The Allen Americans defeated the Wichita Thunder 4-3 last night in a game that was described to me in a message as the "cardiac kids" excitement. It was an entertaining game between two excellent teams and there wasn't as much as a roughing penalty let alone a fight between these rivals. There were just eight minor penalties called in the game and the Americans had only two.
- What made the game so exciting is the teams kept trading goals until Allen took their one and only lead midway through the third period. The game didn't start out well for the Americans when Wichita scored the first goal of the game midway through the first period. Prior to last night's loss the Thunder were a perfect 8-0 when scoring the first goal. What helped the Americans is they got the equalizer just 23 seconds after Wichita took the 1-0 lead.
- The Americans kept falling behind and kept coming back. Wichita had leads of 1-0, 2-1 and 3-2 before the Americans finally took the lead with two third period goals. It was a great effort by Allen who have now handed Wichita three of their five losses this season.
- One of the many things that make the Americans successful is they are the best third period team in the ECHL. They outscored Wichita 2-0 in the third period last night and now have scored 23 third period goals and allowed just 10. Only four ECHL teams have a positive third period goal differential; Allen +13, Florida +8, South Carolina +7 and Indy +4.
- The Americans snapped two Wichita streaks in the game last night. In addition to being 8-0 when scoring first the Thunder were 8-0 when leading after the second period. Their 3-2 second period lead evaporated in the third period. Incidentally the Americans record when trailing after two periods improved to 2-3 after the win last night.
- Another factor in Allen's win was special teams. They did allow a power play goal but they only took two penalties. Wichita took six minor penalties and the Americans scored on two of them. Allen now has five power play goals in their last three games going 5-17 (29.4%).
- Goal scorers for Allen were Jesse Mychan (9), Josh Lammon (5,6) and Corey Mackin (8). Five players had two points in the game. In addition to the three goal scorers, Conner Bleackley and Sam Laberge had two points. Here are the video highlights and post game interviews coach Martinson and the games #1 star, Josh Lammon. If you have any problems with the videos you can find them at this link: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4skvqPU3CGKx-vRDPCD4tA
Martinson post game interview:
Lammon post game interview:
- When I had the chance to check in with coach Martinson this morning he was pleased with how the team stuck with it when they kept getting behind by a goal. He emphasized how the Lammon line was able to hold Wichita's top line with out a point. The #1 and #3 ranked players in the ECHL in points per game are on that line. Bobby McMann was averaging 1.33 points per game and Matteo Gennaro was averaging 1.31 points per game before last night. To hold them to no points was the key to the Allen win. Having last change at home allows Martinson to get the matchups he wants.
- Martinson also was pleased with the power play as it has been improving and had two more goals last night including the game winner.
- Turnovers and odd man rushes were costly in the game. Martinson looks to fix that before tomorrow night when the teams play again. Not at practice however, as with three games in four days Martinson gave the team the day off today.
OTHER COMMENTS
- With goals in the last two games Jesse Mychan is back at the top of the ECHL goal scorers list tied with two other players. Corey Mackin had a goal last night and is tied for #4 in the league in goals with eight. Corey's 17 points is tied for third in the ECHL.
- Allen is now the only team in the Western Conference with a point percentage above .700. After the win last night Allen's point percentage is .765. Three teams in the Eastern Conference are above .700; Indy (.833), Florida (.706) and South Carolina (.700).
- Allen's record in their last 10 games (8-2-0-0) is the best in the ECHL.
- Corey Mackin has a goal in his last three home games. That is tied for the longest home goal streak in the ECHL this season. Here is a trivia question for you. Who has the current longest home goals streak for the Allen Americans? The answer is Gabe Gagne who had scored in five straight home games when he was loaned to Rockford (AHL) last season and never returned. If Gabe happens to be assigned to Allen this season (the Americans hold his ECHL rights) his streak is still alive.
- The AHL season finally gets underway tomorrow with seven games on the schedule. The San Jose Barracuda do not play (game canceled) but Iowa opens the season at home against the Texas Stars.
DID YOU KNOW: Alex Lavoie has had a great start with his team in Sweden. In three games Alex has five points (2G, 3A).
Appreciate the game write-up and analysis as always, Barry. Wish I could have made it to the game last night!
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