Allen Wins In OT, Ref Controversy Again

Allen Wins 3-2 in OT - photo by Scott Thomas

Allen took a 2-1 series lead last night with an exciting 3-2 sudden death overtime win over the Missouri Mavericks with the winning goal coming with one second remaining in a 5 on 3 power play at the eighteen minute mark of the first overtime period. Trevor Hendrikx was the hero with a great slap shot blast from the left point. It was an unusual overtime period as there were more penalties called in the overtime period (6) than any of the regulation periods. Of the six penalties four were for boarding (three of the four against the Mavericks) and the other two were against Sebastien Thinel who was given a 5 minute major and a match penalty for an attempt to injure.


I am sure Mavericks fans feel like Americans fans did after the first game, that the referee cost them the game.

Here are my thoughts and comments:

- It is unfortunate in any game when the officials become the story. This was true in game one and it was true again in game three. Two different referees (Zak Blazic last night) but penalty calls dominated the post game conversation. Normally the referee lets the teams get away with  more in overtime and the teams settle the contest on the ice. Not the case last night. I have no statistics to back it up but I would think you would have to look a long way back in the record book to find a visiting team get two 5 on 3 power play attempts in overtime.

- Here are some of the comments about the game tweeted by SinBinMavs who I think is reporting what the Mavericks coach (Scott Hillman) said ofter the game. These could easily be the same comments I saw from Allen fans after game one. When asked what he said to the boys afterwards: "Shake it off. You played your hearts out. For that team (Allen) to get 8 power plays tonight, it's a joke." When asked about the emotions in the locker room: "Just frustrated. They (Allen) dove all night, and I guess it just wore down the official to where he can't tell the difference between a call and a dive. They (Allen) claim to be this big, tough team but they dive all over the ice." He (the referee) was fine for 3 periods, where he seemed to be letting both teams play. For some reason, he coughed up his whistle for the biggest period of the series to date. When asked about the two 5 on 3s in OT: "Never heard of it. Never seen it before. We'll probably never see it again in our lives."

- You can sense the frustration just as you could with Allen after the first game loss. I also want to be fair to Hillman as he also said about Allen,  "They're deep. They have 3 good lines. Their goal tending is outstanding. They're the 1st place team ...and there's a reason for that. They have a great hockey club."

- The game was well played by both teams with some great goal tending at both ends of the ice. It was looking as if a Jason Deitsch goal midway through the second period might hold up until Missouri score two quick goals in the middle of the third period. The Americans tied the score with less than three minutes left in the game with a Trevor Ludwig goal to set up the overtime.

- Brian McMillin had an assist and also led the team with six shots on goal. Brian continues to lead the team in points.

- Tyler Ludwig had an assist on his brother's goal and is now a +10 which leads the CHL by a +3.

- While the game winning goal came on the power play the power play is still struggling. The Americans were scoreless on 15 straight power plays before the OT power play goal.The power play percentage for the series is 6.25%.

- The penalty kill gave up one goal in five attempts (including a 5 on 3) and has allow 4 goals in 17 attempts in the series.

- Special teams are going to be key in this series and Allen needs to improve if they are to prevail, especially on the power play.

- Another key stat in this series is the ability to hold a lead. If you recall there was a period during the season where the Americans had trouble holding onto leads. In the playoffs Allen is 4-0 when leading after one period and 6-0 when leading after two periods.

- For the first time in the series the Mavericks had the edge in shots on goal (40-34).

- Not sure what the rule is on an attempt to injure game misconduct penalty but it would be devastating to Missouri if Thinel was to be suspended for the rematch on Friday.

- Attendance continues to be an issue that has to concern the CHL. Missouri has great support as they averaged over 5500 fans during the regular season. They lead the league in playoff attendance but they are only averaging 4200. I know last night was a mid week game and there isn't a lot of time to market playoff games but for a 2nd round playoff game with the series tied 1-1 to only draw 3990 (attendance last night) in one of the best markets in the league is a concern. It will be interesting to see how many more fans show up for the two weekend games.

- My final thought for the day has to do with Aaron Dell. Another tweet from the Mavericks said, "I will say this regarding Allen - Aaron Dell is a terrific goalie. He has nothing but big things in his future." I as well thought he was terrific while stopping 38 of 40 shots and held the Americans in the game during a couple of sustained Mavericks attacks. How could it be possible he was not one of the three stars of the game.
COME ON, MAN!!