In the last two weeks four goals is the magic number. In Allen's last seven games the winning team has scored four goals. It was Allen's turn last night as they beat Utah 4-2 before a crowd of 2233 at the Allen Event Center (AEC).
- It was another poor start by the Americans as they gave up the first goal for fifth time in the last six games against the Grizzlies. What was different last night was Allen struck back just 38 seconds after Utah took the 1-0 lead and added a second goal before the end of the first period to take a 2-1 lead into the first intermission. A lead after the first period has been money for Allen all season as they have yet to lose a game in regulation with a first period lead. The Americans record when leading after the first period is now 16-0-2-1.
- The second period was all about penalties and power plays. Utah tied the score 2-2 early in the period on a power play goal but Allen struck back with two power play goals later in the period to take a 4-2 lead into the second intermission. It was another great sign for Allen fans as the Americans record when leading after the second period is 21-1-1-0.
- The third period was scoreless and if you look at the boxscore it shows a big shot advantage of 19-4 for the Grizzlies. It looked to me like the Americans went into a defensive shell in the third period which resulted in the shot discrepancy. At the end of the game Allen had a couple of chances for an empty net goal, one sure goal was was whistled for offside and another had Colby McAuley hit the post.
- Goals scorers for Allen were Chad Butcher (5), Brett Neumann (1), Spencer Asuchak (13) and Phil Beaulieu (5). Beaulieu had two assists in addition to his goal and Matt Register had three assists. Here are the video highlights from the Allen Americans YouTube channel:
- Here is the game recap from the Allen Americans: https://allenamericans.com/media/game-recap/game-number-800-in-the-win-column/
- The Allen power play got back on track last night and took advanatge of some ill timed Utah penalties. The Americans have played Utah five times in the month of April and in those five games the power play is 6-27 (22.2%). Allen's penalty kill percentage in those five games was 2-20 (90.0%). If the Americans win the special teams battle this afternoon they have a great chance of winning the game. It would also help if they can score the first goal of the game after giving up the first goal the last two nights.
- It seems like the first team to four goals has been the formula for success in Allen's last seven games. The Americans offense may be ready to breakout.
- Three games in less than 48 hours are always difficult and you never know what to expect. A 2:05 pm game time doesn't help but it is the same for both teams. Will over skill is what carries the day.
- With the points they earned last night Allen now has three defensemen in the top 12 in scoring among ECHL defensemen:
#1 - Les Lancaster, 40 points (15G, 25A)
#2 - Matt Register, 37 points (2G, 35A)
#12 - Phil Beaulieu, 23 points (5G, 18A)
COACH'S CORNER
- Steve Martinson's post game interview with Tommy Daniels from the Allen Americans YouTube channel.
Steve Martinson's morning comments:
"We dominated puck possession in the first two periods but not in the third period."
"In the third period the guys were cautious to not make defensive mistakes. That is understandable given the mistakes in the previous game."
"I prefer we keep playing a more offensive game than we did in the third period. We need to generate offense but without gambling."
"I haven't decided which of the three goalies will start this afternoon. Justin Kapelmaster, who was the backup goalie last night, has recovered from his injury and is ready to play."
"Our offense was better last night and I expect it will be even better today."
"We came through the game last night with some bumps and bruises but everyone should be available this afternoon."
"Samuel Laberge will not play this afternoon."
OTHER COMMENTS
- Allen didn't gain much ground in the standings last night as Fort Wayne beat Wheeling again (7-2) and Wichita lost 3-2 in overtime to Kansas City. Allen's point percentage is now .630 which is .037 behind second place Wichita and .083 ahead of fourth place Rapid City. The Rush moved into fourth place last night with a win over Tulsa while Utah was losing to Allen.
- Goalie Dereck Baribeau was injured in the first period of the Iowa Wild's 3-2 win over Rockford on Friday night. Depending on how serious the injury is to Baribeau, Iowa could be looking to Allen for a goalie.
DID YOU KNOW: Last night was a good one for attendance around the ECHL. A total of 18,890 fans attended six games. A seventh game, Orlando at Indy was suspended in the first period because of bad ice. Here are the attendance details from my ECHL Stats post:
Hey Gulati, want to see the attendance go up?
ReplyDeleteResign Marti!!!!