Allen Struck by Thunder 6-1, Game Recap, Video Highlights, Steve Martinson's Post Game Comments, Rematch Preview and More

The Allen Americans lost to the Wichita Thunder last night by a score of 6-1 before a huge crowd of 11,004 at the INTRUST Bank Arena. It was arguably the worst loss of the season for the Americans at a time when they should be playing their best hockey. For the #3 ranked team in the league to lose to the #24 ranked team in the league by a score of 6-1 just should not happen. The only thing positive about the embarrassing loss is the Americans won't have to wait long to do something about it. Just 21 hours and 31 minutes after the final buzzer sounded in Wichita and a 365 mile bus trip to think about the loss, the puck will drop at the Allen Event Center for the rematch (7:05 pm).


- It took just 94 seconds for Wichita to get on the scoreboard last night. It was the ninth time in the 11 games these teams have played this season the Thunder scored the first goal of the game. By the time the first period was over the game was pretty much over as Wichita had a 4-0 lead. Allen's Alex Breton scored the only goal of the second period to close the gap to 4-1. That was as close as the Americans got as the Thunder added two unanswered goals in the third period to make the final score 6-1.


- The poor performance was more surprising because Allen's record against Wichita this season going into the game was 7-0-3-0.  The Thunder had not been playing well lately losing nine of their last 11 games including four straight.


- Not that it had anything to do with the loss but the Americans were shorthanded, playing one player short. They would have been two players short but Iowa reassigned Mitch McLain who met the team in Wichita.


- Here is the game recap issued by the Allen Americans:  https://allenamericans.com/americans-give-up-four-in-the-first-and-lose-to-wichita-6-1/


- Here is the game recap issued by the Wichita Thunder:  https://www.wichitathunder.com/news/press-release/thunder-snaps-skid-with-6-1-win.html 


- Here are the video highlights:

- Coach Martinson didn't have much to say after the loss. "Didn't see that coming. It is hard to believe after playing three games in three days last weekend and playing so well in the 2-1 overtime win in Tulsa on Sunday we would come out tonight and do this. We were bad in our defensive zone coverage and had a bad effort overall."



ALLEN VS WICHITA REMATCH PREVIEW


 - The good news for Allen is Tyler Sheehy will be back in the lineup tonight after missing the last six games with an injury. Overall Sheehy has missed 15 games (injury and callups) this season but still leads the ECHL in scoring. His presence is noticed in all phases of the game; even strength, PP and PK. Not sure how much playing time he will get in his first game back since February 14 but he is definitely a difference maker.


- The first goal of the game last night was a power play goal by Wichita. It was their only power play of the game. Allen had three power play opportunities and failed to convert on any of them. Allen has allowed a power play goal to Wichita in their last seven head to head matchups. If Allen expects to win tonight they have to do better on special teams. Hopefully, Sheehy will help win the special teams battle.


- Look for Dereck Baribeau to get the start in goal. Dereck did not make the trip to Wichita but typically the goalie that stays home works with goalie coach Chris Johansen. Avoiding the quick trip to Wichita and the 12+ hours on the bus should have Baribeau ready for the game tonight.


- Having Mitch McLain back with the Americans is also a big plus. Mitch is a Steve Martinson type player who is tough, greasy, has a lot of skill and is a leader. Mitch is from Minnesota and in his last year of high school led his team with 64 points (35G, 29A) in just 25 games. In his last year in juniors (Langley Rivermen) he led his team in scoring with 60 points (24G, 36A) in 57 games. In college (Bowling Green) he led his team in scoring and penalty minutes as a junior and goals as a senior. He spent the entire last season (2018-19) with the Iowa Wild and finished with 10 goals and 10 assists. Mitch was captain of his junior team for two years and his college team as a senior. His accolades include All-American and All-Academic honors. Not sure how long he will be in Allen but with his skill and style of play he will quickly become a popular player.


- If you watched the video highlights you saw Allen did have goal scoring chances but just could not finish. You also saw the many defensive breakdowns on the Wichita goals. The Americans out shot the Thunder 33-31. Allen has an 11.9% shooting percentage compared to 10.2% for Wichita. If Allen can out shoot Wichita tonight you have to like their chances of winning the game.


- The five goal loss last night was the third time this season Allen has lost a game by five or more goals. If you are looking for a positive sign here it is. On October 18 Allen lost to Utah 10-4. The next night Allen beat Utah 5-4 in overtime. On January 13 Allen lost to Utah 6-1. The next night Allen beat Utah 6-5 in overtime. On February 28 Allen lost to Wichita 6-1. The next night they play Wichita and ?????.



OTHER COMMENTS

 - Allen didn't get any closer to clinching a playoff spot last night. While the Americans were losing, Tulsa beat Rapid City 6-3 to move ahead of the Rush by one point (61 vs 60). However, Rapid City has three games in hand over Tulsa. The teams play again tonight in Rapid City.


- Utah and Idaho both gained ground on Allen even though they played each other. Idaho came from behind to tie the score 1-1 early in the third period and won the game in overtime. Utah earned one point and is now six points in back of Allen. With their win, Idaho is now nine points behind Allen. Utah plays Idaho again tonight in Boise.


- In the battle for the Brabham Cup, Allen and Newfoundland lost ground last night with losses while Florida gained ground with a win. South Carolina was idle. All four teams are in action tonight. Here are the winning percentages with games remaining in parenthesis:

.768 - South Carolina (16)
.728 - Florida (15)
.707 - Allen (14)
.694 - Newfoundland (18)


- Allen has a total of three goals in their last two games but still lead the ECHL in average goals per game. The Americans are the only ECHL team averaging over four goals per game (4.02). 
   



DID YOU KNOW: How important is having Tyler Sheehy in the lineup for the Allen Americans? With Tyler out of the lineup (15 games) Allen's winning percentage is .533 (7-5-3-0). With Tyler in the lineup (43 games) Allen's winning percentage is .756 (30-8-3-2).       

 

Allen vs Wichita Preview, Roster Update, All-Time Rookie 30 Point Scorers and More

It is game day for Allen as the Americans are in Wichita to take on the Thunder tonight (7:05 pm). It seems hard to believe but the Americans are down to their last 15 games of the regular season.  The game tonight will be the 11th time these teams have met this season. They will play for the 12th and final time tomorrow (Saturday) in Allen.


- The Americans will once again play shorthanded as Brett Pollock and Tyler Sheehy did not make the trip to Wichita. Coach Martinson shared with me that Mitch McLain (Iowa Wild) was meeting the team in Wichita to make a total of 15 skaters for the game. There will be nine forwards and six defensemen. Cole Fraser could get shifts on the blue line and upfront.


- Jake Paterson and Andrew Shortridge are the two goalies on the trip. If you have noticed, recently coach Martinson has gone away from a strict rotation of goalies and played a hot goalie in back to back games. Jake Paterson stopped 42 of 43 shots in Allen's 2-1 overtime win over Tulsa last Sunday. I wouldn't be surprised if Paterson gets the start in Wichita. 


- Allen has earned at least one point in all 10 games they have played against Wichita this season with a record of 7-0-3-0.


- In their 10 head to head games Allen has outscored Wichita 50-32 and out shot them 366-310. Neither team has done a good job on the penalty kill. Allen has a power play goal in nine of the 10 games and a power play percentage of 25.6% (11-43). Wichita has a power play goal in seven of the 10 games including the last six and a power play percentage of 24.3% (9-37).


- The recent games against Wichita have turned into run and gun contests with Allen coming out on top. The scores of the last three games, all Allen wins, were 8-5, 7-6 and 6-3. While Allen should fare well tonight in a high scoring game I am sure coach Martinson would much prefer a more defensive minded game. 


- Despite Allen's great record against Wichita this season the Thunder have scored the first goal in seven of the 10 games. Would be a good sign to see Allen score the first goal tonight. 


- Four of the 10 games Allen and Wichita have played this season ended up being decided in overtime. Wichita has won three of the four overtime games.


- Olivier Archambault leads Allen when playing Wichita with 20 points (7G, 13A) followed by Alex Breton with 13 points (4G, 9A) and Jordan Topping with 12 points (6G, 6A).



OTHER COMMENTS


- Tyler Sheehy is eligible to come off the injured reserve list tomorrow and could be back in the lineup. Despite missing 13 games because of injury and call ups, Tyler still has a two point lead in the ECHL scoring race with 64 points. He has a 17 point lead in points scored by rookies.


- I decided to take a look at points scored by rookies over the 11 year history of the Allen Americans franchise. In the last 11 years just 10 rookies have scored 30 or more points. Alex Lavoie is the only one that led the league in rookie scoring and he was also selected as the league's Rookie of the Year. Tyler Sheehy could become the second Allen player to win the rookie scoring title and the league Rookie of the Year Award.

