Getaway Day, Individual and Team Stats, Allen Connection to Hockey Day Minnesota, Affiliation Trio Standings, Stat that Predicts Kelly Cup Champ and More

 

 It is getaway day for the Allen Americans at least that is the plan. With something like 25% -33% of all flights canceled it remains to be seen if the team makes it to Salt Lake City today. The games against Utah are scheduled for Wednesday, Friday and Saturday so if the worst case happens it looks like there is flexibility if a game has to be rescheduled. The last I heard the team is at the airport and still has a chance of getting to Utah.

-   It has been over a month since I took a look at the Allen stats leaders (current players). The month of January was a big month for many players. With 56% of the season in the books here are the Allen stats leaders. The ECHL rank is in parenthesis:

• Points
• 50: Jack Combs (3rd)
  
• 48: Hank Crone (5th)
  
• 36: Liam Finlay, Colton Hargrove (30th)
  

 

• Goals
• 22: Jack Combs (2nd)
  
• 20: Hank Crone (5th)
  
• 18: Liam Finlay (11th)
  

• Assists
• 28: Hank Crone (8th)
  
• 28: Jack Combs (8th)
• 19: Colton Hargrove (58th) 

• Average Points Per Game (min. 20 games)
  
• 1.30: Hank Crone (6th)
  
• 1.25: Jack Combs (23rd)
  
• 1.24: Liam Finlay (26th)
  

• Plus/Minus
  
• +6: Chad Butcher (130th)
  
• +6: Xavier Bernard (130th)
  
• +4: Liam Finlay (171th)
  

 

• PIMS
• 82: Zach Pochiro (14th)
  
• 71: Mikael Robidoux 22nd)
  
• 48: Colton Hargrove (65th) 

• Ave. Penalty Minutes Per Game (min. 13 games)
  
• 5.46: Mikael Robidoux(1st)
• 2.28: Zach Pochiro (33rd)
  
• 1.41: Colton Hargrove (93rd)
  

 

• Shots
• 131: Colton Hargrove (12th)
  
• 116: Jack Combs (23rd)
  
• 115: Hank Crone (25th)
  

 

• Shooting Percentage (min. 70 shots)
• 25.4%: Liam Finlay
  
• 19.0%: Jack Combs
  
• 17.4%: Hank Crone
  

 

• Save Percentage
• .932: Chase Perry
  
• .889: Luke Peressini

 

• GAA
• 2.43: Chase Perry
  
• 3.75: Luke Peressini

 

- A couple of things standout when you look at the stats above. Over the last month the big three has become the big four in scoring. Colton Hargrove scored in every game in the last month (15 games) for a total of 22 points (13G, 9A). Allen has been relying Hargrove, Combs, Crone and Finlay for scoring.  These four players account for 63% of Allen's goals and 51% of the Americans points. Allen has started to get more depth scoring recently which will be critical for Allen to make the playoffs.

 

-  The other stat worth noting is plus/minus. As a team the Americans are -109. Allen's goal differential is   -23 (123 goals for, 146 goals against). A positive goal differential is a must over the final 32 games of the season. In the last month Allen has scored 52 goals and allowed 53. 

- Here is how the team ranks in some key stats. Definitely some room for improvement going forward.

• #18: Ave. goals scored (3.08)
• #22: Ave. goals allowed (3.65)
• #24: Ave. shots for (29.95)
• #24: Ave. shots against: (34.55)
• #16: Power play percentage (20.1%)
• #15: Penalty kill percentage (80.6%)  
• #2: Ave. penalty minutes (17.10)
• #19: Team save percentage (.894)

 

- How much have these stats changed over the last month? Here are the same stats from December 27th:

• #21: Ave. goals scored (2.88)
• #24: Ave. goals allowed (3.67)
• #23: Ave. shots for (29.42)
• #25: Ave, shots against: (35.04)
• #11: Power play percentage (21.0%)
• #11: Penalty kill percentage (82.6%)  
• #3: Ave. penalty minutes (16.58)
• #17: Team save percentage (.895)

- The most important stat over the last month is won/loss. Here is what the Mountain Division standings looked like a month ago. I have added the team's current points percentage and the difference in parenthesis:

• .870 - Idaho (.813, down .057)
  
• .643 - Wichita (.583, down .060)
  
• .500 - Kansas City (.513, up .013)
  
