The Allen Americans lost to the Tulsa Oilers last night by a score of 4-2. You can blame the loss on the team being tired having not arrived back from Kansas City until 7:00 am Saturday morning while Tulsa hadn't played since last Tuesday. You can blame the loss on the curse of the big Saturday night crowd (5523) or the curse of the Saturday night jersey auction. Maybe it was the switch to daylight savings. Maybe it was because the police were involved in a shootout in the arena just before the game. You can always find a reason but the bottom line is Allen struggled to score goals even strength and lost 4-2 in a game that wasn't decided until the Oilers scored an empty net goal with 44 seconds remaining in the game.
- When I talked to coach Martinson after the game he was most disappointed that the team wasted a comeback effort after they scored two power play goals in 22 seconds midway through the third period to tie the score 2-2. The Americans first goal came on a 5-on-3 power play when Olivier Archambault tipped in a shot by Tyler Sheehy. Just 22 seconds later Jared VanWormer, playing in his first game since returning from the AHL, scored on a 5-on-4 power play.
- If there was a silver lining in the loss it was the continued success of the power play. Allen has scored at least one power play goal in all four games since Tyler Sheehy has returned from being injured. In those four games the power play percentage is 31.9% (7-22).
- Here is the game recap issued by the Tulsa Oilers: https://tulsaoilers.com/oilers-double-up-americans-in-road-win/
- Archambault's goal was his 18th of the season. VanWormer's goal was his 22nd of the season. Here are the video highlights:
- Here is Steve Martinson's post game interview:
- After the game coach Martinson was mostly focused on the roster. Iowa has recalled defenseman Jack Sadek. In addition, a couple of players have injuries that could possibly keep them out of the lineup. It will be a long day for Sadek just trying to join the Wild who are scheduled to play the Manitoba Moose in Winnipeg this afternoon at 2:00 pm CDT.
- Martinson will be spending a lot of time on the phone the nest few days trying to identify college players that are just ending their season. As college/junior teams go deeper in the playoffs before losing more and more good players become available. Many look to sign with AHL teams as a first choice so there is plenty of competition for the top players. What works in Martinson's favor is the Americans are a top team headed for the playoffs.
OTHER COMMENTS
- The shootout that took place at the Allen Event Center involving the police was at the end of the annual Police vs Fire charity game. The final score was 5-4. The series still favors the Fire Department 6-5.
- The grey (third) jerseys the Americans have been wearing this season were auctioned off after the game last night. Here are auction results:
$800 - Spencer Asuchak
$600 - Tyler Sheehy
$550 - Jake Paterson
$500 - Andrew Shortridge
$500 - Alex Breton
$400 - 3 players
$350 - 4 players
$300 - 4 players
$250 - 8 players
- Last night Utah beat Rapid City 7-4 and Idaho lost to South Carolina 5-4. Allen's lead over Idaho and Utah now stands at nine points.
- Congrats to Gabe Gagne who was signed to a SPC (Standard Player's Contract) this week by the Rockford IceHogs. The expectation is Gagne will return to Allen if Rockford doesn't make the playoffs or when they are eliminated from the playoffs.
- The Minnesota Boys High School Hockey Tournament concluded yesterday. One of the highlights of the tournament is the "All Hockey Hair Team" which in addition to being a lot of fun is also a fundraiser. Here you go:
DID YOU KNOW: Six of the 16 Kelly Cup playoffs teams have already been decided. Based on past history it is highly likely the Kelly Cup Champion will come from one of these six teams:
South Carolina
Florida
Allen
Newfoundland
Cincinnati
Reading
Was great to come back home for a game after 2 years! And go back to Chicago with 3 jerseys. Wish we could have seen a win but when we come back for the play-offs we will get our fill. Miles Liberati hit my wife with a puck! And we scored on his penalty.
ReplyDeleteWhen the kiddos want a little education on hockey hair, have them come see me!! Easy Peazy in High School, killer hair at 50 is a whole different ball of wax!! Now, if I can keep that damned Bulldog from messing it up with silly string!!
ReplyDeleteNo doubt you could make the "All Hair Team" with that flow!
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