The Allen Americans followed up one of their worst games of the season (6-1 loss in Wichita on Friday) with one of their best games of the season last night. The Americans out shot Wichita 52-19 on the way to a 6-2 win before the largest crowd of the season (5705) at the Allen Event Center.
- Fans had to wonder if the specialty jersey, big Saturday night crowd curse was going to strike again when the Americans dominated the first period, out shooting Wichita 14-5 but were losing 1-0 at the first intermission. The Americans gave up the first goal of the game for the 10th time in the 12 games they have played against Wichita this season. To make matters worse the goal was a power play goal, the eighth straight game against Wichita that Allen has surrendered at least one power play goal.
- Allen was not to be denied on this night and blitzed the Thunder in the second period with 20 shots on goal and three goals. One of the goals was a shorthanded goal scored by Mitch McLain. When the second period ended Allen had a 4-2 lead and a 34-13 shot advantage.
- Allen added three third period goals including two on the power play when Wichita took an ill advised five minute major penalty for cross-checking. The third period was won by Allen 3-0 on a shot advantage of 18-6.
- The final score was 6-2 but Allen could have easily scored 10 goals in the game had it not been for the great play by the Wichita goalie. The Americans shot advantage of 33 (52-19) was the biggest shot differential all season.
- The goal scorers for Allen were Stepan Falkovsky (15), Jack Sadek (6), Mitch McLain (2 & 3), Tyler Sheehy (26) and Spencer Asuchak (7). Here are the video highlights:
- Here is the game recap issued by the Wichita Thunder: https://www.wichitathunder.com/news/press-release/thunder-drops-contest-in-allen.html
STEVE MARTINSON'S POST GAME COMMENTS
"It was a much better night tonight. Thinking about last night is still painful."
"Wichita shot the puck better than us last night but we served then up a lot of quality scoring chances that were kind of brain dead."
"McLain is a greasy player that moves his feet well and plays hard, he is a good addition. You never know when players get recalled but there is a chance McLain could be with us at least through the Utah series."
"Some of our guys need to figure out how to bring it every night. You can't just bring it on nights when we don't need you."
OTHER COMMENTS
- As good as Allen played last night the penalty kill gave up two power goals on three chances. In the last four games against Wichita the Allen penalty kill percentage is a mere 30% giving up seven goals on 10 opportunities. Yes, the penalty kill scored a shorthanded goal last night to mitigate the two power play goals allowed but the penalty kill needs improvement. The penalty kill has fallen to #16 in the league at 81.0%. With Tyler Sheehy back in the lineup and Mitch McLain killing penalties you should see some improvement.
- Tyler Sheehy looked like he hadn't missed a beat after missing six games with an injury. He led the Americans with three points (1G, 2A) and continues to lead the ECHL in points (67) and points per game (1.52).
- Stepan Falkovsky had a goal and an assist last night to become the seventh Allen player to score 40 points this season. Falkovsky has 40 points (15G, 25A) and leads the ECHL in goals by a defenseman and is #4 in points.
- Mitch McLain played in his fifth game for the Americans last night and is now qualified to be on the playoff roster. With Iowa headed for the playoffs it is uncertain if McLain will be available to Allen but he would be a big addition if he is assigned to the Americans for the playoffs. In his five games in Allen, McLain has three goals including a shorthanded goal.
- In other action in the Mountain Division last night Idaho beat Utah 4-0 and Rapid City beat Tulsa 8-4. Nothing is set in stone yet but it is looking more and more likely Allen will win the division, Utah and Idaho will battle for second and third, and Rapid City and Tulsa will fight for the last playoff spot.
- Five of Allen's next six games are on the road and how the Americans fare in the next two weeks will dictate how they finish the season. The first priority is winning the Mountain Division but coach Martinson also wants to have the best record in the Western Conference. Allen currently leads Central Division leading Cincinnati by six points. Next week Allen plays in Tulsa on Tuesday, Kansas City on Friday before taking on Tulsa at home on Saturday. The following week they play three critical games in Utah.
- The Americans had a live auction right after the game to sell the specialty jerseys the team wore in the game. Most of the jerseys went for $350 or less. Only one went for $600 (Sheehy) and two fetched $550 (Falkovsky & Asuchak).
- Allen has now finished playing Wichita this season. The final record for the 12 games the Americans played against Wichita is 8-1-3-0.
DID YOU KNOW: Tyler Sheehy is in some good company with his 1.52 points per game average thus far this season. Here are the best points per game averages for a single season since Allen joined the ECHL. (minimum 40 games):
1.74 - Chad Costello (2014-15)
1.69 - Chad Costello (2016-17)
1.52 - Tyler Sheehy (2019-20)
1.43 - Chad Costello (2015-16)
1.31 - Greger Hanson (2016-17)
1.19 - David Makowski (2016-17)
1.16 - Gary Steffes (2013-14)
1.15 - Olivier Archambault (2019-20)
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