• .483 - Rapid City (.488, up .005)
  
• .423 - Utah (.488, up .065)
  
• .420 - Tulsa (.436, up .016)
  
• .340 - Allen (.463, up (.123)

It is clear Allen has gained more ground over the last month than any other team in the division. If Allen can repeat that success in February it will be in the thick of the playoff race. It won't be easy with the February schedule which includes two trips (six games) to Utah. Sandwiched between the two trips to Utah are three games series at home against Fort Wayne and Florida. Two of the teams Allen plays in February (Utah & Florida) have a record of 7-2-1-0 over the last 10 games. Fort Wayne is 5-2-1-0 over its last eight games. 
 

 

OTHER COMMENTS

- My home state, Minnesota, has a celebration each year called Hockey Day Minnesota that celebrates the sport of hockey throughout the state. The main set of games are played on an outside rink constructed for the event featuring high school boys and girls team. It is a five day event with the Saturday games broadcast on TV. The event started back in 2007 when one small town in northern Minnesota had the idea. That small town was Baudette, MN, Aaron Gens hometown with a population of around 1000. Here is the story of how the little town of Baudette started Hockey Day Minnesota which has grown to be a huge event:

 

 

- All three teams in the Ottawa, Belleville and Allen affiliation are outside looking in for a playoff spot. NHL Ottawa is in seventh place in the eight team Atlantic division, AHL Belleville is in seventh place in the seven team North Division and ECHL Allen is in sixth place in the seven team Mountain Division. Belleville and Allen still have a chance to make the playoffs. Belleville has a .429 points percentage. Five teams make the playoffs and fifth place team is at .488. Allen has a .463 points percentage. Four teams make the playoffs and the fourth place team is at .488. 

- Iowa's 20 game road losing streak has been on hold because the Heartlander have been at home for the last six games, all losses. Iowa goes go back on the road this week to Wheeling and Fort Wayne. Iowa has not won a road game all season and the 20 straight losses is tied for second all time for road winless streak. They have a ways to go to catch #1 which is 26 games, set in 1992-93.

 

DID YOU KNOW: The last five Kelly Cup champions finished in the top five during the regular season in average goals scored. Here are the top five in average goals scored per game thus far in 2022-23. Is a Kelly Cup in their future?

 

4.15: Idaho

3.98: Newfoundland

3.83: Indy

3.76: Maine

3.66: Fort Wayne 

 

The last team to win the Kelly Cup that was not in the top five in average goals scored during the regular season was in 2015-16. The Allen Americans won the Kelly Cup averaging just 3.08 goals per game during the regular season, which was ranked #10 in the ECHL. 

Allen Ends Week with a Loss, Game Recap, Video Highlights, Gens Comments, Utah Next Up, ECHL Shutouts and More

 

It is always difficult to win three games in three days against the same opponent especially when the third game is on the road. The Allen Americans four game win streak came to an end yesterday in a 7-3 loss to the Tulsa Oilers. The game was closer than the final score because of two empty net goals within 31 seconds at the end of the game. However, Tulsa was in charge of this game from the beginning and never trailed after scoring the first goal at the 2:45 mark of the opening period. It was a tough ending to an emotional but successful week that saw the Americans take six of the eight available points (.750).   

- I write all the time about three keys to victory. If Allen scores first, out shoots the opponent and wins the special teams battle they will win. It didn't go well with the keys against Tulsa. The Oilers scored first and outshot Allen 40-31. Both teams scored two power play goals, but the special teams edge goes to Tulsa. Allen's power play percentage was 33% (2-6) compared to Tulsa's 40% (2-5)

 

- The Oilers not only scored the first goal of the game but the second and third, all in the first period. With a 3-0 deficit after the first period it was an uphill battle for Allen the rest of the game. To the Americans credit they didn't give up. Kris Myllari got Allen on the scoreboard late in the second period. Myllari took a shot from the goal line that found its way into the net. Tulsa took a 3-1 lead into the second intermission which wasn't a good sign. Tulsa's record when leading after the second period is now 8-0-2-0. Allen's record when trailing after the second period is 3-18-0-0.

