streak. Allen's veterans led the way with Chad Costello scoring six points, Spencer Asuchak garnering five points and Jack Combs tallying three. 

 

- While the vets led the way offensively, rookie Hayden Lavigne was great in goal stopping all 27 Tulsa shots. Lavigne got the start yesterday after Antoine Bibeau was recalled by the Seattle where he will be the backup goalie when the Kraken take on Chicago at home this afternoon (2:00 pm CST). While most of the goalie attention has been focused on Bibeau who played the majority of games since returning to Allen, Lavigne has been outstanding when called on. He played back to back with the short turnaround from the shootout loss in Kansas City on Saturday, travel to Tulsa and an afternoon start on Sunday. Prior to these two games, Hayden's last start was January 1. How good has Lavigne been in his last three starts. How about two wins, a shootout loss, a shutout and a .961 save percentage. 

 

- When you win 8-0, everything goes well but a key to the win yesterday was the quick start. After going 0-8 on the power play in Kansas City on Saturday and surrendering a shorthanded goal, the Americans struck twice on the power play in the first period. Allen had a long 5-on-3 power play and converted twice on goals by Eric Roy and Spencer Asuchak. The 2-0 lead, which Allen took into the first intermission, was pretty much game over. Allen scored four more goals in the second period to take a 6-0 lead into the second intermission and added two more third period goals to make the final score 8-0.

 

- The 8-0 win was not a record but it was close. Allen has had one other 8-0 win since joining the ECHL and the all time record is a 9-0 win which was also on the road. On December 30, 2016 in Wichita, Chad Costello had four assists, Greger Hanson has a hat trick plus two assists and goalie Jamie Murray stopped 27 Thunder shots to lead Allen to a 9-0 win. It was part of a streak that saw Allen win 11 of 12 games with the only loss coming in a shootout.

 

- Another key to the game was Allen outshooting Tulsa 36-27. It was the first time this season (5 games) that has happened. Prior to yesterday the Americans were outshot by the Oilers 171-102 in the previous four games.

 

- It is clear from the game yesterday, the four game losing streak and the recent five game win streak, as the Allen veterans go, so goes the team. Last night the three veterans (Costello, Combs, Asuchak) combined for 14 points (3G, 11A). In the four game losing streak the trio combined for just four points (2G, 2A) and in the five game win streak they combined for 23 points (9G, 14A). It doesn't diminish the importance of players such as Gould, Roy, Troock, Butcher and Carroll but for Allen to win consistently the veterans need to be on the scoreboard. 

 

- Goal scorers yesterday were Eric Roy (4,5), Spencer Asuchak (11), Chad Costello (14,15), Jackson Leppard (7) Gavin Gould (9) and Branden Troock (11). Players with multiple assists were Asuchak (4), Combs (3) and Costello (3). Here are the video highlights: youtu.be/f75C8zN0bKw

 

 

- Here is the game recap from the Allen Americans: https://allenamericans.com/media/game-recap-americans-blank-oilers-8-0/

 

COACH'S CORNER WITH STEVE MARTINSON

"I thought we had the better chances in the overtime loss in Tulsa on Friday so expected a good game on Sunday."

"The two quick power play goals in the first period gave us energy. We weren't doing much up until that point."

"I made some changes to the power play and that seemed to pay off."

"Hayden Lavigne played great in goal given he had to play back to back with a short turnaround after the shootout game in Kansas City on Saturday. He has played well going back to his start against Idaho.

"Antoine Bibeau was recalled by Seattle yesterday after one of its goalies was placed in COVID protocol. They would normally recall their goalie from Charlotte but there wasn't enough time given they play Monday afternoon. I am not sure if Bibeau will stay in Seattle or swap places with the goalie in Charlotte but he will not be back with us until the Seattle backup goalie (Chris Driedger) comes off COVID protocol."

"With the uncertainty of when Frank Marotte or Antoine Bibeau might return to Allen I will be looking to sign a goalie before our trip to Utah."

"The players have today off, we will practice on Tuesday and Wednesday and travel to Utah early on Thursday. We have ice in Utah to practice after we arrive on Thursday."

"Chad Costello had an assist on the seventh goal (Gould) so he had a total of six points in the game which we will get corrected."

 

 

OTHER COMMENTS

- Chad Costello took a big leap up the ECHL list for most points with his six point game against Tulsa. Chad is now #3 with 37 points (15G, 22A) in 30 games. He is three points behind #1 (40 points) and one point behind #2. Chad has played two fewer games then the two players ahead of him. 