76 points - Alex Lavoie (2013-14)
64 points - Tyler Sheehy (2019-20)
56 points - Spencer Asuchak (2013-14)
44 points - Braylon Shmyr (2018-19)
*41 points - David Strathman (2010-11)
41 points - Nick Layton (2011-12)
*39 points - Alex Breton (2018-19)
*39 points - Justin Baker (2014-15)
33 points - Tobias Whelan (2009-10)
*30 points - Eric Roy (2015-16)

*defensemen


- Two of Allen's rookie defensemen could make the 30 point list, Jack Sadek has 29 points and Les Lancaster has 27 points. Lancaster is currently on loan to Stockton (AHL) and has also been loaned to Iowa and San Antonio this season. Les has 27 points but has played in only 34 games for Allen. Based on a full season he would have 55-60 points.


- Allen could punch their ticket to the Kelly Cup playoffs this weekend. Allen plays Wichita twice while Tulsa is in Rapid City for three games. Any combination of points gained by Allen or lost by Tulsa totaling five puts the Americans in the playoffs.


- There are 12 games tonight around the ECHL and it is worth some scoreboard watching for Allen fans. Utah is at Idaho and Tulsa is at Rapid City. Here is the ECHL preview on all 12 games: https://www.echl.com/en/news/2020/2/echl-today-feb-28 


- The top two teams in the ECHL by winning percentage are both in the South Division. There are four teams in the league with a winning percentage above .700.

.768 - South Carolina
.723 - Florida
.719 - Allen
.708 - Newfoundland

If South Carolina is to be caught it will have to happen in the next two weeks. The Stingrays have lost players recently to the AHL and they are hitting the road for two weeks and seven games. Three of those games are in Idaho. If Florida, Allen and Newfoundland don't make up ground in the next two weeks the Brabham Cup will most likely go to South Carolina. The Stingrays finish the season with eight of nine games at home.



DID YOU KNOW: The rivalry between Allen and Wichita goes back many years and was probably cemented when the Americans came back in game seven of the 2013 CHL championship to beat Wichita in overtime. More than any other team, Allen has dominated Wichita since the teams joined the ECHL in 2014. Even last season when Allen had the worst record in the ECHL their record against Wichita was 8-4-0-2. The Americans had only 25 wins last season which means 32% of their total wins came against Wichita. Here are the records over the last five years:

45-12-4-2: Allen's overall record against Wichita
20-6-3-2: Allen's record in Wichita
25-6-1-0: Allen vs Wichita in Allen

A Fun Practice for the Americans, Loaned Players Reach 10, PIMS Stats and More

It is always fun going to an Allen Americans practice and a hockey game breaks out. Thus was the case yesterday as there were no coaches, no drills, just a bunch of guys having having fun playing the game they love. It was another three on three cross ice tournament. There were three teams; the defensemen, the young forwards and the old forwards. A series of six minute running time contests leading to a final match where the losing team had to represent the team at a Twin Peaks event tonight.


- My observations of this three on three tournament:

The defensemen were dominate, winning four of the five games they played, winning most games by lopsided scores. Their only loss was 1-0 to the young forwards. Looked like defensemen play offense better than forwards play defense.

While the games were fun these guys take any competition seriously.

With his size and reach Stepan Falkovsky seems to cover the entire ice surface in a cross ice game.

The "old" forwards took it in the shorts and will be spending their evening at Twin Peaks tonight. Knowing them they will probably claim they lost on purpose.

It is a long season so it is nice to see a few practice days where the goal is to have some fun.


- It was good to see Tyler Sheehy and Brett Pollock, who have been out with injuries, back on the ice playing in the three on three tournament. It doesn't necessarily mean they will be playing on Friday but there is a chance. Josh Brittain who had been out sick, is also back.


- The NHL trade deadline passed on Monday with the Minnesota Wild making no moves. The next critical date to keep an eye on is next Monday (March 2) which is the AHL trade/loan deadline. Then March 5 is the ECHL trade deadline. 


- One of the recruiting tools Steve Martinson uses is his reputation for loaning players. He is arguably the best recruiter in the league which is a big part of his success. This season he has outdone himself with  number of players he recruited and signed who have spent time in the AHL. Several have earned AHL contracts (SPC). Here is the list of players signed by Martinson in the off season who have seen time with AHL teams. This list doesn't include players like Alex Breton and Olivier Archambault who Martinson helped get AHL deals before the season began.

Josh Atkinson (signed SPC with Iowa)
Matt Register (signed SPC with Iowa)
Jake Doty (signed SPC with Ontario)
Turner Ottenbreit
Les Lancaster
Brett Pollock
Gabe Gagne
Jordan Topping
Jared VanWormer
Jake Paterson


- It is possible every player on the list above with the exception of Atkinson could be on Allen's playoff roster. One of the best things about loaning players during the season is they will be better players after spending time in the AHL.


- A big three game series between second place Utah and third place Idaho takes place tonight, Friday and Saturday in Boise. Even though Utah is currently in second place, Idaho has dominated their head to head series with the Grizzlies with a record of 6-1-0-1. Eight of Utah's 15 remaining games (53%) are against Idaho with six of the eight in Boise. Utah also has three games in Allen.


- Idaho doesn't have an easy schedule by any means. In addition to eight games against Utah they have to play league leading South Carolina three times (all at home) and two games in Allen.


- There are six games on tap around the ECHL today. Here is the ECHL preview on the six games:  https://www.echl.com/en/news/2020/2/echl-today-feb-26


- Congratulations to former Allen Americans defenseman Aaron Gens who starts a new full time job today as the Hockey Programs Manager at the Children's Health StarCenter in McKinney. Along with a co-manager, Aaron will be responsible for all of the youth and adult hockey coming through the rink. He also plans to continue coaching one of the youth teams. 



DID YOU KNOW: Allen is having one of their best regular seasons since joining the ECHL but is doing it in a different way when it comes to penalty minutes. Allen has always been at or near the top of the list in all categories of penalties. Not the case in 2019-20. Here is how Allen ranks in the PIMS categories:

15th - Average penalty minutes per game
7th - Minor penalties
17th - Five minute major penalties
13th - 10 minute misconduct penalties
21st - Game misconduct penalties  

Gutsy Performance Leads to Overtime Victory, Game Recap, Video Highlights, Martinson's Post Game Comments, NHL Trade Deadline Impacts and More

There are some games that show the character of a team in a way that makes you sit back and admire what they just accomplished. Thus was the case yesterday as a gutsy performance by the Americans led to them beating the Oilers in Tulsa 2-1 in overtime before a crowd 5149 at the BOK Center.


- Here are some of the obstacles the Americans were dealing with on Sunday:

Third game in less than 48 hours
Same day bus travel (230 miles) after Saturday night game
Playing a team that had Saturday off
Playing a team they had lost to 5-3 on Friday
Playing two players short with only 14 skaters
Playing with only eight forwards and six defensemen
Missing their #1, #2, #5, #7 and #9 goal scorers
Playing with a starting goalie that had not played since February 8th


- You have to be impressed how the Americans overcame all of the obstacles to win a low scoring game. Allen scored first, late in the first period, on Olivier Archambault's third goal in two games. Former Allen defenseman Miles Liberati got the equalizer for Tulsa early in the second period and that was the extent of the score in regulation time. Josh Lammon took a pass from Archambault and scored on a breakaway just 69 seconds into the overtime to give the Americans two well earned points. Allen goalie Jake Paterson was outstanding stopping 42 of 43 shots for a .977 save percentage.


- Here is the game recap from the Tulsa Oilers: https://tulsaoilers.com/americans-outlast-oilers-in-goaltenders-duel/


- You can find the video highlights at this link. The goals are out of sequence but all three are included:  https://www.echl.com/en/tag?id=5bb763bdd3bc0f20ed973ef0&name=ECHL%20Video



STEVE MARTINSON'S POST GAME COMMENTS

"The game was a solid effort all the way around by the team."

"Even though Tulsa had  some scoring chances we didn't give up many and we avoided the cross ice passes down low."

"Our defensemen made a lot of great "D to D" passes that helped with our breakouts."

"It was great to see Josh Lammon get rewarded on that game winning goal. He made a good rush and a nice move on that goal."

"Jake Paterson was outstanding in goal. Jake and our goalie coach, Chris Johansen, worked together while he was out of the lineup and their hard work payed off tonight."

"I would like to see this game be a defining statement that says we can play the way we need to play when we have to."



OTHER COMMENTS

- South Carolina is the first team to qualify for the 2020 Kelly Cup playoffs. The Stingrays have been in the ECHL since 1993-94 and have missed the playoffs only one time (2006-07).