 

- Allen cut the score to 3-2 just 48 seconds into the third period to give Allen hope. Jack Combs scored a power play goal, but Tulsa responded at the 3:13 mark to regain a two goal lead. Allen cut the lead to one goal again (4-3) at the 4:46 mark with another power play goal, this one from Colton Hargrove. Once again Tulsa responded (8:15) to regain the two goal lead, 5-3.

 

- Allen pulled goalie Luke Peressini with 2:04 remaining in the game looking for the same magic when two goals were scored in 43 seconds on Friday to send the game to overtime. Two goals were scored in exactly 43 seconds yesterday, but they were two empty net goals by Tulsa to give the Oilers a 7-3 win.

- Goal scorers for Allen were Kris Myllari (3), Jack Combs (22) and Colton Hargrove (17). Here are the video highlights with all 10 goals: https://www.echl.com/en/video/2023/1/allen-americans-vs-tulsa-oilers---jan-29-2023-YgkRBPsw

 

- Here is the game recap from the Allen Americans: https://allenamericans.com/media/americans-winning-streak-ends-at-four/

 

- I had a chance to touch base with coach Gens after the game the game. Here are his comments.

"We came out flat in the first period giving up three goals, two on the power play."

"We absolutely loved the compete level after trailing 3-0 after the first period. The guys kept coming back but we just couldn't pull it off."

"I am proud of the guys for battling but we have to learn from the bad start we had today."

"The day trip to Tulsa was very difficult with it being our third game in less than 48 hours and fourth game in five days. The guys were tired."

"I am proud of the guys for a great week. We will take tomorrow off to rest and then get ready for another important week when we travel to Utah for three games."  

- Liam Finlay ended up with an impressive week that could lead to ECHL Player of the Week honors. Liam had points in all four Allen games for a total of seven points (5G, 2A). Allen's record for the week was 3-1, Finlay had the game winning goal in all three wins. Whether he is selected as the player of the week or not, the rookie had a monster week. 

- Colton Hargrove extended his point streak to 15 games (22 points) with a goal and assist in the loss yesterday. He now has the longest point streak in the ECHL this season. Even more impressive than the point streak is Colton's goal scoring. With his goal yesterday he has now scored 13 goals in the last 14 games. To give you an idea of how ridiculous his goal scoring pace has been over the last month, at that pace over a full season he would score 67 goals. 

Hargrove's 15 game point streak puts him in the rare company of only one other Allen player, his coach, Chad Costello. In 2016-17 Chad had a 15 game point streak, in 2014-15 a 17 game point streak and in 2015-16 Chad set the all-time Allen record with a 19 game point streak. 

- Jack Combs has been Allen's most consistent scorer all season. Combs has gone two games without a point once all season. Jack had a goal and assist yesterday and now has 50 points (22G, 28A). He is #3 in the ECHL in points (50), #2 in goals (22), #4 in power play goals (8), #8 in assists (28) and 11th in game winning goals (4). 

- Allen now must get ready to play three games in Utah. The team will fly to Salt Lake City tomorrow and take on the Grizzlies on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. Allen and Utah are battling for a playoff spot and have similar records. Allen's record is 18-21-1-0, Utah's is 19-20-1-0. Both teams have been playing great hockey. In the last 10 games Allen is 7-3-0-0, Utah is 7-2-1-0. I will talk more about this in the series preview on Wednesday, but Utah's record is misleading because it has played Idaho a disproportionate number of times this season. The Grizzlies record against Idaho is 4-11-0-0. Without the Idaho games Utah's points percentage is .620 (15-9-1-0). The point is Utah is a lot better than its record shows. It will be a challenging road trip for Allen who has to take four of the six available points to keep pace for the fourth playoff spot. 

 

- Gary Steffes is headed back home after flying to Allen to help out after the tragedy that struck Chad Costello last week. Gary brings a positive uplifting spirit to any environment he is in. To see first hand how engaged he was in helping Aaron Gens this week was something to see. The two of them have such mutual admiration and worked so well together in Costello's absence. It was obvious Steffes was relishing  being neck deep in hockey again.   

 

OTHER COMMENTS

- With the loss in Tulsa yesterday, Allen ended its four game win streak which is the longest of the season. An indication of just how well the Americans have been playing is their two longest win streaks of the season (4 games & 3 games) happened back to back this month. Since January 11 Allen's record is 7-2-0-0.