 

- Spencer Asuchak's five points (1G, 4A) was a first for him since Allen joined the ECHL in 2014. However, as a rookie in the CHL in the 2013-14 season, Spencer had his only other five point games as a pro. He had two in 2014 and they came in the same week:

• March 15, 2014 - In a 7-5 win in Rapid City, (2G, 3A)
• March 21,2014 - In a 7-2 home win against St. Charles (3G, 2A), one goal was shorthanded
  

 

- Six points in a game is a rare feat even for a prolific scorer like Chad Costello. Chad has never had a six point game as an Allen American. Just twice in his 246 Allen games did he have five points in a game:

•   January 3, 2015 - In an 8-1 home win against Brampton (1G, 4A)
•  December 5, 2015 - In a 7-3 home win against Utah (3G, 2A)

 

- The life of Allen All-Star Gavin Gould. The ECHL All-Star game is tonight which makes for more sleepless nights  for Gavin Gould. After playing four games in five days with the Americans this week and bussing back to Allen last night, how about making it five games in six days with another game tonight. Gavin flew to Jacksonville early this morning for the All-Star game. Here is his travel itinerary since last Friday, Allen-Tulsa-Kansas City-Tulsa-Allen-Jacksonville-Allen. I have never understood why they don't have the All-Star game on Tuesday when so many teams play on Sunday. There are three regular season games this afternoon so not sure if those All-Stars are playing or not. 

 

- The ECHL announced a bunch of changes to the All-Star roster this morning. Nine of the players selected to the team will not participate and one of the coaches won't make it. Here are the details:  https://www.echl.com/en/news/2022/1/roster-changes-announced-for-all-star-classic

 

- Allen passed Tulsa and Rapid City with the win yesterday to move into third place in the Mountain Division standings. The three games against first place Utah this week will be key if Allen is to move up the standings. Here are the current division standings:

• .629 - Utah
• .591 - Idaho
• .550 - Allen
• .547 - Tulsa
• .542 - Rapid City
• .515 - Kansas City
• .400 - Wichita

 DID YOU KNOW: The 8-0 shutout in Tulsa yesterday was the first of the season for Allen. Here are the total shutouts for each season since the Americans joined the ECHL:

1 - 2021-22 (through 30 games)

7 - 2020-21 

5 - 2019-20 (shortened season)

4 - 2018-19

0 - 2017-18

9 - 2016-17 (Riley Gill had a record seven shutouts)

4 - 2015-16 

2 - 2014-15  

 

Americans Miss on Power Play Chances, Lose to KC in Shootout, Game Recap, Video Highlights, ECHL and Allen Records That Will Never Be Broken

 The Americans lost their fourth straight game last night, losing in Kansas City 3-2 in a shootout before a crowd of 3644 at Cable Dahmer Arena. 

• Allen fans are used to seeing the team give up early leads like it did last night. After all the Americans have lost seven of 12 games when they scored first. 
• Allen fans are used to seeing the Americans be outshot like they were last night (40-27). After all, Allen has been out shot in 22 of 29 games this season. The Americans have won six of seven games when outshooting opponents but have lost 15 of 22 games when being outshot.
• Allen fans are used to seeing the team give up shorthanded goals like it did last night. After all, the Americans lead the league with 12 shorthanded goals allowed.
• Allen fans are used to seeing the team struggle on the power play like it did last night going 0-8. After all, the Americans are ranked #22 in road penalty kill percentage at 15.0%.
• Allen fans are used to seeing the team lose in games going extra time like it did last night. After all, the Americans have lost five of six games this season that have gone extra time, the worst record in the league.

 

- What fans aren't used to is seeing all of the above happen in the same game and the Americans still had a chance to win. The biggest disappointment was the power play. To have eight opportunities to put the game away and go 0-8 is something that is unprecedented from my memory. To make matters worse the power play unit gave up a shorthanded goal late in the third period that forced the game to overtime. I doubt in team history the Allen power play has ever had eight opportunities and ended up -1.  

- Despite being outshot 14-6 in the first period, Allen took a 1-0 lead on Jack Combs ninth goal of the season. Allen took a 2-0 lead early in the second period on Branden Troock's 10th goal of the season. Kansas City cut the lead to 2-1 later in the period but the Americans 2-1 lead at the second intermission looked like it would hold up. Allen was undefeated on the road when leading after the second period prior to last night. 

- The Americans had three power play chances in the third period to extend the lead to 3-1 and put the game out of reach but instead let the Mavericks back in the game allowing a shorthanded goal with less than five minutes remaining. 