- Allen has not clinched a playoff spot but they are getting close. The Americans can no longer be caught by Wichita. A combination of Allen gaining points or these teams losing points that total the following will mathematically eliminate these teams from catching the Americans. Since Tulsa is in fifth place, once Allen eliminates them the Americans will be guaranteed a playoff spot. 

3 points - Kansas City
6 points - Tulsa
13 points - Rapid City
22 points - Idaho
23 points - Utah   


- South Carolina has to be the favorite to win the Brabham Cup as the regular season champion. Here are the current ECHL points standings with games remaining in parenthesis:

86 points - South Carolina  (17 games remaining)
82 points - Allen (15 games remaining)
81 points - Florida  (16 games remaining)
75 points - Newfoundland  (19 games remaining)
74 points - Cincinnati  (16 games remaining)  


- The NHL Winter Classic next season will be hosted by the Minnesota Wild. It was announced yesterday the St. Louis Blues will be taking on the Wild. High temps shouldn't be an issue for the January 1, 2021 game. The average temperature for that day is a low of 6 degrees and high of 24 degrees. The all time record low for January 1 is -30 and the record high is 48.


- Utah stumbled at home losing to Kansas City 1-0 on Saturday and 2-1 in a shootout yesterday. The teams will play again tonight in the only ECHL game scheduled. The Americans now have a 10 point lead in the standings over Utah and 13 points over Idaho.


- The Americans don't play again until Friday when they travel to Wichita to play the Thunder. The teams will have a rematch in Allen on Saturday. The big question for the week is who will return from injury, illness and loans to the AHL.


- The NHL trade deadline is this afternoon (2:00 pm CST) and it will finally be known if the Wild add players or subtract players through trades. The answer to this question will have an impact on whether Allen will lose players to Iowa or gain players from Iowa as the season ends and the playoffs begin. Keep in mind any player under contract with the Wild, either AHL or NHL, could be moved at the deadline so it is possible, though not likely, Wild contracted players on the Allen roster could be traded today.

  

DID YOU KNOW: Once the game last night headed to overtime the advantage was with Allen. The Americans have the most overtime wins in the ECHL (10) while Tulsa has the fewest (1). Allen is 10-6 in overtimes, Tulsa is 1-6.

Allen Wins Another High Scoring Game, Video Highlights, Game Recap, Martinson's Comments, Allen vs Tulsa Preview and More

If you like offense you enjoyed the Allen Americans 8-5 win over Wichita last night before a big Star Wars crowd of 5663 at the Allen Event Center. It was the third time this season Allen has been involved in a game with 13 goals. The only game with more than 13 goals was the Allen 10-4 loss to Utah in the third game of the season.


- Last night was the 23rd time this season Allen has scored five or more goals in a game and the third time the Americans have scored eight goals.


- If you like defense it was another disappointing effort by the Americans who gave up five goals to a team that is ranked #24 in the ECHL in winning percentage. It was the 14th time this season Allen has allowed five or more goals in a game.


- The bottom line is Allen came away from Star Wars night with two big points. Combined with a Utah 1-0 loss at home to Rapid City,  the Americans have increased their Mountain Division lead to nine points with 16 games remaining in the season.


- Allen dominated the first period by out shooting Wichita 19-7 but once again gave up the first goal of the game. It was the eighth time in 10 games against the Thunder this season Allen has surrendered the first goal.


- Indicative of the lack of defense by both teams the score was tied 1-1, 2-2, 4-4 and 5-5 before Allen finally took control in the third period. The Americans have scored more third period goals than any team in the ECHL (80) and have allowed only 57. Allen has best third period goal differential of +23.


- After allowing Wichita to tie the score 5-5 midway through the third period the Americans scored three unanswered goals in the last nine minutes of the game to get the win. The eighth goal was an empty net goal scored by Spencer Asuchak who had gone over two months (28 games) without a goal.


- Allen out shot Wichita 52-35 last night. The 52 shots is the second highest shot total all season. There is little doubt about the offensive talent on this team. They scored eight goals last night and the Americans #1, #2, #5, #7 and #9 goals scorers were out of the line up. A team is usually in trouble when they are missing five of their top 10 goal scorers. 


- Goal scorers for Allen were Colton Heffley (1), Corey Durocher (9), Jack Sadek (5), Alex Guptill (23), Olivier Archambault (15 & 16), Stepan Falkovsky (14) and Spencer Asuchak (6).
 


- Here is the game recap issued by the Allen Americans:  https://allenamericans.com/americans-down-thunder-on-star-wars-night/ 


- Here are the eight Allen goals courtesy of Sporfie:

Colton Heffley - his first pro goal in his first pro game on a great pass from Jake Doty

https://sporfie.app.link/2if1jhTBj4


Corey Durocher - another great pass from Doty

https://sporfie.app.link/APT3hNZBj4


Jack Sadek - great pass number three from Doty

https://sporfie.app.link/7Dtjj04Bj4


 Alex Guptill - Alex with his 23rd goal of the season

https://sporfie.app.link/CHkAMO8Bj4


Olivier Archambault - first of two goals by Archambault

https://sporfie.app.link/IIhqtAeCj4


 - Stepan Falkovsky - An Archambault pass sets up the "Falcon" for his rocket of a slap shot which was the game winner.

https://sporfie.app.link/KCB5AZkCj4


-  Olivier Archambault - A great pass by Mitch McLain leads to Archambault's second goal of the game.

https://sporfie.app.link/C8rJJRoCj4


-  Spencer Asuchak - This empty net goal was Asuchak's first goal since November 12. Notice he first misses the open net before stuffing the puck in on a second effort.

https://sporfie.app.link/LbwNYAtCj4


- I stopped by coach Martinson's office after the game and he was watching the end of his son's game from New Mexico. While it was nice to get the win he was frustrated how the team can have so many dominating shifts offensively and then give up so many great scoring chances. He singled out Jake Doty, who had the primary assist on the first three Allen goals and his line mates (Heffley and Durocher) for their hard work. He also talked about the penalty kill breakdowns and the need to tighten that up on Sunday. 



ALLEN VS TULSA PREVIEW

- There will be no rest for the weary as the Americans hopped on the bus at 10:00 am for the 230 mile trip to Tulsa where they will take on the Oilers this afternoon (4:05 pm). After Tulsa beat the Americans 5-3 on Friday they had Saturday night off while Allen was playing Wichita.


- It is bad enough the Americans have to play their third game in 48 hours while Tulsa was resting on Saturday, to make matters worse Allen will be playing shorthanded. Matt Register, Mitch McLain, and Kyle Bauman are headed back to Iowa today. Brett Pollock is injured, Josh Brittain is sick, Les Lancaster is in Stockton and Jared VanWormer is in Cleveland. It adds up to 14 skaters for the game in Tulsa. With six defensemen and eight forwards look for Cole Fraser to move up front for the game. Incidentally, I was talking to Cole's parents at practice on Thursday and they told be he played forward for most of his youth hockey career.


- Allen's penalty kill struggled last night giving up two goals in three opportunities but over the last six games is 3-20 (85.0%). The Americans power play was 2-4 last night and over the last six games is 5-28 (17.9%). In the two games this week against Tulsa neither team was great on the power play. Allen was 1-7 (14.3%) and Tulsa was 0-7. It is fair to say whoever wins the special teams battle today will most likely win the game.


- Another key today against Tulsa is keeping the shots on goal down. Tulsa is the #1 ranked team in the ECHL in shots on goal. The Americans have a record of 5-2-0-0 against Tulsa but they have been out shot in six of the seven games including both of the losses to the Oilers.


OTHER COMMENTS

- Once again the Americans overcame the big crowd (5663), specialty jersey curse with the win last night. The live auction of the Star Wars jerseys saw some active bidding and the highest auction prices in a long time. The lowest price was $550 and two jerseys hit $1000. Stepan Falkovsky's jersey went for $1100 and Spencer Asuchak's went for $1000.


- Les Lancaster, Jared VanWormer and Turner Ottenbreit were all healthy scratches last night. Lancaster he has sat out both games since he was loaned to Stockton. It is great when players get loaned to AHL teams but it is tough when they don't get to play especially when the Americans will be playing short two skaters today.


DID YOU KNOW:  Six ECHL teams have scored more than 190 goals this season. All six are currently in a playoff position:

230 - Allen Americans*
207 - Newfoundland Growlers*
202 - Florida Everblades
199 - Brampton Beast
192 - South Carolina Stingrays*
192 - Fort Wayne Komets

*Lead their division in points & winning percentage

 

Allen Loses to Tulsa, Game Recap, Video Highlights, Martinson's Post Game Comments, Allen vs Wichita Preview and More

After allowing a total of four goals in four games going into last night's game against Tulsa it appeared the Allen Americans defensive play had turned around. Turned out not to be the case as the Americans lost to the Oilers 5-3 before a crowd of 4002 at the Allen Event Center. The game was not as close as the final score.