- Hank Crone played in his first AHL game last night as his Ontario Reign team lost at home to Calgary by a score of 4-1. Hank's line score was all zeros. Ontario's next game is Tuesday. Crone is still top five in ECHL scoring with 48 points. Allen is the only team in the ECHL with two players in the top five in scoring. Jack Combs is #3 with 50 points.

- Here are the current Mountain Division standings by points percentage. The number of games remaining is in parenthesis:

• .813 - Idaho (32)
• .583 - Wichita (30)
• .513 - Kansas City (34)
• .488 - Rapid City (30)
• .488 - Utah (32)
• .463 - Allen (32)
• .436 - Tulsa (33)

- There have been plenty of roster changes in the last month for the Americans and I would expect you will see more to come. Gavin Gould, Colby McAuley, Xavier Bernard, Grant Hebert and Chase Perry all played their first game for Allen in the last month. Jackson Leppard, Lordanthony Grissom, Joe Widmar, Logan Flodell and Kevin Mandolese  played in their last game for Allen. 

 

- When you talk about which ECHL teams are playing the best hockey recently it is not all of the teams at the top of the standings. Utah and Allen arer perfect examples. They are ranked #20 and #21 in points percentage in the league but have won seven of their last 10 games. Toledo is ranked #12 but is 8-2-0-0 in the last 10 games. However, the best teams in the ECHL over the last ten games with records of 9-1-0-0 are #2 ranked Newfoundland and #7 ranked Maine. 

DID YOU KNOW: The ECHL post today is about shutouts and goalies that had the most saves in a shutout. Chase Perry not only had Allen's first shutout of the season on Saturday, he is on the list of most saves in a shutout in the ECHL this season.

There have been 40 shutouts in the ECHL this season ranging from 1-0 (twice) to 7-0 (twice). Saves in a shutout have ranged from a high of 43 to a low of 13. Here are the goalies with the most saves in a shutout:

 

43: Mark Sinclair: Cincinnati (6-0 vs Fort Wayne)

41: Henrik Tikkanen: Worcester (7-0 vs Greenville)

41: Jake Theut: Adirondack (5-0 vs Newfoundland)

39: Evan Cormier: Kalamazoo (2-0 vs Toledo)

38: Luke Cavallin: Newfoundland (5-0 vs Maine)

37: Chase Perry: Allen (6-0 vs Tulsa)

Perry Shutout, Finlay Hat Trick Lead Allen, Game Recap, Video Highlights, Quotable Quotes, Today's Preview, Big Allen Scoop and More

 

Before starting I want to apologize for any errors in the blog today. My proofreader and lovely wife and daughter start a seven-day cruise today, so I am on my own which is dangerous. To make up for the errors you will undoubtedly encounter today I will give you a big scoop from my crack reporting. The Americans left a little early for Tulsa this morning because of a rumored early bus stop at Buc-ee's. If you haven't been there, it is quite an experience. So much to choose from. Here is from the championship tier of snacks that both look good and taste good. Only in Texas, haha.

• Sweet & Spicy Beef Jerky
• Sea Salted Caramel Beaver Nuggets
• Salted Cinnamon Churro Cashews
• Buc-ee's OverBite Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter
• Salted Caramel Yogurt Pretzels
• Banana Pudding
• Dried Sausage and Cheese Cup
• Cream cheese Kolache
• Beaver Tots
• Jalapeno Sausage Cheese Kolache
• Beaver Chips
• Fried Chicken Sandwich
• Coconut Pie Cup

- How do you follow up one of the most exciting comebacks of all time on Friday night. All the Allen Americans accomplished last night was a season high for the most goals scored and a season low for fewest goals allowed. Chase Perry stopped all 37 Tulsa shots and Liam Finlay scored his second hat trick of the season to lead Allen to a 6-0 shutout win over the Tulsa Oilers before a crowd of 4010 at CUTX Event Center. It was the Americans season long fourth straight win which topped the prior season long win streak of three games which they set just before the current streak began. It means Allen has now won seven of its last eight games. No other team in the ECHL has a better record than Allen over the last eight games.

- It certainly wasn't a perfect game by the Americans. Tulsa had a couple of odd man rushes in the first period, but the defense and Chase Perry made big stops when necessary. The hottest scorers for Allen, Liam Finlay and Colton Hargrove, found the back of the net to give the Americans a 2-0 lead after the first period. Allen scored two more goals in the second period (Robidoux & Finlay) and Perry stopped all 17 Tulsa shots. Allen added two more goals in the third period (Finlay & Hebert) to make the final score 6-0.