- Both teams had good scoring chances in the overtime with Kansas City holding the edge in shots (6-3). In the shootout, Allen's first two shooters (Gould & Combs) missed while both Kansas City shooters scored to end the game.

 

- Hayden Lavigne was great in goal stopping 37 of 39 shots for a save percentage of .949. Coincidentally the exact same save percentage Antoine Bibeau had in a losing cause in Tulsa on Friday night. The primary reason Allen came away from the last two games with a point is the team is getting outstanding goalie play.

 

- Here is the game recap published by the Allen Americans:  https://allenamericans.com/media/americans-blow-third-period-lead-drop-3-2-decision-in-a-shootout/

 

- Here are the video highlights:  https://youtu.be/Rp0JcGsj1wg  

 

- Allen's lack of scoring has now extended to four games matching the four game losing streak. Allen has scored one or two goals in the last four games averaging a meager 1.5 goals per game. In the five game winning streak that preceded this losing streak the Americans averaged 4.6 goals per game.

ALLEN VS TULSA PREVIEW

- When I checked in with coach Martinson this morning he was working on changes to the power play. he said the lineup in Tulsa will be the same as last night with the exception of Antoine Bibeau, who will be in goal. Chad Butcher is injured so will be the one player sitting out.

 

- Allen has been outshot 211-129 over the last five games. Surprisingly the one Americans win in the last five games came when they were out shot 48-24. If Allen expects to win this afternoon they have to reduce the shot gap. They can't expect the goalies to have a .950 save percentage every game and overcome Allen allowing 40+ shots.

 

- Special teams must improve for Allen to win in Tulsa. The Americans have one power play goal in their last four games and were 0-8 last night. The Americans penalty kill allowed two goals to Tulsa twice in this five game series that ends today. Winning the special teams battle is imperative.

 

- Obviously the Americans will be exhausted today playing in their fourth game in five days. While Allen traveled back and forth from Tulsa to Kansas City, the Oilers had Saturday off. I have seen so many times when the tired team with no legs left surprises the well rested team. Look for a big effort from Allen today.

 

OTHER COMMENTS

- With the loss last night, Allen has fallen to fourth place in the Mountain Division standings. Idaho beat Utah and Rapid City beat Wichita so the standings have tightened. Here is the latest:

• .629 - Utah
• .591 - Idaho
• .565 - Tulsa
• .542 - Rapid City
• .534 - Allen
• .515 - Kansas City
• .400 - Wichita

The standings are so tight, if Allen beats Tulsa today in regulation the Americans will move from fifth in the standings to third, jumping idle Rapid City and the Oilers.

 

- Former Allen forward Josh Lammon, who plays in Great Britain for the Cardiff Devils (Wales), injured his shoulder last week. According to the Cardiff press release Josh is, "Expected to have surgery later this month with a potential return to action 6-8 weeks later." Lots of hedge words in that statement. Hope for a complete and speedy recovery for Josh. 

 

- Defenseman Nolan Kneen played in his first AHL game last night and played well. Nolan had the primary assist on a goal in the first period to give Charlotte a 3-2 lead before the game got out hand and the Checkers won 8-3. Kneen was +2 in the game. Charlotte plays again this afternoon (1:00 pm EST).

 

- You see this quote all of the time and it rings true now more than ever with the Americans struggling to score goals. "If you are not scoring goals, what are you doing? Are you able to play away from the puck, are you able to win puck battles?

 

- I was putting together some ECHL records that will never be broken for ECHL Stats and decided to do a few for the Allen Americans. Here are the Allen Americans records that I think will never be broken. Any you would add to the list or any you disagree with?

• 4: Most Consecutive Championships by a Coach - Steve Martinson (2013-16)
  
• 3: Most Consecutive 100 Point Seasons - Chad Costello (2014-17)
• 125: Most Single Season Points - Chad Costello (2014-15)
• 89: Most Single Season Assists - Chad Costello ((2016-17)
  
• 29: Most Single Season Fights - Derek Mathers (2016-17)

When Spencer Asuchak hangs up his skates he will likely have an unbeatable number of games played. His current number (442) is 195 more games played than anyone else in franchise history.

When Steve Martinson is finished in Allen he will have an unbeatable number of championships. He is at four and counting. 