- With a 1-1 tie after the first period the wheels came off for the Americans in the second period as turnovers in the defensive zone, turnovers in neutral ice and turnovers trying to carry the puck into the offensive zone led to four unanswered Tulsa goals. When Tulsa scored at the 18:09 mark of the second period to make the score 5-1 the game was essentially over. Allen managed to score with .3 seconds left in the period to make the score 5-2 to give themselves some hope but could not close the gap in the third period until they tallied a meaningless goal with six seconds remaining in the game.


- Allen is going to have to play much better when they play the Oilers in Tulsa on Sunday afternoon. It won't be easy as Tulsa takes the day off today (Saturday) while Allen has to play Wichita and then travel to Tulsa overnight.


- Goal scorers for Allen were Jordan Topping (22 & 23) and Jared VanWormer (21). Here are the video highlights:

Here is the game recap from the Allen Americans: https://allenamericans.com/oilers-big-second-period-sinks-americans/


Here is the game recap issued by the Tulsa Oilers:  https://tulsaoilers.com/oilers-sink-americans-at-allen-event-center-thanks-to-great-second-period/



STEVE MARTINSON'S POST GAME COMMENTS

    

"The biggest thing we talked about before the game was getting pucks in deep and avoiding turnovers and we didn't execute that at all."

"On one of their goals we had three different players turn the puck over which finally led to a 2-on-1."

"We had enough puck possession to win that game, we just weren't smart. You can't turn the puck over like we did tonight."

"You think we are getting better defensively and then some of the same guys make the same mistakes. It is back to the drawing board with some of those guys."

"We are loaning VanWormer to Cleveland (AHL). He will be leaving in the morning.



ALLEN VS WICHITA PREVIEW

 - The game tonight will be number 10 of 12 Allen will play Wichita this season. Allen has earned points in all nine previous games with a record of 6-0-3-0.


- Wichita arrives in Allen as a team that is really struggling. The Thunder have lost three straight, eight of their last 10 and 13 of their last 16 games. Wichita would like nothing better than to come to Allen and beat the division leading Americans. This is the kind of game Allen has to win.


- Tonight will be the final game for Matt Register, Mitch McLain and Kyle Bauman who will head back to Iowa tomorrow. Jared VanWormer is on his way to Cleveland (AHL) and of course Les Lancaster just got loaned to Stockton (AHL). Coach Martinson mentioned last nigh that Josh Brittain is day to day because of illness. Stepan Falkovsky is available tonight after serving his two game suspension.


- Goalie Jake Paterson was placed on injured reserve yesterday retroactive to February 9th. Andrew Shortridge will get the start in goal tonight. 


- In their nine head to head games Allen has outscored Wichita 42-27 and out shot them 314-275. Allen has a power play goal in eight of the nine games and a power play percentage of 23.1% (9-39). Wichita has a power play goal in six of the nine games and a power play percentage of 20.6% (7-34).


- Despite the great record against Wichita this season the Thunder have scored the first goal in six of the nine games. Allen gave up the first goal last night in the loss to Tulsa and never led in the game. The Americans need to get off to a better start tonight.


- Four of the nine games Allen and Wichita have played this season ended up being decided in overtime. Wichita has won three of the four overtime games.


- Olivier Archambault leads Allen when playing Wichita with 16 points (5G, 11A) followed by Jordan Topping with 12 points (6G, 6A) and Alex Breton with 11 points (4G, 11A).


- The referee scheduled is Casey Terreri who was the referee last night. He let the teams play for the most part as he only called four penalties in the game and just one against Allen. However, tonight is Wichita not Tulsa so look for more penalties.



OTHER COMMENTS


- Here is the Sporfie highlight that the referee reviewed on the disallowed Allen goal last night that would have tied the score 2-2. Pretty clear the goal is dislodged before the puck goes in.


https://sporfie.app.link/rnMEdDGRh4  


- Les Lancaster, who just loaned to Stockton, did not play last night. Stockton plays again tonight in Tuscon. Gabe Gagne also sat out last night but he has been playing regularly since being loaned to Rockford the end of January. He has played in 14 games and has seven points (3G, 4A). His plus/minus is -2. Gabe is expected to be in the lineup tonight when Rockford visits division leading Milwaukee.


- Allen still has a seven point lead over Utah and 11 point lead over Idaho in the Mountain Division but are losing ground because they have lost four of their last six games. While Allen is at home tonight against Wichita, Utah takes on Kansas City at home and Idaho is at home against Rapid City. Only Tulsa is idle.


- Allen isn't the only top team struggling. Newfoundland has lost four straight games including three straight at home after winning 19 straight at home. At the other end of the spectrum is South Division leading South Carolina who has won five straight and seven of their last eight games. Central Division leading Cincinnati has won four straight games after losing five straight.

   

 
DID YOU KNOW:  In the history of the Allen Americans franchise only four players have played 100+ games and had a point per game average of more than one.

1.62 - Chad Costello
1.28 - Bruce Graham
1.15 - Greger Hanson
1.07 - Colton Yellow Horn

Allen vs Tulsa Preview, Roster Update, ECHL Scoring First Stats and More

Welcome to another one of those dreaded weekends when the Allen Americans play three games in 48 hours with a little bus time thrown in for good measure. The Americans are at home tonight (Friday) to take on Tulsa and Saturday to take on Wichita. Then they travel to Tulsa for a game against the Oilers on Sunday afternoon.


- The roster changes seem to come fast and furious these days. The three players assigned by Iowa (Matt Register, Mitch McLain, Kyle Bauman) will play tonight and Saturday before heading back to Iowa on Sunday. Jake Doty, who has been with the Ontario Reign (AHL) all season, arrived yesterday afternoon and will play all three games this weekend before heading back to Ontario.


- Brett Pollock, who was injured in the game on Tuesday, will not play tonight and will likely be out all weekend. Stepan Falkovsky, will be out of the lineup tonight as he will be serving the second game of his two game suspension. Les Lancaster has been loaned to an AHL team. Cole Fraser, who has been out with an injury and hasn't played since January 30, will be back in the lineup.


- Tonight Allen will be missing the top point scorer in the ECHL (Tyler Sheehy), the top goal scoring defenseman in the league (Stepan Falkovsky) plus Pollock's 42 points. They still have plenty of firepower in the lineup and watching Register, Doty, McClain and Bauman may be worth the price of admission and a preview of who may be on the playoff roster.


- Coach Martinson announced after the game on Tuesday that Dereck Baribeau would get the start tonight.  Baribeau has had back to back shutouts as a starter. The last time Dereck allowed a goal was in the third period back on February 1st. Since that time he has appeared in four games (started two) and has gone 156:31 without allowing a goal.


- It is a sign of the times that more and more AHL contracted players are on ECHL rosters. Allen will probably have nine contracted players in uniform tonight with three more (Sheehy, Boka, Falkovsky) on the sidelines.  


- The game tonight will be game number seven of 13 Allen will play Tulsa this season. Allen is 5-1-0-0 in the six games these teams have played thus far. Tulsa has been battling to get back in the playoff picture after a poor start to the season. The Oilers are three points behind Rapid City for the fourth and final playoff spot (Rapid City has three games in hand) with 16 games remaining. The games against Allen are very important in their quest to make the playoffs. 


- Scoring first is so important (see Did You Know below) and the stats bear that out. Allen is 23-3-1-1 when scoring first while Tulsa is 17-7-1-1. In their six head to head games this season Allen has scored first in five of them.


- Another key to look for tonight is shots on goals. Tulsa is #1 in the ECHL in shots on goals (36.09) but in the 4-0 win on Tuesday, Allen out shot the Oilers 36-34. If the Americans can keep the shots close it will give them the edge because they have a much better shooting percentage (12.2% vs 8.5%) than Tulsa.


- Head to head Allen has the advantage on special teams. The Americans have scored power play goals in three of the six games for an overall percentage of 15.4% (4-26). Tulsa scored two power play goals in the only game they have beaten Allen this season but were blanked in the other five. Their power play percentage is 10.0% (2-20). 


OTHER COMMENTS

- Utah is idle tonight so Allen will have the opportunity to lengthen their seven point lead over the Grizzlies. Utah is at home and will play Kansas City on Saturday, Sunday and Monday. The Grizzlies then travel to Idaho to play the Steelheads on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. With six games in eight days Utah will have the chance to gain some ground on the Americans.


- Here is the ECHL Today with a preview of all 10 games in the ECHL tonight.  https://www.echl.com/en/news/2020/2/echl-today-feb-21


- Two University of Minnesota alums are at tho top of the ECHL rookie charts. Tyler Sheehy leads all rookies in points (64), goals (25) and assists (39). Jack Sadek is the leader in plus/minus (+27). 