- Allen did a great job of staying out of the penalty box. Tulsa had just two power plays opportunities last night after going 3-5 on Friday. The video review the team did before the game was successful as the penalty kill did a much better job and held Tulsa scoreless on the power play.

- Goal scorers for Allen were Liam Finlay (16, 17, 18), Colton Hargrove, (16), Mikael Robidoux (3) and Grant Hebert (2). Chad Butcher, Gavin Gould and Zach Massicotte each had two assists. Ten of the 11 forwards in the game had at least one point. Allen's depth is starting to show. Here are the game highlights with all six Allen goals. https://www.echl.com/en/video/2023/1/tulsa-oilers-vs-allen-americans---jan-28-2023-bfm0FBX3

- Here are the game recaps:

Allen Americans:  https://allenamericans.com/media/americans-blank-tulsa-6-0/

Tulsa Oilers:  https://tulsaoilers.com/americans-win-second-straight-against-oilers/

- Post Game Quotable Quotes

"This one was super special, obviously Costy is in our hearts right now and we wanted to get the win for him. Hat tricks are great, but it was a special team effort tonight and I am super proud of our team. Also, shoutout to the fans tonight, they were great. We love your passion.".....Liam Finlay

"We love our team. Our lineup is starting to come together after a tough start to the season, and we are very happy the way we are playing. Tulsa is a well-coached team, so we will be focused on our preparation to be sure the guys are ready to go tomorrow.".....Aaron Gens

"We adjusted the penalty kill and the guys really responded. It takes a lot of work with all of the stops and starts when you are killing penalties. It was also important Tulsa had only two power plays tonight, we stayed out of the penalty box.".....Gary Steffes

"All 11 forwards were going tonight. They were skating, they were competing, and we were able to get all 11 into the game.".....Gary Steffes

"Our entire team showed up to play today tonight. Our defense kept us in it at the start of the game. Our forwards back checked which allowed our defense to stay up and our guys used their skill and speed to make plays.".....Gary Steffes

"I was so proud of Robidoux, it take guts to take one across the chin and not fight back. He took one for the team and it was awesome. There is no question how tough he is, but he had nothing to prove in that moment.".....Gary Steffes    Update: the Tulsa player that jumped Robidoux (Kaylor Wall) has been suspended for one game and will miss the game this afternoon.

- It is going to take some special performance to keep Liam Finlay from being the ECHL Player of the Week. He has one game left to complete the four-game week, but in the first three game he has five goals and had the game winning goal in all three. His plus/minus was a +6. He is the first player since Allen joined the ECHL to have the game winning goal in three straight games.

- Colton Hargrove's goal last night extended his scoring streak to 14 games. That is tied for the longest point scoring streak in the ECHL all season. Even more impressive, Colton has scored 12 goals in the last 13 games. Averaging half a goal per game is outstanding, he is only one goal shy of averaging a goal per game since the end of December.

- Rookie Grant Hebert continues to impress. He was moved to the top line last night and had a goal and an assist. Hebert has played eight games for Allen since leaving college with his degree, and has seven points (2G, 5A).

- For Allen to be successful in Tulsa today they need to continue to play like they did last night. You might see a tweak to the power play. Allen was 1-5 in both games against Tulsa so the power play had been good (20%) but could be better.

- Tulsa outshot Allen 37-29 but a lot of shot were from the perimeter. Tulsa has historically been one of the top teams in shots per game. They are currently rank #4 in average shots, and they are missing Adam Pleskach who was always in the top 10 in shots. Tulsa has outshot its opponents 25 time this season but lost 15 of the 25 games.

- The lineup today will see Luke Peressini,, just back from an AHL loan, get the start in goal. The rest of the lineup will be the same as last night.

• Hebert-Hargrove-McAuley
• Combs-Butcher-Finlay
• Gould-Bethune-Robidoux
• Young-Pochiro
• Myllari-Saucerman
• Bernard-Massicotte
• Skelly-Gagnon
• Peressini
• Perry (back up)

OTHER COMMENTS

- Hank Crone, who is on loan to Ontario (AHL) was a healthy scratch last night as the Reign beat San Diego 7-2. Ontario has the top two ECHL rookie scorers on PTO's (tryout agreements) right now. Crone and Alex Ierullo (Greenville). Ierullo played last night. Ontario plays Calgary at home tonight so maybe Crone will play in that game.