DID YOU KNOW: ECHL single season records that will never be broken:

 

Points

161: Trevor Jobe, Nashville (92-93)

 

Goals

85: Trevor Jobe, Nashville (92-93)

 

Hat Tricks

12: Trevor Jobe, Nashville (92-93)

 

Defenseman Points

98: Tom Nemeth, Dayton (93-94)

 

Defenseman Assists

82: Tom Nemeth, Dayton (93-94)

 

PIMS

512: Rob McCaig, Louisiana (95-96)

 

Goalie Win Streak

21: Josh Robinson, Missouri (15-16)

 

Shots on Goal

443: Darren Colbourne, Dayton (91-92)

Allen Loses Goalie Duel, Game Recap, Video Highlights, Martinson's Comments, Allen vs KC Preview, Defensemen Points Leaders and More

 There was a goalie duel in Tulsa last night in which neither goalie deserved to lose. Unfortunately for the Allen Americans they came up short, losing 2-1 with the winning goal coming just 27 seconds into overtime. It was the third straight loss to Tulsa and in the three losses, Allen has managed to scored just four goals. 

 

- It was another tough loss for goalie Antoine Bibeau who kept Allen in the game stopping 37 of 39 shots. You don't lose a lot of games with a .949 save percentage which is what Antoine had in the game. He certainly hasn't received much offensive support with Allen averaging just 1.33 goals per game in his three losses to Tulsa. 

- How much has the Allen offense dried up? In the last three games (all losses) the Americans have averaged 1.33 goals per game. In the previous five games (all wins) Allen averaged 4.60 goals per game. In the three losses, Allen's top five scorers had a total of three goals and three assist. In the five wins the group had 17 goals and 19 assists. It is pretty clear the top players have to be the top players if Allen is going to win.  

- Allen has struggled in overtime games this season. There have been four times an Americans game has been decided in overtime and their record is now 0-4. Compare that to the last two seasons when Allen's combined overtime record was 17-9.

 

- Allen gave up the first goal again last night which it has done in 61% of the games this season (17 of 28). Tulsa scored at 11:50 of the first period and there wasn't another goal until Allen tied the score at the 9:23 mark of the third period on JD Dudek's first goal of the season. Assists went to Andrew Jarvis, who was playing his first professional game, and Jackson Leppard. Both teams had plenty of grade A chances but both goalies were outstanding. Allen lost the overtime faceoff and Tulsa never relinquished the puck before scoring 27 seconds later.

 

- Here is the game recap from the Allen Americans: https://allenamericans.com/media/game-recap-americans-fall-in-overtime/

- Here are the video highlights of the goals but also some of the great saves made by Antoine Bibeau: https://youtu.be/tGqAatJvFmk

 

 ALLEN VS KANSAS CITY

- While Tulsa celebrated its overtime victory and takes Saturday off the Americans climbed on the bus right after the game and headed for Kansas City (275 miles) where the weekend grind will continue as they take on the Mavericks tonight (7:05 pm). Kansas City played in Iowa last night and won 5-4 in overtime so the Mavericks also had to travel back home after the game (300 miles) through a snowstorm.

- Only 19 players went on the trip so not a lot of moves coach Martinson can make. When I talked to him this morning he said Dawson Butt will be in the lineup tonight after sitting out in Tulsa. Who sits out will depend on how some players feel today. It was after 3:30 am before the team got to the hotel. Hayden Lavigne will get the start in goal today. Martinson felt the team played well enough to win but needs to do a better job of converting their good scoring chances into goals. The team will head back to Tulsa after the game tonight. It will be a tired group on the ice in Tulsa Sunday afternoon.

- The game tonight will be the third against Kansas City this season. In the two previous meetings the Mavericks beat the Americans 7-4 in Allen and 7-5 in Kansas City. The Mavericks scored first in both games, outshot Allen in both games and had the better special teams. Allen was 1-4 (25%) on the power play and Kansas City was 3-9 (33%). These will all be keys to the game tonight.

- Allen needs to get the offense back on track if they expect to win tonight. Allen's style does not lend itself to low scoring games. The Americans haven't won a game all season when scoring less than three goals and in 11 of their 13 wins they scored four or more goals. 

- If you compare overall stats Allen scores more (3.3 vs 3.1) but also allows more goals (3.9 vs 3.2). Kansas City takes more shots (33.2 vs 28.0) and allows fewer shots (30.1 vs 35.5). Allen has the better power play (18.9% vs 16.4%) and Kansas City the better penalty kill (79.1% vs 76.9%). 

- The referee scheduled tonight is Sam Heidemann (#22). He was also the referee in Tulsa last night where he called just four penalties with only one after the first period. Kansas City is the most penalized team in the league and Allen isn't far behind. If you are betting on the number of penalties tonight compared to last night, definitely bet on the over.