 


DID YOU KNOW: Here is the ECHL Stats and Information post from this morning which shows the importance of scoring first: 

How important is scoring the first goal of a game? Five ECHL teams are almost unbeatable when scoring first with winning percentages above .850. All of these teams are in the top seven in the ECHL in points:

.911 - Reading Royals
.909 - South Carolina Stingrays
.865 - Cincinnati Cyclones
.857 - Allen Americans
.854 - Utah Grizzlies
  

Back to Back Shutouts for Baribeau, Game Recap, Video Highlights, Martinson's Comments and More

The Allen Americans won their 35th game of the season last night with a 4-0 win over the Tulsa Oilers, led by goalie Dereck Baribeau's 34 save shutout and Kayle Doetzel's first two goals of the season.


- Baribeau has had back to back shutouts as a starter, has improved his record to 8-1-0-0, his GAA to 2.57 and his save percentage to .920. The last time Dereck allowed a goal was in the third period back on February 1st. Since that time he has appeared in four games (started two) and has now gone 156:31 without allowing a goal. I had the chance to speak with Frederic Chabot, the Minnesota Wild's Goaltending Development Coach, after the game. Chabot works with goalie prospects throughout the Wild organization and is in Allen to work with Baribeau. I was struck by something Frederic said about goalie prospects which was something like, it is easy to find big goalies and it is easy to find fast goalies but it is hard to find big, fast goalies and that is what makes the 21 year old Baribeau a prospect. Chabot also mentioned how fortunate Allen is to have goalie coach Chris Johansen helping out as most ECHL teams do not have a goalie coach.


- Despite his shutout, Baribeau was not selected as the #1 star of the game. That honor went to Kayle Doetzel who had his first two goals of the season including the game winning goal plus an assist to earn the #1 star. To put it in goalie terms, Kayle went just over 2884 minutes to score his first goal of the season and just over 40 minutes to score his second. One of the highlights of the game from my perspective was watching the joy on the face of Kayle and his teammates when he scored his goals.


- The third story line of the game was watching the three players from Iowa (Matt Register, Mitch McLain, Kyle Bauman) perform. They seemed to give the Americans energy and plenty of jump. When you consider Register sat out Iowa's last six games, Bauman the last seven games and McLain the last 11 games, they sure didn't look rusty. Only McLain figured in scoring with a goal but they all had their moments and they should be even better Friday and Saturday before they head back to Iowa on Sunday. The hope is they enjoy their three game stint Allen and would prefer to be with the Americans for the playoffs rather than being in Iowa and not playing.


- Goal scorers for Allen were Kayle Doetzel (1 & 2), Mitch McLain (1) and Les Lancaster (5).  Here are the video highlights with all of the goals as well as some great saves by both goalies:

- Here is the game recap issued by the Tulsa Oilers:  https://tulsaoilers.com/oilers-fall-to-americans-for-fifth-time/


STEVE MARTINSON'S POST GAME COMMENTS

"How about our goalie with back to back shutouts. He has gone seven periods with out allowing a goal because he played in relief for a period in Kansas City."

"Jake Doty is coming and will be here for the three games over the weekend. I will be interested to see how he plays. We will see him almost 20 pounds lighter than last season. He will return later to get his five games in to qualify for the playoffs."

"I thought the new guys from Iowa all looked good. I think their timing is a little off because they haven't played for a while. What I liked about McLain's goal is he was a beast around the net. He got knocked down but kept moving those defensemen around.

"In the first period our defensemen were not getting the puck to the net even when we had guys in front. We did do that on McLain's goal."

"We get Tulsa again on Friday night and Baribeau will be back in goal looking for his third straight shutout."

"After the NHL/AHL trade deadline next week we will have a better idea of the players we will get from Iowa later in the season and for the playoffs."

"I am going to ask the league to review the hit on Pollock. He had his back completely turned and the guy came up and hit his head into the glass. Pollock was not feeling well after the game."



OTHER COMMENTS

- You may have seen the press release issued by the ECHL on the tour the Kelly Cup is taking to Cincinnati, Maine, Idaho, Greenville and Atlanta. The Americans are well represented in the press release starting with the photo used which is captain Jamie Schaafsma accepting the 2015 Kelly Cup when Allen won their first ECHL championship. There is a lot of good historical info included on the press release including the six players in ECHL history who have their name engraved on the Kelly Cup three times. Riley Gill and Matt Register are two of the six.


- Three former Allen Americans are on the move. Ben Owen was released by Norfolk yesterday so hopefully he will be claimed off waivers by another ECHL team. Dante Salituro was traded from Worcester to Rapid City. Salituro has been well traveled this season. He originally signed with the Indy Fuel and then went overseas to play in Finland. That didn't work out so he returned to Indy and played for two games before being traded to Worcester. After 33 games in Worcester he was traded yesterday to Rapid City for two players, one of them is former Allen forward Tyler Poulsen.


- Four ECHL teams have winning percentages above .700. Fifth place is Cincinnati at .660. Here is the list:

.774 - South Carolina
.730 - Newfoundland
.722 - Allen
.721 - Florida


- The Americans have certainly picked it up defensively in recent games. Allen has allowed a total of four goals over their last four games. After the 4-0 win over Tulsa last night Allen is ranked #12 in average goals allowed at 3.11 and #1 in average goals scored at 4.06. 


DID YOU KNOW: A big reason for Allen's great record this season is they have not lost more than two games straight in regulation all season and they have only lost two in a row twice. Allen's record is among the very best in the league when they score first (23-3-1-1), when they lead after the first period (20-3-2-0) and when they lead after the second period (25-1-1-0). Allen is also real good in the third period. Allen is #1 in goal differential in the third period at +20. The Americans have outscored their opponents in the third period 76-56. 

Iowa Assigns Three to Allen, Game Preview Allen vs Tulsa and More

If you are attending the Allen Americans game against Tulsa tonight (7:05 pm) you will need to grab a program as you enter the Allen Event Center (AEC) because you won't recognize this team with all of the lineup changes since the last home game. Two new players met the team in Rapid City and yesterday three players were assigned to Allen by the Iowa Wild.


- Allen certainly needs some reinforcements with Tyler Sheehy and Olivier Archambault missing the last game because of injury and Stepan Falkovsky out serving a two game suspension. Archambault is listed as day to day so you might see him back in the lineup tonight.


- Here are the new faces that could be in the lineup tonight.

#28 Cody Corbett (D) - acquired in trade
#9 Colton Heffley (RW) - signed after completing his collegiate career last week
#43 Matt Register (D) - assigned by the Iowa Wild
#21 Mitch McLain (C) - assigned by Iowa Wild
#20 Kyle Bauman (C) - assigned by Iowa Wild


- Here is the press release issued by the Allen Americans on the assignment of the three players from Iowa.  If you don't recognize the faces in this press release McLain is on the left, Register in the middle and Bauman on the right:  https://allenamericans.com/allen-americans-receive-three-players-from-ahl-affiliate-iowa/


- Here is the Iowa Wild press release on the assigning of the three players with more details on their careers:  https://www.iowawild.com/news/detail/iowa-wild-reassigns-three-to-allen 


- Based on comments from Iowa coach, Tim Army, the players assigned by the Wild will only be in Allen for the three home games this week. It helped that Iowa will be in Austin this weekend playing the Texas Stars so if they need any of the players back because of injuries they will be close by. Here are four tweets from Iowa Wild feature writer, Tom Witosky, quoting Iowa coach Tim Army about these reassignments:

1. I-35S report:  Iowa Wild has reassigned Mitch McLain, Kyle Bauman and Matt Register to the Allen Americans. Coach Tim Army said all three have played well in Iowa, but are in need of games to stay sharp. He also said they likely will be recalled after the Americans' game Saturday.

2. More from Army on the Iowa Wild reassignment: "With us traveling, the numbers get too big. Plus these guys haven't played in a while. We can get these guys some games and keep them sharp and, number two, we can help the Americans out a little bit."

3. Army said the Americans, who are in first place in the ECHL's Mountain Division, have been hit with injuries and "are a bit thin right now." Army also pointed out the players will be in nearby Allen when the Iowa Wild is playing the Texas Stars near Austin.

4. "They'll be back Sunday and we'll come back Sunday." Army said. "Then we'll sort things out for the Chicago game Tuesday and deal with the trade deadline if something happens there. Then we get ready for the two-week trip."


- Stepan Falkovsky was suspended for two games yesterday as a result of the match penalty he received in Rapid City on Saturday for high sticking. Falkovsky was given the match penalty under rule 60.4 which says, "When, in the opinion of the referee, a player attempts to or deliberately injures an opponent while carrying or holding any part of his stick above the shoulders of the opponent, the referee shall assess a match penalty to the offending players." Here is the ECHL press release announcing the two game suspension:  https://www.echl.com/en/news/2020/2/echl-announces-fine-suspension-feb-17 



ALLEN VS TULSA GAME PREVIEW

- The game tonight will be game number six of 13 Allen will play Tulsa this season. As I mentioned yesterday 42% (8 of 19) of the Americans remaining games are against the Oilers. Allen was 4-1-0-0 in the five games these teams have played thus far. In the only game played at the AEC (January 30) the Americans defeated the Oilers 4-3. 