-  Allen has made a lot of progress in the standings over the last eight games with its 7-1 record. I may have to find out where I can buy the crow meat I will have to eat if the Americans make the playoffs. Better yet I am sure Aaron Gens will be happy to provide me a crow. There is no season on crow hunting in Texas so Gens will have no problem getting one for me. Right now, Allen is only two points and .014 percentage points from being in a playoff position.

- There are seven games in the ECHL this afternoon. Allen at Tulsa is the only Mountain Division game. Here are the previews form ECHL Today:  https://www.echl.com/en/news/2023/1/echl-today-jan-29

- If Allen wins this afternoon there will be a three-way tie for the final play spot between Rapid City, Utah and Allen. They will all have 39 points and a .488 points percentage. If you take the points percentage to a fourth decimal point, Rapid City will have the edge (.4880) over Allen and Utah (.4875). It means nothing if Allen doesn't pick up a win this afternoon.  Here are the current Mountain Division standings by points percentage with points in parenthesis:

• .813 -Idaho (65)
• .583 - Wichita (49)
• .513 - Kansas City (39)
• .488 - Rapid City (41)
• .488 - Utah (39)
• .474 - Allen (37)
• .421 - Tulsa (32)

DID YOU KNOW: The ECHL Stats post today is about defensemen scoring. For Allen the highest scoring defenseman is Colton Saucerman (17 points). He is 7th in scoring for the Americans.

ECHL teams with a defenseman in the top three in scoring. Points are in parenthesis:

 

1st - Andrew Nielsen, Utah (31)

2nd - Mike Brodzinski, Orlando (28)

2nd -Josh Maniscalco, Wheeling (28)

2nd - Owen Headrick, Idaho (36)

3rd - Patrick Kudla, Idaho (34)

3rd - Chad Nychuk, Kalamazoo (21)

3rd - Tristan Thompson, Savannah (25)

 

Notice the best team in the league, Idaho, (.813 points percentage) has defensemen as its 2nd and 3rd leading scorers.

Never Leave a Hockey Game Early, Game Recap, Video Highlights, Coach Gens Comments, Which ECHL Division is the Strongest and More

 

It was one of the most exciting finishes ever at the CUTX Event Center as the Allen Americans beat the Tulsa Oilers 5-4 in overtime last night. Broadcaster Tommy Daniels always says never leave a hockey game early. For the 20% (my estimate) of the fans that left after Tulsa took a 4-2 third period lead until Allen's amazing comeback it had to be a shock when they saw the final score. It was definitely a wow finish. Allen pulled goalie Chase Perry with 2:32 remaining in the game and the magic happened. With an extra attacker, defenseman Zach Massicotte scored twice within 43 seconds. His first goal was with 56 seconds remaining in the game, the second with just 13 seconds remaining. Allen wasn't done with the amazing comeback. Just 76 seconds into overtime two of the most dangerous players on the team, Jack Combs and Liam Finlay, had a two-on-one break. Combs made a perfectly placed backhand saucer pass by the lone defender to Finlay who put the puck high into the net. A celebration that would make a playoff series win celebration proud ensued.

- Tulsa scored first early in the opening period (3:15) and Allen was playing catch-up the rest of the game. The Americans only lead in the game was the overtime game winner by Liam Finlay. Over the first two periods Allen would tie the score, Tulsa would take the lead and Allen would tie it again. The score after the second period was 3-3. All three Tulsa goals were scored on the power play, all by the same player. Tag Bertuzzi, playing in his first game for Tulsa since being acquired in a trade, had a hat trick of power play goals. Bertuzzi scored on his first, second and fourth shot as a member of the Tulsa Oilers. If the name sounds familiar it is, his dad is Todd Bartuzzi played in 1159 NHL games (mostly with Detroit and Vancouver) and totaled 770 points.

 

-  There were four goals in the first period. Allen tied the score 1-1 on a Jack Combs power play goal and tied the score 2-2 on an even strength goal from Jared Bethune on a great assist by Grant Hebert. The only goal in the second period was Bertuzzi's third power play goal. Tulsa took a 3-2 lead into the second intermission.