OTHER COMMENTS

- Utah beat Idaho 4-1 at home last night in a game that saw the Steelheads score first before the Grizzlies scored four unanswered goals including two shorthanded goals by Trey Bradley (one was empty net). Bradley leads the ECHL with four shorthanded goals. These teams play two more games, both in Utah, of a six game series. Right now Utah is #1 in the Mountain Division (.647) and Idaho is #2 (.578).

- Utah is the only Mountain Division team with a points percentage at .600 or above. It may talk to the parity in the Mountain Division because the North and Central divisions have three teams at .600+ and the South has two.

- Allen has struggled to replace the offense created by defensemen Les Lancaster and Matt Register last season. Les (64 points) and Matt (52 points) finished #1 and #2 in the ECHL in points by defensemen.  Last season the entire defense totaled 210 points and averaged of 2.92 points per game. The 210 points was 33% of the team's total points. This season the defense has 63 points in 28 games, an average of 2.25 points per game which is 25% of the team's total points. An 8% difference may not sound like a big difference but over the course of a typical Allen season it represents about 60 points. 

 

- Antoine Bibeau has played 571 minutes for the Americans, just short of the 600 minutes need to be included in the qualified (official) ECHL stats. If Bibeau gets the start tomorrow in Tulsa he will surpass the 600 minutes and be included in the official stats. His .928 save percentage would place him #5 in the ECHL. The top four are .936, .933, .933 and .903. 

 

- The Charlotte Checkers had two more players assigned to them from the Florida Panthers yesterday. According to the AHL website, Charlotte now has a roster made up of three goalies, 10 defensemen and 16 forwards. While you can't tell if some of the players are out with injuries or COVID, it is a large roster by most standards. Would be nice for Allen to get some help from Charlotte, especially if players are healthy scratches and aren't playing. Charlotte didn't play last night but host the Texas Stars at home tonight (6:00 pm EST) and tomorrow (1:00 pm EST).

 

 

DID YOU KNOW: ECHL teams with most points from defensemen this season:

99 points - Utah

95 points - Fort Wayne

87 points - Indy

77 points - Cincinnati

77 points - Maine

76 points - Wheeling

 

Individual leaders:

28 points: Charle-Edouard D’Astous, Utah

27 points: Mike Lee, Indy

25 points: Marcus Crawford, Kansas City

24 points: Will Graber, Fort Wayne

 

 

   

Allen vs Tulsa Game Preview, Lineup Changes, Vets Leading the Way, Goalie Stats and More

 It is game day for the Allen Americans as they will take the short bus ride (230 miles) to Tulsa and take on the Oilers tonight (7:05 pm). It will be a quick stop in Tulsa as the Americans will get back on the bus right after the game and go another 275 miles and overnight in Kansas City. Allen plays the Mavericks on Saturday night (7:05 pm). 

- Allen lost two of three games to the Oilers in the past week splitting two games at home and losing in Tulsa. The best game of the three for the Americans was not the lone win but the 4-2 loss in Tulsa. In the 6-3 win at home a week ago, the American were out shot 48-24 including 19-4 in the third period, gave up two power play goals and a shorthanded goal. Allen scored three goals (one empty net) on five shots in the third period while goalie Antoine Bibeau stood on his head stopping all 19 Tulsa shots. 

 

- In the 4-2 road loss in Tulsa last Saturday the shots were much closer (favored Tulsa 33-27) and the game was tied 2-2 midway through the third period. Tulsa scored the game winner at the 13:24 mark and an empty net goal with 23 second remaining. Allen took one penalty in the game which was a coincidental roughing penalty. All in all is was a good game for Allen despite losing the game.

 

- You add together Allen's best game against Tulsa was on the road, the fact that Allen has a better road record (.577) than home record (.500) and the addition of Darian Skeoch, Tyler Poulsen, Zach Hall and Andrew Jarvis to the lineup and you have reasons for optimism tonight. With Antoine Bibeau in goal, Allen always has a chance to come away with a win, even if Bibeau has to steal one. Bibeau's record is 6-2-0-0 with a GAA of 2.83 and save percentage of .925.

- Tulsa will also have some roster changes since the game in Allen on Wednesday. The Oilers top defenseman and team leader, Mike McKee, has been loaned to San Diego. Tulsa's top goalie, Daniel Mannella, who has a record of 9-3-0-1, GAA of 2.38 and save percentage of .915, was released from his AHL PTO yesterday, so you have to assume he will be in goal for Tulsa tonight. 

 

- If you add up the stats from the three games against Tulsa in the past week the Oilers have a slight edge in goals (11-9) but a huge advantage in shots (132-73). Tulsa take a lot of perimeter shots so Allen doesn't need to outshoot the Oilers but it must keep the shot totals close.