- Tulsa has a record of 25-24-5-1 and is in fifth place in the division while Allen is in first place with a record of 34-11-6-2. Tulsa's record is deceiving because 12 of their wins have come in the last 21 games which is exactly the number of wins Allen has in their last 21 games. 


- Allen has been playing good team defense and the goalie play has also been good. Despite losing two of three games in Rapid City last week the Americans only gave up a total of four goals. It was the offense that stalled in Rapid City and that will not last.


- Allen averages 4.06 goals per game while Tulsa averages almost a goal per game less at 3.15. What distinguishes the Oilers is they are always near the top of the chart in shots on goal. This season they are ranked #1 again averaging 36.13 shots per game. The challenge for the Americans tonight will be to keep the number of shots allowed down.


- If you compare Allen's home and Tulsa's road special teams percentages there is little difference. Tulsa has a slight edge on the power play (15.9% vs 15.4%) and the penalty kill (84.9% vs 83.7%).


- You can throw the head to head stats between these teams out the window for a couple of reasons. Tulsa is playing much better hockey than earlier in the season when they met the Americans four times. Over the last 10 games both teams have almost identical records, 6-3-0-1 for Allen and 6-3-1-0 for Tulsa.


- It is not going to be easy tonight for the Americans with Sheehy and Falkovsky on the sidelines and Archambault a game time decision. Even though there are some talented players going into the lineup from Iowa, none of them have played in a game recently. None of them have played in Iowa's six games thus far in the month of February. 


OTHER COMMENTS


- The Iowa Wild goalie coach, Frederic Chabot, is in Allen working with Dereck Baribeau. The young goalie, who just turned 21 a few weeks ago, has been steadily improving. His GAA is down to 2.86 and his save percentage is up to .911 after his 26 save shutout in Rapid City on Friday.


- With the NHL trade deadline coming up on Monday there could be big impacts on both AHL and ECHL affiliated teams. In Allen's case the question remains if the Minnesota Wild will trade players for draft choices or other players. Whether Minnesota has more or fewer players after the deadline is unknown. Because of the uncertainty I would expect coach Martinson to wait until after the trade deadline before making anymore trades.


- With the hit to the head Tyler Sheehy took in Rapid City you can expect he will be placed on the injured reserve list.


- Look for additional roster changes to be announced later this week.


- Here is the Allen Americans Weekly issued by the team with all kinds of up to date stats and information:  https://allenamericans.com/allen-americans-weekly-26/



DID YOU KNOW: My friend Joe from Kansas City (aka Mavs Fan Joe) shared this info with me this morning. Allen's magic number over Tulsa is 14 points, Wichita is six points and Kansas City is 10 points. Any combination of points gained by Allen or lost by the opponent totaling these numbers will eliminate that team from catching the Americans.       

A Look at Allen's Remaining Schedule as They Prepare for the Playoffs

This morning I want to take an in depth look at the remaining Allen schedule and see what is in store for the Americans in the next seven weeks. First some facts:

- All of Allen's remaining games are against Mountain Division teams
- Allen has 19 games (26%) remaining of the 72 game regular season schedule
- Of the 19 remaining games 10 will be at home and nine will be on the road
- 42% of Allen's remaining games (8 of 19) are against the Tulsa Oilers
- With the exception of three games in Utah the other six road games are stand alone games
- 14 of Allen's remaining 19 games are against teams with winning percentages above .500


- Here is a list of Allen's 19 remaining games by opponent with the current winning percentage in parenthesis:
                                                   
8 games - Tulsa,  5 home 3 away  (.509)                
3 games - Wichita,  2 home 1 away  (.446)
3 games - Utah,  0 home 3 away  (.644)             
2 games - Idaho,  2 home 0 away  (.606)
2 games - Kansas City,  0 home 2 away  (.453)                                     
1 games - Rapid City,  1 home 0 away  (.569)                      



-  The eight remaining games against Tulsa will be key for Allen which you might find strange since Tulsa is currently not in a playoff spot. The Oilers have not been playing like a fifth place team recently. If you compare the last 16 games, Tulsa's record is 10-3-3-0 while Allen's is 10-4-1-1. In their head to head games this season Allen is 4-1 against Tulsa with four of the five games in Tulsa. It should be noted the Americans have played the Oilers just one time since December 1st. If anything is on the line at the end of the season for either team they close the season against each other. They play their 71st game of the season in Tulsa and the 72nd in Allen.


- It is always important to be peaking as the playoffs begin and the Americans will be tested by their two closest competitors in March. Allen will play in Utah on March 11, 13, 14 in what will be a critical three game series for two playoff teams. The Americans split the two games they have played in Utah this season.


- Allen will play Idaho twice at home at the end of March. Another likely playoff foe for the Americans. Head to head this season, Allen is 5-1-2-1 against the Steelheads and the teams have split four games in Allen. Two of the four games in Allen were decided in overtime.


- History would say if Allen expects a deep playoff run they will have to start playing better over the last 19 games of the season. I went back to the two Kelly Cup championship seasons to see what Allen's record was over their final 19 regular season games. Here are the results:

2014-15   12-4-2-1
2015-16   12-5-0-2

12 wins over the remaining 19 games would be a good goal for the Americans and a good sign going into the playoffs. 


- Allen has had an outstanding season this far (34-11-6-2) but the next seven weeks will be critical. Several questions need to be answered. What help will come Allen's way from the Wild organization? Will Turner Ottenbreit and Matt Register and a couple of forwards end up in Allen? Will Allen players on other AHL teams like Jake Doty and Gabe Gagne return? What will the goalie situation be going into the playoffs? None of the three goalies on the current roster have taken charge thus far, will one distinguish themselves over the final 19 games? Will goalie Zach Sawchenko get assigned to Allen for the playoffs? Will coach Martinson make any trades to improve team defensive? Any way you look at it there will be a lot of moving parts between now and the playoffs.


- Allen is currently #2 in points in the ECHL and in contention for the best regular season record. However, winning the regular season championship (Brabham Cup) has not been a sure fire way to win the Kelly Cup. While it assures the winner of home ice advantage throughout the playoffs very few regular season champions have won the Kelly Cup. In the 32 year history of the ECHL only three teams have accomplished that feat. Alaska did it three times (2014, 2011, 2006), Cincinnati did it in 2008 and South Carolina in 1997.



DID YOU KNOW:  The Allen Americans have fallen off the pace to reach 50 wins this season. Maybe that is a good thing.  Only the Newfoundland Growlers and South Carolina Stingrays are on pace to have 50 or more wins this season. Just seven teams since the 2009-10 season have had 50+ regular season wins. None of them went on to win the Kelly Cup and only one made it to the Kelly Cup finals.

2018-19
51 - Cincinnati Cyclones  (lost to Toledo in the second round)
50 - Florida Everblades (lost to Newfoundland in the third round)

2017-18
53 - Florida Everblades  (lost to Colorado in the finals)
50 - Toledo Walleye  (lost Fort Wayne in the second round)

2016-17
51 - Toledo Walleye  (lost to Colorado in the third round)

2015-16
52 - Kansas City Mavericks  (lost to Allen in the second round)

2014-15
50 - Toledo Walleye  (lost to South Carolina in the third round)

From 2009-10 to 2013-14 no teams reached 50 wins in a season.

 


 

Allen Loses Rubber Match, Game Recap, Video Highlights and More

The Allen Americans lost the rubber match of their three game series against the Rapid City Rush last night by a score of 3-2. A crowd of 4859 left happy as the Rush scored the game winning goal with less than three minutes left in the game. Allen was forced to play shorthanded when their top two scorers (Tyler Sheehy and Olivier Archambault) had to sit out with injuries.


- Allen gave up the first goal at the 1:52 mark of the first period but battled back by breaking their 0-18 power play streak. The Americans scored on their first two power play attempts to take a 2-1 lead into the first intermission.


- The second period started like the first period with the Rush scoring an early goal. This time it was just 36 seconds into the period. That was the only goal of the second period as the Americans struggled to create even strength opportunities and finished the period with just six shots on goal.


- Allen had the better of the third period with plenty of chances to score, out shooting Rapid City 12-6 but a defensive breakdown gave the Rush the game winner at the 17:31 mark. The Americans power play was great in the first period but could not capitalize on three opportunities in the third period which included power plays just before and just after the game winning goal by the Rush.