- Everyone knew the next goal was going to be a big one. Allen killed a penalty early in the third period which was huge since Tulsa was 3-4 on the power play at the time.. The Americans also had a power play midway through the period, put on a lot of pressure but did not score. The clock was under seven minutes when Tulsa converted on a 2-on-1 break to make the score 4-2. 

 

- It was definitely looking like an uphill climb as the clocked wound down. Allen was getting great opportunities but couldn't get the puck in the net. After a timeout the Massicotte magic happened as described above. When the Americans were able to tie the score and head to overtime, they had a big statistical advantage. After the Finlay game winner the Americans have now won four of five extra time games while Tulsa has lost eight of ten extra time games.

- Goal scorers for Allen were Jack Combs (21), Jared Bethune (4), Zach Massicotte (4 & 5) and Liam Finlay (15). Here are the video highlights with the five Allen goals. Pay special attention to the pass Grant Hebert made on Bethune's goal and Jack Combs' pass on Finlay's game winner. They are both things of beauty. https://www.echl.com/en/video/2023/1/tulsa-oilers-vs-allen-americans---jan-27-2023-CzykRppy

 

- Here are the game recaps:

Allen Americans: https://allenamericans.com/media/overtime-thriller-2/  

Tulsa Oilers: https://tulsaoilers.com/bertuzzi-scores-hat-trick-in-oilers-debuttulsa-loses-to-americans-in-overtime/

 

- It is hard to describe the joy and excitement that I saw among the fans, the team and the coaches after the Finlay overtime goal. Given the emotion everyone was feeling after the game started with a moment of silence for Chad Costello's dad, Tad Costello who was killed in a tragic accident. I am sure many of you, like myself, said the team has to win this game for Chad. Just when it looked like it wasn't going to happen the Americans willed themselves to victory. I don't know the latest two goal comeback in team history to tie the game and win in overtime, but I will go out on a limb and say this is the record. If someone told you a defenseman scored two goals, 40 seconds apart in the last minute of the game to tie the score 4-4 and win it in overtime, those 1000+ fans that left early would probably not believe you.  

- It was a great win all around. When I stopped by to talk to Aaron Gens and Gary Steffes who flew in to help out, they were celebrating the victory but already planning for the rematch today. It was fascinating listening to them give each other credit for what they did and said on the bench. You can't find two more positive guys and it was on full display. Gary told me he was honored to be asked to help out. He will be helping out all weekend. Here are a few quotes from coach Gens:

"We love the resilience of this team. Teams that go through adversity like we did at the beginning of the season and then turn it around are special. The guys are playing for each other and our team is coming together."

"I liked the addition of Robidoux in the lineup, He brings a presence and when he plays the way he does other guys up their game."

"When you get players like Combs and Finlay on a 2-on-1 in overtime you better watch out. Combs made a perfect pass and Finlay put it right where he wanted to."

"After Tulsa took the 4-2 lead coach Steffes was the encourager on the bench. He kept saying to the guys the as the clock wound down to keep going, its coming, its coming, keep pushing, its coming and sure enough he was right."

 

- Chase Perry will get the start in goal tonight, Dalton Skelly will replace Dalton Gally and there are some line changes. Here is the full lineup. 

• Hebert-Hargrove-McAuley  
• Combs-Butcher-Finlay
• Gould-Bethune-Robidoux
• Young-Pochiro
• Myllari-Saucerman
• Bernard-Massicotte
  
• Skelly-Gagnon 
• Perry
• Kaplemaster (backup) 

 

 

- I always say if a team scores first, outshoots the opponent and wins the special teams battle they will win the game. Allen was one for three but still found a way to win last night. A month ago that would have never happened. Allen outshot Tulsa 40-31 but gave up the first goal and lost the special teams battle. Tulsa was 3-5 on the power play, the Americans were 1-5. It was the most power play goals Allen has allowed all season. 

 

- Colton Hargrove had an assist last night to extend his point streak to 13 games (19 points). If he gets a point tonight he will match the longest point streak in the ECHL this season. Liam Finlay has started a point streak of his own. He has scored in five straight games since returning from injury. He has eight points in the last five games (4G, 4A).    

 

- Allen has won four of its last five games, Liam Finlay had the game winning goal in three of the four. Allen will go for a fourth straight win tonight which would be a season record. 