 

- Allen is 3-12 (25%) on the power play against Tulsa but also gave up a shorthanded goal. Tulsa is 4-10 (40%) and that is in just two games as the Oilers had no power play opportunities in its win over Allen at home. Tulsa's power play has been anemic all season scoring just 15 goals but four of them are against Allen. Put another way Tulsa's power play percentage against Allen is 40% and against the rest of the league it is 13.4%. If the Americans expect to win tonight they must win the special teams battle and that means doing a much better job on the penalty kill. 

 

- If you are looking for players to watch tonight the veterans have led both teams in scoring in this series. Adam Pleskach has always played well against Allen. He has two goals and six assists in 17 games excluding the three games against the Americans. In the three Allen games he has six points (2G, 4A). Allen's top scorers in the Tulsa series are Jack Combs (1G, 4A) and Chad Costello (3G, 1A).  

- When I talked to coach Martinson this morning he reaffirmed his plan to get the four players that have been out of the lineup back in tonight. Things can always change but that is the plan. Two players will stay home. Ben Owen is one and Martinson was still undecided on the other one. I asked Martinson if he would make any changes on special teams and he reiterated what he has said before and that is, "We work a lot on special teams in practice and we need to make smarter decisions on special teams, it is more of an issue of better execution." 

 

OTHER COMMENTS

- Rapid City went on the road and beat Wichita last night by a score of 4-1. It was a strange game as Wichita took just one penalty but had five power play opportunities of its own. Here are the Mountain Division standings after last night:

• .636 - Utah
• .597 - Idaho
• .550 - Tulsa
• .537 - Allen
• .515 - Rapid City
• .484 - Kansas City
• .424 - Wichita

 

- Allen has only played 27 games so points percentage changes quite dramatically. If Allen wins tonight its points percentage will improve to .554 and will move into third place in the division. If the Americans lose in regulation their points percentage will drop to .518 and they could be in sixth place.

 

- Utah and Idaho are battling for the top spot in the Mountain Division and are in the midst of playing each other six straight times. The first three games were in Idaho and the Steelheads won two (one in a shootout). The next three are in Utah starting tonight. FYI, next weekend Allen will be in Utah (Friday, Saturday, Sunday) for an important series.

 

 

- The gap in games played is getting wider and wider. After Monday's MLK games several teams will hit the halfway point of 36 games played (Rapid City, Utah, Atlanta). Newfoundland will still be at 22 games played and isn't scheduled again until next weekend.  

 

 

- There are 11 games on tap in the ECHL tonight. Here is the ECHL Today with a short preview on all of them: https://www.echl.com/en/news/2022/1/echl-today-jan-14

 

 

 

DID YOU KNOW:  In the last five ECHL seasons just one goalie has finished with a GAA below 2.00 (1.86, Parker Milner, SC, 2017-18). Two goalies, both from Idaho, are below 2.00 thus far this season.

 

1.66 - Matt Jurusik

1.92 - Jake Kupsky

 

The all-time best GAA is 1.64 set by Ryan Zapolski, (South Carolina) in 2012-13.

 

Here is the top ECHL GAA the last five seasons:

2.29: Evan Buitenhuis, Wichita (2020-21)

2.14: Tomas Sholl, Idaho (2019-20)

2.12: Devin Williams, Tulsa (2018-19)

1.86: Parker Milner, South Carolina (2017-18)

2.08: Landon Bow, Idaho, (2016-17)

 

Allen Loses 4-1, Game Recap, Video Highlights, Steve Martinson's Comments, Anatomy of the All-Star Team and More

 

There is not much good you can say about the Allen Americans disappointing 4-1 loss last night to the Tulsa Oilers before a crowd of 2349 at the CUTX Event Center. Just when it looked like Allen had things turned around they have scored just three goals in the last two games while allowing eight. Here is a list of what went wrong last night.

• Gave up first goal 6:25 after puck drop
• Out shot 16-6 in first period
• Out shot 18-10 in second period
• Out shot 17-6 in third period
• Out shot 51-22 for the game
• Most shots allowed all season
• Largest shot differential all season (29)
• Lone goal came on a 5-on-3 power play
• Allowed two power play goals

 

- No team is going to win games when they give up the first goal, trail after the first and second period, get out shot by 29 shots, give up over 50 shots and lose the special teams battle. As Kris Myllari was quoted after the game, "It was embarrassing and unacceptable." I doubt anyone will argue with his assessment.

