It didn't look good early for the Allen Americans last night in the opening game of their three game series in Utah. The Americans gave up the first goal of the game just three minutes after puck drop and were down 2-0 midway through the first period. From that point on the Americans did not give up another goal and scored six of their own, two in each period, to defeat Utah 6-2 before a crowd of 1916 at Maverik Center.
- The game wasn't as one sided as the final score as the Americans scored six goals (one empty net goal) on only 22 shots which is an almost unheard of shooting percentage of 27.3%. For the season the Allen shooting percentage is 10.6%. Utah out shot Allen 33-22 including 17-4 in the third period when goalie Jake Paterson, playing for the first time in a month after spending time on the COVID list, stood tall saving all 17 shots. Jake doesn't qualify for the league stats as you need 540 minutes played and he has only 487 but when he does qualify he currently has the #2 ranked save percentage in the league (.933).
- In the series preview, special teams were the top key to success this weekend. The team came through in flying colors last night with the best special teams effort of the season. The power play was 2-5 and had several other great chances. It was only the fourth time this season (28 games) Allen scored two power play goals in a game. The penalty kill was perfect (0-5) against the #2 ranked power play in the ECHL. It was the first time all season the Americans gave up 5+ power play opportunities and didn't allow a goal. One game does not equal a turnaround but it is clearly a step in the right direction and was an area of emphasis at practice this week.
- Jesse Mychan led the Americans with his 13th, 14th and 15th goals of the season. It was just the seventh hat trick in the ECHL this season. Allen's other goal scorers were Krystof Hrabik (2), Kyle Topping (1) and Dyson Stevenson (2). Here are the video highlights from the Allen Americans YouTube Channel:
- Here is the game recap issued by the Allen Americans: https://allenamericans.com/news/general/americans-score-six-straight-and-beat-utah-6-2/
- Here is the game recap from the Utah Grizzlies: https://www.utahgrizzlies.com/en/grizzlies-news/utah-falls-6-2-on-friday-night-at-maverik-center
- Kyle Topping scored his first goal as an Allen American and also had the primary assist on Jesse Mychan's first goal. Topping has eight points (1G, 7A) in five games since joining the Americans and leads the team in average points per game (1.60).
- Matt Register and Les Lancaster both added to the their point totals last night. They are tied with 20 points which is third in the league by defensemen.
- Jesse Mychan's hat trick move him into second place among ECHL goal scorers. His 15 goals are one behind the co-leaders.
- Talked to coach Martinson this morning and he was pleased with how the team played a physical game and also mentioned the success of the special teams. It was for the most part the same players on special teams, they just executed better. Martinson hadn't finished going through the video but felt the team played well the first 10 minutes of the game even though they fell behind 2-0. Jake Paterson will be in goal again tonight.
- To be successful tonight Allen needs to continue the physical play and the good work on special teams. What needs improvement is getting more shots on goal. It is no stretch to say the Americans will not have a 27.3% shooting percentage again. It is difficult to win games when you only generate 22 shots on goal and give up 33 shots like Allen did last night. The 22 shots Allen managed last night were the fewest against Utah all season. Finally, as always Allen needs to score the first goal of the game. Last night was the first time in the six games Allen and Utah have played this season that the team that scored first didn't win.
OTHER COMMENTS
- Allen gained some ground on Wichita who lost its second straight home game to Tulsa. Last night the Oilers beat the Thunder 4-3 in overtime. The teams play again tonight in Wichita and then travel to Tulsa for a fourth straight game tomorrow afternoon.
- Fort Wayne keeps winning, beating Wheeling 3-2 in overtime last night. Fort Wayne has played 13 games since they returned to play a month ago and eight of them have been against Wheeling, the last place team in the league. The Komets record against the Nailers is 6-0-1-1 and they have won six straight against Wheeling.
- Fort Wayne's point percentage is now .806 and it is the only team above .800. The Western Conference playoff spots are now occupied by Fort Wayne (.806), Wichita (.703), Allen (.661) and Utah (.531).
- There are six games on tap around the ECHL tonight. Here is a preview on all of them: https://www.echl.com/en/news/2021/3/echl-today-march-13
- Jesse Mychan leads all ECHL players in average goals per game (10 goal minimum). Here is my post from ECHL Stats this morning.
DID YOU KNOW: Allen's shooting percentage last night was 27.3% and for the season the Americans shooting percentage is 10.6%. Here is Allen's shooting percentage for each season since joining the ECHL:
11.9% 2019-20
9.2% 2018-19
10.5% 2017-18
12.9% 2016-17
10.6% 2015-16
12.2% 2014-15
It may not look like a big difference when looking at the percentages
but over the course of a typical season a one percentage point difference is about 25 goals.
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