Allen vs Worcester Preview, Christmas Critical Dates, Single Season Assist Leaders, Martinson Win Countdown, Current Streaks and More

The Allen Americans finish their four game swing through the ECHL North Division tonight (6:05 pm Allen time) as they take on the Worcester Railers. Allen is 2-1 thus far on the road trip and need a victory tonight to make the trip a success.


- By most statistical measures Allen should come out on top against Worcester. The Americans are #1 in the league in points (41), Worcester is last with 17 points. Allen's winning percentage is .759, Worcester's is .354. Allen scores an average of 3.9 goals per game, Worcester 2.8. The Americans allow an average of 3.1 goals per game, Worcester 3.8.


- Don't be so quick to put this game in the win column for Allen. Worcester has won their last two games, only the second time all season they have won back to back games. In their last game (Sunday) the Railers beat a good Reading team 4-1. Allen on the other hand split their last two games but gave up six goals in each. The Americans roster is stretched thin because of injuries and loans. Nick Boka was injured on Saturday and has been placed on injured reserve where he joins Ben Owen. Olivier Archambault is on the road trip but has missed the last two games and is doubtful for the game tonight. Spencer Asuchak is also doubtful for the game tonight. Gabe Gagne has been loaned to Ontario (AHL) and three defensemen are still in Iowa.


- Some good news for Allen will be the return of Josh Lammon who has been on medical leave because of a family emergency. The Americans gave up five power play goals in the last two games (5-9). I don't think it is a coincidence the penalty kill suffered with Lammon out of the lineup.


- Allen has a goal differential (goals for minus goals allowed) of +20. Worcester's goal differential is -26. The Railers have been outscored in the third period by 22 goals (17-39). This game will likely come down to the third period where Allen has scored 32 goals compared to 17 for Worcester.


- Allen's road power play percentage is 11.7% and penalty kill is 80.0%. In the first three games of this road trip the Americans were 2-13 (15.4%) on the power play and 5-11 (54.5%) on the penalty kill. If they expect to come out on top tonight winning the special teams battle is essential. Worcester has given up six shorthanded goals (one every four games) so an opportunity for the Allen penalty killers to go on offense.


-  Tyler Sheehy and Brett Pollock will be trying to extend their current league leading streak of seven games with an assist. Sheehy also has a point in eight straight games.


- Here is the Allen vs Worcester game preview issued by the Allen Americans: https://allenamericans.com/americans-and-railers-meet-tonight-in-worcester/ 


OTHER COMMENTS

- If you are a fan of online auctions a reminder that the Allen Americans are using LiveSource to auction jerseys and other items. Check out the Allen Americans LiveSource auction as some good deals can be had.


- It is that time of year where players are coming back and going to Europe. This can have a big impact on rosters as high end players come and go. Jack Combs recently left Wichita for Germany and Hunter Fejes just left Orlando for Austria. On the other hand, Kyle Bonis just returned to the Toledo Walleye from Slovakia. Look for more movement until the deadline for players to return from Europe passes (February 15).


- The Christmas waiver/trade freeze begins on Saturday (21st) at 3:00 pm EST and runs through noon on the 26th.


- The Americans drew the short straw when it comes to the Christmas break because they are on the road just before the break and right after the break. Allen plays in Wichita on the 22nd and are in Idaho on the 27th. The Christmas break is the 23-25. While some players will head home from Wichita most will not.


- Tyler Sheehy is tied for #6 in ECHL scoring (31 points). He is the only rookie in the top 16 in scoring.


- Steve Martinson's countdown to #2 in all-time in wins:

1244 - Scotty Bowman
1027 - John Brophy
1022 - Steve Martinson



DID YOU KNOW: I posted the following on my ECHL Stats page today. You can find my daily posts by liking ECHL Stats & Information on Facebook and following @ECHLStats on Twitter.

I am re-posting  here because I am always amazed at the records Chad Costello set in the three season he played in Allen. Here is the post:

Utah’s Tim McGauley had six assists last night, just missing the all time record of seven. Here are the most ECHL assists in one season since 2009-10. FYI, in 2016-17 and 2014-15 Chad Costello had more assists than anyone else in the league had points.

89 - Chad Costello, 2016-17
84 - Chad Costello, 2014-15
79 - Chad Costello, 2015-16
76 - Tyler Donati, 2009-10
68 - Shane Berschbach, 2016-17