 

- It is not often a goalie gives up four goals and has a save percentage of .922. That was the case last night as Antoine Bibeau was peppered with 51 shots. Remember, Allen won the last home game against Tulsa 6-3 (last Friday) with Bibeau in goal but the Americans were out shot 48-24. That makes the last two home games, both against Tulsa, with a shot total of 99-46.

 

- Here is the game recap from the Allen Americans:  https://allenamericans.com/media/americans-fall-to-the-oilers-4-1/

 

- Here the video highlights or maybe more appropriately lowlights: https://youtu.be/V6JN-HvibxM  

 

- The Americans won't have much time to figure out how to get things turned around against Tulsa with games against the Oilers on Friday and Sunday. Sandwiched between the two games in Tulsa is a game in Kansas City on Saturday.

COACH'S CORNER

"We were outworked and it is as simple as that. It was clearly will over skill in that game."

"I am going to make the team watch the entire game today so they can see what I saw."

"We have too many players waiting for someone else to get the puck so they can make a skill play."

"We had enough skill last night to score one goal and it was a 5-on-3."

"We had four guys sitting out tonight and they will all be in the lineup in Tulsa."

"The plan is to take 20 players on the road trip."

"Tulsa's forwards put a lot of pressure on our defense when we are trying to breakout. Our forwards need to do a better job putting pressure on their defense."

"Gavin Gould will not leave for the All-Star game until Monday morning so he will be with us for the road trip."

 

 

 OTHER COMMENTS

- After two straight losses to Tulsa, Allen's points percentage has fallen from .580 to .537, still good enough for fourth place in the Mountain Division. With the win last night, Tulsa improved to .550 and passed the Americans for third place. 

 

- It was appropriate that Allen's sole goal last night was scored by Gavin Gould, his eighth of the season since earlier in the day he was named as the Americans representative to the ECHL All-Star game. 

 

- Former Allen forward Olivier Archambault is representing Trois Riviéres at the All-Star game. Archambault scored 31 goals in 66 games when he played for Allen.

 

- How does Allen get a player like Gould in what seems like a great trade. In Gould's case, Greenville had too many smaller players and was looking for a bigger player. They sent a rookie, Gould, to Allen for a bigger, more experienced player. It turns out Gould is one of the best players on the team in finishing his checks and is third in scoring among all ECHL rookies. He plays much bigger than his size. 

 

- Allen's game at Kansas City on January 4 that was postponed has been rescheduled and will now be played on February 16. It actually works out better as the Americans were scheduled for a single game in Kansas City on February 15 but will now play back to back games. What it does mean is Allen will play the Mavericks five straight games, February 9, 10, 11 at home and 15, 16 on the road. Kansas City is the most penalized team in the ECHL so it should be interesting playing the Mavericks five times in eight days. 

 

- I did some research on the makeup of the ECHL All-Star team that was named yesterday because in looking at the names, there were fewer prospects/younger players than I anticipated. As of this morning 10 of the 26 players selected are playing in the AHL. Maybe some will be sent back before the game which is on Monday. Here is the info for you to judge for yourself:

Anatomy of the ECHL All-Star team. The team is made up of 26 players (three goalies, eight defensemen and 15 forwards), one from each team except host Jacksonville which will be the opponent. List is in order of ECHL games played. The number in parenthesis is number of ECHL years played. Players with asterisks are rookies:

 

363 - Logan Nelson, Rapid City (7)

253 - Brenden Miller, Kalamazoo (6)

216 - Olivier Archambault, Trois Rivières (7)

205 - Blake Winiecki, Florida (5)

181 - Marcus Crawford, Kansas City (4)

173 - Patrick Watling, Wheeling, (5)

171 - Aaron Luchuk, Orlando (4)

164 - Zach O’Brien, Newfoundland (6)

133 - TJ Hensick, Toledo, (3)

125 - Tim Davison, Atlanta (4)

118 - Evan Buitenhuis, Wichita (4)

111 - Liam Pecararo, Greenville (5)

104 - Ken Appleby, Worcester (6)

77 - Alex Tonge, Norfolk (3)

75 - Justin Brazeau, Maine (2)

74 - Joe Masonius , Adirondack (3)

69 - Charle-Edouard D’Astous, Utah (2)

62 - Mike Lee, Indy (2)

57 - Jacob Pritchard, Reading (3)

27 - *Jack Doremus, Tulsa

24 - *Wyatt Ege, Cincinnati

23 - *Gavin Gould, Allen

22 - Jordan Subban, South Carolina

18 - *Kris Bennett, Iowa

17 - *Yauheni Aksiantsiuk, Idaho

11 - *Samuel Harvey, Fort Wayne

 

Breakdown by number of different ECHL years played

7 - 1st year

3 - 2nd year

4 - 3rd year

4 - 4th year

3 - 5th year

3 - 6th year

2 - 7th year

 

 

DID YOU KNOW: This may be the odd stat of the day but decided to look up the Allen all-time leaders that played just one season with the Americans.

