The Allen Americans beat the Kansas City Mavericks 5-3 last night before a crowd of 1828 at the Allen Event Center. The Americans will go for a sweep of the four games series with the Mavericks this afternoon at 2:05 pm.
- Allen has used a different path to victory in the first three games of the series. Game one was a 3-2 comeback win after trailing 2-0. Game two was the biggest power play production of the season (3-4) on the way to a 4-3 win. Game three last night saw Allen set season records for most shots in a period when they totaled 21 shots in the first period and most shots in a game with 49.
- Despite bombarding Kansas City with 21 first period shots and out shooting the Mavericks 21-10 the Americans only scored once due to great goaltending. The lone goal of the first period came late (18:22) when Corey Mackin deflected a pass from Samuel Laberge for his team leading 17th goal of the season. It is always a good sign when Allen scores first as its record is now 21-5-1-0. It is even a better sign when the Americans lead after the first period. Their record is now 15-0-2-1
- The teams traded goals back and forth in the second period with each scoring twice. Allen took a 3-2 lead into the second intermission which was another good sign. Allen's record when leading after the second period is now 20-1-1-0.
- The Americans scored two goals early in the third period to put the game away and give themselves a chance for a sweep this afternoon. Allen has now won three straight games, they have won five of their last six and have points in six straight games. They also improved their home record to 14-3-2-1.
- Goal scorers for Allen were Corey Mackin (17,18), Josh Maser (1), Colby McAuley (6) and Samuel Laberge (14). 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-win-third-straight-over-kansas-city/
- After the best power play performance of the season on Friday night when the Americans scored on three of four power play opportunities, last night Allen had its worst power play effort of the season. The American were 1-8 on the power play and gave up a shorthanded goal. It was just the third shorthanded goal Allen has allowed this season. Only two teams have allowed fewer than three shorthanded goals, Wichita and Kansas City have allowed two.
GAME FOUR PREVIEW
- When I checked in with coach Martinson this morning he did not anticipate many changes in the lineup for the game this afternoon. He likes the way the team is playing and just hopes more shots aren't directed right at the goalie. Jake Paterson will get the start in goal for the Americans.
- It is a cliche to say the fourth game in five days against the same team will be a battle of will over skill. Both of these teams have to have very tired legs and a 2:05 pm start this afternoon doesn't help the rehydration and recuperation process.
- As always a good start and special teams will play a big role in the game today. As a reminder the team that scored first has won six of the seven games between Allen and Kansas City this season. While Allen had a tough night last night going 1-8 the good news is the power play has improved. The Americans have scored at least one goal in seven of the last eight games. Puck movement and possession time has improved so more of the same should prove successful.
- In a four game series making adjustments is important and coach
Martinson has talked about tweaking some things the last two games. It
has certainly worked with the Americans generating a total of 85 shots
in the last two wins. If that continues this afternoon it will be a good
sign for the Americans.
OTHER COMMENTS
- The Western Conference saw plenty of changes in the standings last night. Fort Wayne lost in regulation to Indy and dropped from first place to third place. There is now a three way tie for last place in the conference. Here are the standings;
.685 - Wichita
.663 - Allen
.654 - Fort Wayne
.533 - Utah
.500 - Rapid City
.500 - Kansas City
.500 - Tulsa
Look for more changes after games today as all seven teams are in action with Kansas City at Allen, Utah at Wichita, Rapid City at Tulsa and Indy at Fort Wayne. Every team but Utah could could move up or down in the standings based on how they play today.
- I know I keep saying this but coach Martinson has been working tirelessly behind the scenes to improve the lineup. The immediate need is adding a defensemen but with the trade deadline coming up (April 22) Martinson is also looking ahead to the playoffs. I just get the feeling some moves are close. It could be through trades, signing of college players or assignment of players from AHL teams but there is no doubt moves are on the horizon.
DID YOU KNOW: Spencer Asuchak was given an assist on Allen's third goal last night which was announced as his 300th point of his career. Unfortunately it was later taken away. I looked at the replay several times and it looks to me like it was the right call to give the goal to Colby McAuley and the assists to Phil Beaulieu and Matt Register. In my mind Asuchak has already reached the 300 point milestone if you count his professional career. If you just count his North American pro career he is at 299. You can't forget the one goal he scored when he played for a short time in the top league in Slovakia at the beginning of the 2017-18 season. Some other Asuchak trivia is related to his AHL career. Spencer has five AHL goals but a hat trick is included. It happened on December 2, 2015 and the headline read, Spencer Asuchak's hat trick powers Chicago Wolves past Manitoba Moose 8-2." There are not a lot of players that can claim an AHL hat trick in their career. Here is the breakdown of Spencer's pro career points.
233 points - ECHL
56 points - CHL
10 points - AHL
1 point - Slovakia
300 TOTAL
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