If I told you Allen, the #2 ranked ECHL team in shots on goal was outshot last night and managed only 22 shots it would sound like a bad night. If I told you the Americans #1 ranked road penalty kill unit was 50% (2-4) and gave up two power play goals for the first time all season while the Allen power play went scoreless (0-3) it would sound like a bad night. The fact is Allen beat Utah 5-2 last night before a crowd of 1690 at the Maverik Center.
- Allen made the most of their 22 shots on goal and did a lot of good things in the game. The Americans once again got off to a good start when Corey Mackin scored the first goal 172 seconds into the game. Allen's record when scoring first is now 9-1.
- The Americans got a second goal (Kameron Kielly) midway through the first period to take a 2-0 lead into the first intermission. Allen scored twice on just seven first period shots. The Americans are a perfect 7-0 this season when leading after the first period.
- Utah scored the only goal of the second period on the power play to cut the lead to 2-1. Allen put the game away with two goals in the first five minutes of the third and finished with an empty net goal to make the final score 5-2. The Americans three third period goals were scored on just five shots.
- Goal scorers for Allen were Corey Mackin (6,7), Kameron Kielly (3), Turner Ottenbreit (2) and Colby McAuley (1).
- Here is the game recap issued by the Allen Americans: https://allenamericans.com/media/game-recap/americans-open-the-weekend-in-snowy-utah-with-5-2-win/
- Here is the game recap issued by the Utah Grizzlies: https://www.utahgrizzlies.com/en/grizzlies-news/americans-defeat-grizzlies-5-2
- When I checked in with coach Martinson this morning here were some of his thoughts:
"We played okay but it wasn't our best. I think the altitude bothers some of our guys. I expect we will play better tonight."
"Our power play has been struggling to get shots. I have tried different groups but it is an area we need to improve."
"Our penalty kill had systemic breakdowns on both of Utah's power play goals. The wrong decision was made on where to be and who to take. We will have that cleaned up for tonight."
- Allen had five goals on 22 shots for a shooting percentage of 23%. It is very rare when a team has a 23% shooting percentage. This game was closer than the score and it seemed the puck luck was on Allen's side. Two goals went off the skates of Utah defensemen and there was the empty net goal. Not a stretch to say the Americans will have to generate more than 22 shots if they expect to win tonight.
- The other area that needs improvement tonight is special teams. Again, not often you give up two power play goals and score none and come away with a win. The power play goals Allen allowed last night where the first since January 2. Look for a better special teams outcome tonight.
- Justin Kapelmaster will get the start tonight. He stopped 36 of 37 shots in his pro debut against Kansas City last Saturday.
OTHER COMMENTS
- With Wichita and Utah losing last night the Americans have widened their lead in the Mountain Division:
.786 - Allen
.682 - Wichita
.571 - Utah
.467 - Kansas City
.389 - Tulsa
.375 - Rapid City
- With two goals last night Corey Mackin has taken over the team lead with 15 points. Corey has seven points (4G, 3A) in his last five games. He is now #3 in the ECHL in points (15) and #3 in goals (7).
- Jake Paterson continued his excellent play in his second start for the Americans. Two games, two wins, a GAA of 1.00 and save percentage of .965. Doesn't get much better then that.
- It has only been three games since Allen lost both of their goalies (Sawchenko and Motte) and the replacement goalie (Marotte) to the AHL. You could not ask more of Paterson and Kaplemaster, combined they have saved 94 of 97 shots.
- Allen has now won five straight road games which is the longest road winning streak in the ECHL this season. The Americans road record in 7-2-0-0 which is also the best in the ECHL. Allen's record over their last 10 games is 8-2-0-0 which is tied with Indy for the best in the ECHL.
- The AHL Board of Governors will be voting on the return to play proposals on Monday and from what I have read games are still set to start next week with the exception of the Canadian Division which has some problems with COVID restrictions. If AHL games do start next week it will be interesting to see how many players are assigned to ECHL teams. Allen fans are particularly interested in Iowa and San Jose. According to Elite Prospects the Iowa roster has three goalies, nine defensemen and 18 forwards. San Jose has three goalies, 12 defensemen and 23 forwards. Even if Iowa and San Jose keep a few extra players there is certainly the possibility you will see players (especially forwards) sent to Allen.
- Jake Doty was doing what Jake Doty does in an Ontario Reign preseason game last might, a TKO.
- There is a full slate of six ECHL games tonight with Orlando the only team on the sidelines. The number of games played by each team varies from as few as 10 (Wheeling) and 11 (Wichita) to as high as 18 (Tulsa). Here is the ECHL Today with a preview of all six games tonight: https://www.echl.com/en/news/2021/1/echl-today-jan-30
It looks like Fort Wayne is going to start playing soon...at least they have activated a ton of players according to the ECHL transactions report from either yesterday or the day before. Will this affect the upcoming unreleased schedule??? How can they start their season so late in the game???
ReplyDeleteGilley, Fort Wayne will begin play on February 12. The original opt in date was extended for Toledo and Fort Wayne and the Komets opted in on January 5. When the 2nd phase of the ECHL schedule through April 3 was released Fort Wayne was included. The league still has to release the remaining schedule from April 4 to June 5. I have talked to coach Martinson about Fort Wayne starting so late and there are pros and cons. As concerning to me as the advantage of playing many fewer games and going by point percentage is the Komet's schedule. They have 21 games scheduled thus far between February 12 and April 3 and almost half (10) are against Wheeling which is the worst team in the ECHL with a point percentage of .318.
DeleteAnyone know how we can watch games on road on TV or pick up ECHL in DFW?
ReplyDeleteAny sports bars showing Americans on road or any watch parties? Thanks
ReplyDeleteBrian, thanks for your question. I hope you saw my comments in the blog on Monday. Barry
ReplyDelete