Points - Justin Bowers (2009-10) played just one season in Allen but his 73 points (49 games) ranks him #31 on the all time points list.

Goals - Corey Mackin (2020-21) had 30 goals (67 games) in his only season with Allen but that is good enough to place him #25 on the all time list (tied with Jack Combs).

Assists - Justin Bowers is also the assist leader of one year players. His 50 assists in 2009-10 ranks him #29 all time.

Penalty Minutes - Derek Mathers (2016-17) had 274 PIMS (59 games) in his one season in Allen. That is still #1 for PIMS in a single season. Mather's 276 PIMS ranks him #9 on the all time list.     

Allen vs Tulsa Game Preview, Americans Healthy Again, Player Streaks and More

 As Allen coach Steve Martinson was leaving the ice after practice yesterday his comment was, we have gone from famine to feast with the roster. Indeed all 22 Allen players took part in practice and only Darian Skeoch was in the no contact yellow jersey. However, Skeoch has been cleared for the weekend. That means 21 healthy players tonight and for a change Martinson will have to decide which 16 skaters will play.

- With four games in five days it is a good time to have extra healthy players. Newly signed defenseman Andrew Jarvis will sit out tonight as his equipment is lost and he has been using borrowed skates and equipment in practice. He hasn't skated much with his college team paused. Players coming back from sickness may need an extra day before getting back in the lineup. When I talked to Martinson this morning he was still trying to decide who other than Jarvis will sit out.  

- Antoine Bibeau will get the start in goal tonight and will likely play in three of the four games this week. That way he can play Wednesday, Friday and Sunday and not have to play in back to back games. If that is the way it goes, Hayden Lavigne will get the start in Kansas City on Saturday.

- Allen split the two games against Tulsa last week winning at home (6-3) and losing in Tulsa (4-2). This week the teams will play three times, in Allen tonight and in Tulsa on Friday and Sunday. 

- Comparing stats is difficult given Allen's poor start to the season. Overall stats show Allen averaging 3.5 goals per game versus 3.1 for Tulsa. Goals against favors Tulsa 3.1 to 3.9. However, if you look at Allen's last 12 games its record is 9-3-0-0 with average goals scored per game of 3.83 and average goals allowed of 3.00. A big difference from the overall stats.

-  Special teams could play a key role tonight though there were just four penalties in the last game. Neither of these teams have been great on special teams. Allen has the better power play ranked #17 at 19.0%, Tulsa is ranked #25 at 14.9%. Tulsa has the better penalty kill ranked #9 (82.8%) vs Allen ranked #22 (77.2%). Allen has allowed 11 shorthanded goals and scored four. Tulsa has allowed three shorthanded goals and scored two. The old adage of win the special teams battle win the game is likely.

- Here is the game preview issued by the Allen Americans:  https://allenamericans.com/media/game-preview-americans-host-tulsa-705-pm/ 

 

OTHER COMMENTS

- Great story from the PHPA about Spencer Asuchak: https://phpa.com/news/2287

 

- There are five games scheduled in the ECHL tonight with Tulsa at Allen the only Mountain Division teams in action. Here is the ECHL Today with a preview of all five games: https://www.echl.com/en/news/2022/1/echl-today-jan-12

 

- The Seattle Kraken do not have a goalie on the taxi squad, Charlotte has three goalies on its roster but just one (Joey Daccord) is a Seattle signee. If Seattle decides to add a goalie to the taxi squad that could impact Antoine Bibeau. Always something to consider and worry about if you are an Allen Americans fan.

 

- I wrote about player streaks for ECHL Stats this morning and noticed just one Allen player on the list. Branden Troock is tied for #3 in the current road streak category for assists. Troock has assists in his last five road games. He had a total of eight assists in the five games. He will have a chance to extend his streak in Tulsa on Friday. The longest road assist streak this season is seven (A.J. White - Idaho).

DID YOU KNOW: These current player streaks are also the longest ECHL streaks all season:

 

Assists - Brayden Watts (Wichita) has assists in his last 8 games (9 total assists).

 

Points - Nick Hutchison (Wheeling) has at least one point in his last 14 games (24 points total)

 

Penalty Minutes - Riley McKay (Indy), has at least one penalty in his last 11 games (78 penalty minutes total)