- Goal scorers for Allen were Alex Guptill (22) and Alex Breton (9). Here is a link where you can view the video highlights: https://www.echl.com/en/tag?id=5bb763bdd3bc0f20ed973ef0&name=ECHL%20Video


- Here is the Allen Americans game recap: https://allenamericans.com/americans-fall-3-2-in-rapid-city/


- Here is the Rapid City game recap:  https://www.rapidcityrush.com/en/news/2020/romanko-s-pair-gives-rush-the-series-against-echl-s-1


- It had to be a pretty somber group that boarded the bus after the game last night for the long (17+ hour) trip back to Allen. The team should arrive home late this afternoon or early evening. To get only two points from the three games in Rapid City is disappointing. The Americans have now lost three of their last four games. Hopefully they can get things turned around this coming week with three home games on Tuesday (Tulsa), Friday (Tulsa) and Saturday (Wichita).


- I talked briefly with coach Martinson this morning and he commented that the team had plenty of chances to score in the game last night but didn't get the job done. There is a tried bunch on the bus heading for Allen. 



OTHER COMMENTS


- Tyler Coulter, who made the hit to the head that injured Tyler Sheehy in the game on Friday, was suspended for two games for the hit. There was no penalty called in the game but coach Martinson sent in the video clip and after a review the league made the decision to suspended Coulter. You may remember Coulter was in training camp with Allen in 2017-18.



- Newfoundland finally lost at home last night (3-1 to Maine) to end their home winning streak at 19 games. It is the longest home win streak in ECHL history. Here are the top five all-time:

19 - Newfoundland (2019-20)
18 - South Carolina (1994-95)
17 - Wheeling (1994-95)
15 - Louisiana (1999-2000)


- The deadline for players in Europe to return to the ECHL passed yesterday. If you track transactions you probably noticed there were a lot more players heading to Europe in the last two weeks than returning. I mentioned yesterday that former Allen player, Chris Crane, had left the Wichita Thunder. Chris is headed to play for Storhamar in the top league in Norway. The team is located in Hamar, Norway, which has a population of just over 30,000. It is located at the 60th parallel north which in North America would put it between the northern border of British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and the southern border of the Northwest Territories. Chris is going to a good team that has won seven Norwegian championships, the most recent in 2018. Storhamar is currently in second place in the 10 team league.


- Despite losing three of their last four games the Americans have earned more points over the last 10 games than any other team in the Mountain Division. Here are points earned over the last 10 games:

13 points - Allen
12 points - Utah
12 points - Idaho
12 points - Tulsa
11 points - Rapid City
9 points - Kansas City
4 points - Wichita  



DID YOU KNOW: For my ECHL Stats and Information post today, which you can find at ECHL Stats and Information on Facebook and @ECHLStats on Twitter, I posted the ECHL players with the most multiple point games this season. It is another stat that Tyler Sheehy leads the league. Here is the list of players with the most multiple point games this season:

21 - Tyler Sheehy, Allen Americans
17 - Griffen Molino, Utah Grizzlies
16 - David Vallorani, Brampton Beast
15 - Daniel Leavens, Brampton Beast
15 - Brett McKenzie, Fort Wayne Komets

Doing the research for this post made me wonder how many multiple point games did Chad Costello have back in 2014-15 when he had 125 points and won the scoring title by the largest margin in ECHL history (45 points). What I found was jaw dropping. Chad had multiple points in 38 games and even more amazing he had three or more points in 20 games. Chad had at least one point in 64 of 72 games that season.  

Allen Wins But Loses Sheehy, Game Recap, Martinson's Comments, Rubber Match Preview, Americans Sign Forward Colton Heffley and More

After being shutout 1-0 by Rapid City on Wednesday the Allen Americans returned the favor last night as Dereck Baribeau stopped all 26 shots he faced to shutout the Rush 4-0 before a crowd of 3483 at Rushmore Plaza Civic Center. It was the first professional shutout for Baribeau who improved his record to 7-1-0-0 and his save percentage to .910.


- The Americans jumped on Rapid City right out of the gate and when the dust settled on the first period Allen had out shot the Rush 16-4 and held a 2-0 lead. Things looked well in hand at that point given Allen's record this season when leading after the first period is 18-2-2-0.


- The Americans added two more goals early in the second period to put the game out of hand. Allen's road record when leading after the second period is 12-0-1-0.


- What is the most encouraging thing about the two games against Rapid City is the outstanding team defense. Anytime you give up a total of one goal in two games it means the forwards, defensemen and goalies are all doing their job defensively.


- Goals scorers for Allen were Jordan Topping (21), Jared VanWormer (20), Tyler Sheehy (25) and Alex Guptill (21).


- Here is the game recap issued by the Allen Americans:  https://allenamericans.com/allen-americans-win-behind-a-26-save-shutout-by-dereck-baribeau/


- Here is a goal by goal game recap issued by the Rapid City Rush: https://www.rapidcityrush.com/en/news/2020/allen-blanks-rush-behind-baribeau-s-26-saves


- It was good news and bad news for the special teams. The penalty kill was perfect again and has not allowed a power play goal in the two games against Rapid City (0-8). The bad news is the power play was scoreless again and has now gone 0-18 since their last power play goal.


Alex Breton was awarded a penalty shot early in the second period but missed. It was Allen's first penalty shot of the season. There have been 34 penalty shots in the ECHL this season and nine have been successful for a 26% success rate.


STEVE MARTINSON'S POST GAME COMMENTS

"Baribeau had to make a big save on Tyler Poulsen on the first shift of the game."

"Rapid City has a good power play which gave them some grade A shots but Dereck was obviously up to the task."

"I like that Baribeau stood up for himself when the guy slashed his glove hand after the whistle."

"I don't know how they called a double minor for one punch with your glove on."

"I sent in my first video review into the league office this year from the game tonight. Coulter had a real dirty hit to the head with his shoulder on Sheehy who is concussed. It was classic head hunting as he elevated his body to make the point of contact Sheehy's chin."

"With Sheehy out Colton Heffley will going in the lineup tonight for his first pro start."


REMATCH PREVIEW

- More of the same would be the message for the Americans tonight. Anytime you play the same team three games in a row, hard feelings are usually created by the third game. Add in what happened to Sheehy last night it could be a physical game tonight. The referee, Sean MacFarlane, has had all three games in the series and was one of the referees selected for the all-star game. He might have to earn his pay tonight.


- The power play will be hurt by Sheehy being out of the lineup and it has not been good on the current 0-18 streak. It would be a big lift to get an early power play goal.


- Martinson will have a tough choice on who to start in goal with both Shortridge and Baribeau having great games in Rapid City. He hasn't gone with the same goalie in back to back very often this season,  just twice since the first of November.


- Allen's strength is their depth and that is definitely true against Rapid City. Allen is 6-1 against the Rush this season. Sheehy leads with six points, six players have five points and four players have four points. There are 12 different players that have scored goals against Rapid City but nobody has more than four.


- If you track player numbers, defenseman Cody Corbett is wearing #28 and forward Colton Heffley will wear #9.     



OTHER COMMENTS


- Allen announced the signing of forward Colton Heffley yesterday. He has joined the team in Rapid City but was a healthy scratch last night. The Allen roster on the ECHL website lists Heffley at 6'4" and 220 pounds. Colton just finished his collegiate career at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia. He is from Swift Current, Saskatchewan and played in the WHL (Western Hockey League) prior to attending college. While he is a professional rookie he has plenty of experience with five years in the WHL and five years in college. The 25 year old has close to 450 games of experience between juniors and college.


- Heffley is one of those versatile players that started out as a defenseman and switched to forward. When he got to college he switched back to defense for two years and then back to forward. He has typically had a checking role on his team but can also score and has been used as a penalty killer. He tied for his team lead in goals this season and was second in points. He led Dalhousie in goals and points in 2017-18.


- Colton is a physical player that is willing to drop the gloves. One of his most famous fights when he was playing junior hockey for Kelowna back in 2012 was against a player who could be his teammate before the season is over, Jake Doty. Heffley held his own against Doty in a toe to toe battle. Check this out:

- Here is an interview from a few years ago when Heffley was playing junior hockey that talks about his versatility;

- Matt Harding from The Sin Bin reported that Chris Crane has departed the Wichita Thunder and signed with a team in Europe. Crane was tied for second in scoring for Wichita with 32 points (13G, 19A). Crane played in Allen for parts of three seasons and had 10 goals and 10 assists during the 2015 Kelly Cup championship playoffs.


- Newfoundland beat Maine at home last night by a score of 5-1. It was the Growlers 19th straight home win. Every time they win another home game they set a new all time record. They will go for 20 in a row tonight when they take on Maine again.


- The Minnesota Wild fired head coach Bruce Boudreau yesterday and replaced him on an interim basis until the end of the season with assistant coach Dean Evason. A blog reader asked about what impact this will have on Allen and the short answer is none. Coach Martinson primarily deals the Wild assistant general manager, Tom Kurvers who is the general manager for the Iowa Wild and Iowa's head coach Tim Army.  As long as there are not changes in these positions the affiliation relationship should remain the same. New Minnesota Wild general manager, Bill Guerin, could make additional changes going forward but they will happen in the off season if at all.  



DID YOU KNOW: Jared VanWormer scored his 20th goal of the season last night to join four other teammates with 20+ goals. Five 20+ goals scorers ties for the most in one season since Allen joined the ECHL. Here is the list of 20+goals scorers by season:

2014-15:   
44 - Gary Steffes*
41 - Chad Costello*
28 - Greger Hanson
22 - Jack Combs

2015-16:   
24 - Chad Costello 
22 - Gary Steffes
21 - Chris Crane

2016-17: 
35 - Greger Hanson 
33 - Chad Costello
27 - Bryan Moore 
26 - Spencer Asuchak
21 - Gary Steffes

2017-18:
21 - Bryan Moore
20 - Alex Guptill

2018-19:
34 - Zach Pochiro
22 - Dante Salituro
20 - Braylon Shmyr

2019-20: (thru 52 games)
25 - Tyler Sheehy
24 - Gabe Gagne
21 - Alex Guptill
21 - Jordan Topping
20 - Jared VanWormer

*only 40+ goal scorers in team history
 

Allen vs Rapid City Preview, Lancaster and Lammon Friendship and More

It is game day for the Allen Americans as they take on Rapid City tonight (8:05 pm Allen time) in the second of a three game series against the Rush. After losing game one 1-0 on Wednesday the Americans will look to get back on track offensively while continuing their improved defensive play.


- A key for Allen will be to get the power play going again. After scoring at least one power play goal in seven of eight games, going 13-34 (38.2%), the Americans have gone scoreless in their last 14 power play attempts. The penalty kill has also struggled recently even though they were perfect (0-4) on Wednesday. If you look at the last four games the penalty kill was 75% (4-16). If Allen can win the special teams battle tonight it will go a long way to getting a win.


- Obviously with a 1-0 score on Wednesday the team that scored first was Rapid City. A reminder of the uphill battle when you give up the first goal of the game. Allen is 21-3-1-1 when scoring first, Rapid City is 22-5-3-0. A good start will be another key for the Americans tonight.


- I haven't talked to coach Martinson since Wednesday and he doesn't like to tip his hand on starting goalies but this may be a game where he doesn't do the typical goalie rotation. This is an important game for Allen as they try to avoid losing three straight regulation games for the first time all season. In his last three appearances (San Jose and Allen) Andrew Shortridge has a save percentage of .937 including stopping  25 of 26 shots on Wednesday. It wouldn't surprise me see coach Martinson going with the hot goalie and start Shortridge tonight.


- One player that will be in the lineup tonight is newly acquired defenseman Cody Corbett. Coach Martinson has a way of finding players who are struggling in their current situation that strive in his system. Corbett could be another one of these players. Martinson always says he likes to look at percentages and if a player had done well in the past they can do it again. In juniors Corbett was part of two WHL championships (2012 & 2014) and in 2014 his team won the Memorial Cup and he was the highest scoring defensemen in the tournament. 


- In his final year in juniors, Cody wore an "A" and set franchise records for most points (61) and goals (17) by a defenseman in a season. He finished his junior career with 129 points (30G, 99A) which was also a franchise record for a defenseman.


- In 2014 Cody signed a three year free agent NHL contract with the Colorado Avalanche. He has 95 AHL games to his credit and also 27 Kelly Cup playoff games to his credit. At the NHL trade deadline in 2016-17, Corbett was traded from the Colorado Avalanche to the Washington Capitals and assigned to the South Carolina Stingrays. That was the season the Stingrays went to the Kelly Cup finals before losing to the Colorado Eagles. Cody played in all 22 playoff games and was tied for most points by a defenseman (9) and was second on the team in plus/minus (+6).



OTHER COMMENTS

- With the day off yesterday you may have seen this photo of Les Lancaster and Josh Lammon on a visit to Mt. Rushmore. Les and Josh have been friends since they were kids growing up in Michigan. They played with and against each other in youth hockey. They player together for two years in junior hockey for the Springfield Jr Blues (NAHL). After junior hockey they played three years together at Mercyhurst College. In 2018-19 Lancaster was a graduate transfer to the University of Denver and finished his collegiate career with the Pioneers while Lammon stayed at Mercyhurst. The best friends reunited again this season in Allen. How close are these guys? They are roommates, they are always together, if you are in the concourse early on game day you can see them warming up and stretching together and I have heard they even do crossword puzzles together rather than individually. 

Les Lancaster & Josh Lammon

- Coach Martinson is going to sign another player this morning but it is uncertain whether he will be in the lineup tonight. With the recent trade of Mitch Vandergunst I would assume Martinson is looking for a player that brings physicality to the team.


- Zach Hall, who last played in the 2017-18 season with the Allen Americans, signed yesterday with the Jacksonville Icemen. Interestingly, the last game Zack played for Allen was on February 11, 2018 and it was against the Jacksonville IceMen. Zach has battled through injuries so I am sure Allen fans wish him the best of luck in his comeback with Jacksonville.


- There are 12 games on tap around the ECHL tonight. Here is the ECHL Today with the matchups and previews:  https://www.echl.com/en/news/2020/2/echl-today-feb-14



DID YOU KNOW: Allen has now played 71% of the regular season (51 games) and has an 11 point lead in the Mountain Division. If the Americans play .500 hockey over their last 21 games, second place Utah would have to play .750 hockey and third place Idaho would have to play .795 hockey to pass the Americans for first place. The odds certainly favor Allen when you consider the season long winning percentage for these three teams:

.725 - Allen
.630 - Utah
.610 - Idaho
 

Allen Shutout by Rapid City, Game Recap, Video Highlights, Martinson's Comments, Roster Changes and More

The good news is Allen played better team defense and goalie Andrew Shortridge was excellent in goal with a .962 save percentage as the Americans held Rapid City to a lone goal in the School Game today. The bad news is the potent Allen offensive was held scoreless and the morning crowd of 5119, mostly third, fourth and fifth graders, went home happy as two Rapid City goalies earned a 1-0, 30 shot shutout over the Americans.


- Allen has now been shutout three times this season and in the odd stat category all three shutouts had a final score of 1-0. The Americans were shutout in Cincinnati 1-0 in overtime and 1-0 in Idaho in a shootout.


- The Americans had plenty of quality chances but what really let them down was their power play which after being on fire has suddenly gone cold. The power play was 0-5 in the game and that included a four minute double minor midway through the third period. After converting at a rate of over 30% for 10 games the power play has been scoreless in the last 14 attempts.


- There was so much good in the game for Allen. They limited the Rush to 26 shots on goal while getting 29 of their own, the penalty kill was perfect (0-4) and they had plenty of scoring chances. If the Americans keep playing this way the goals will come.


- Here is a game recap from the Rapid City Journal with quotes form Rush coach, Daniel Tetrault: https://rapidcityjournal.com/sports/rush-get---win-over-americans-in-morning-contest/article_0accd086-1a35-5019-8845-9a35d82814b0.html 


- Here is the game recap issued by the Rapid City Rush: https://www.rapidcityrush.com/en/news/2020/rush-blank-allen-behind-defiel-and-madsen


- Here is a link to the game video highlights which shows some great scoring opportunities by the Americans and great saves by Andrew Shortridge:  https://www.echl.com/en/tag?id=5bb763bdd3bc0f20ed973ef0&name=ECHL%20Video


- The Americans will have a day to regroup on Thursday and time to prepare for game two of this three game series which takes place Friday night.


- I had the chance to talk to coach Martinson after the game and he thought the team played better defensively but the breakdown on the one goal the Americans allowed was the precise play they worked on at length in practice. Martinson was also not pleased with the execution on the power play. He has ice time tomorrow but has not decided if the team will practice with back to back games coming up this weekend. Martinson said it will help to have newly acquired defenseman Cody Corbett in the lineup on Friday after playing with only five defensmen today. He also told me he has signed a forward to replace Mitch Vandergunst who was sent to Orlando to complete a future considerations trade from last October. The future considerations was part of a three way deal that allowed Allen to obtain the rights to Jared VanWormer from Norfolk.




DID YOU KNOW:  It is certainly strange that Allen has been shutout three times this season and all three times it was by a score of 1-0. Here are the number of times the Americans were shutout in each season since joining the ECHL.

3 - 2019-20  (thru 51 games)
9 - 2018-19  
5 - 2017-18
2 - 2016-17
2 - 2015-16
1 - 2014-15