 

- After the game tonight Tulsa will head back home. Allen will not travel to Tulsa until midday on Sunday.  

 

DID YOU KNOW: Which is the strongest ECHL division? Based on this look at  point percentages it would be the South Division.

North - range from .738 (NFL) to .218 (NOR)

1 team (Newfoundland) above .700

2 teams above .600 (Reading, Maine)

 

South - range from .705 (FLA) to .388 ( SAV)

1 team above .700 (Florida)

4 teams above .600 (South Carolina, Jacksonville , Greenville, Atlanta)

 

Central - range from .688 (IND) to .311 (IA)

0 teams above .700

2 teams above .600 (Indy, Cincinnati)

 

Mountain - range from .808 (IDH) to .432 (TUL)

1 team above .800 (Idaho)

0 teams above .600

Allen Americans Official Statement Regarding Spencer Asuchak - Barry the Blogger Vents

 

 Those of you that read my blog regularly know that I rarely reply to comments other than to answer questions. I do this for two reasons. First I feel everyone is entitled to express their opinion even if it is different than mine. Second, if you engage those that make negative comments it usually becomes a back and forth with no resolution. 

 

- With that said I feel the many comments I have received over the last 10 days deserve a response. This all started when I made a decision to not get involved in the Spencer Asuchak incident. I made that decision myself and was not asked to do so by anyone with the Allen Americans. As I reflect back on my decision, it was based on the fact that my blog is about hockey, not the off ice conduct of the players, and Spencer is a friend and I didn't want that discussion on my blog. I deleted all comments related to this matter whether they were from supportive fans trying to get information or fans insisting I was covering up something or trying to sweep it in under the rug. As most of you know my blog is a labor of love, I don't make a cent from what I write and devote a lot of time for a single purpose of getting pertinent hockey information to avid Allen fans. I made the choice that was best for me and would do the same again.

 

- I also want to address some of the few negative comments I have received the last 10 days just to make clear how I have always operated the blog. Again, everyone is entitled to their own view. First and foremost I want to thank the vast majority of you that have called, emailed, texted or sought me out at a game to show you support and give me a pep talk. It was greatly appreciated.

 

- In this recent case concerning Asuchak and in the 10 years I have been writing the blog and specifically when I became the official blogger for the team, my agreement is I share my views in my my blog and nobody reviews what I write. What I write does not represent the views of the Allen Americans. I can assure you I have gotten plenty of feedback over the years over something I have written from every part of the organization, but I have never been told to take something out of the blog

 

- I take pride in trying to be fair and balanced in the blog. When I meet with the players at the beginning of the season one of the things I tell them is there will be no personal attacks in the blog, I will not throw you under the bus. But I will use stats to show where and when you and the team are under performing. I feel I have been honest in pointing out where I see problems in the front office or with ownership that impacts the on ice product. I have had two owners call me directly to discuss what I had written and let me know their point of view. I am clearly a fan, but go out of my way to be balanced in what I write. I have received that feedback from many fellow bloggers and members of the media over the years. If you feel I am a homer and only write positive stuff, it is hard for me to believe you read the blog regularly. I don't think a homer would predict Allen would miss the playoffs at Thanksgiving as I did this season. I am willing to eat crow if the team does in fact makes the playoff, but I am sticking to my guns which isn't a popular opinion around the rink.

 

- Finally, as it relates to the Asuchak incident, anyone who read into the fact I was deleting all comments, good or bad, that I was trying to cover it up or sweep it under the rug, could not be further from the truth. The only decision I made is I didn't want it discussed on my blog. My personal view was the team should have made some kind of statement as soon as it was made public. I made my views known at the time. I also respect the decision the team made not to say anything based on a lot of deliberation both inside and outside the organization. 

 

- I also appreciate the team has now decided to make an official statement regarding the Asuchak incident. This is what fans, bloggers, online media, TV stations and anyone else will hear from the Americans if they call to inquire. I am sure it won't satisfy everyone but for those that were hoping for a statement from the team here its is:

"We are aware of the incident surrounding Spencer Asuchak, and he will remain off our active roster indefinitely. Due to the legality of the matter, we have no further comment at this time."

 

- As for me I plan to return to my decision to not have this discussed on my blog by deleting any and all references to it. I believe everyone deserves their day in court and there are two sides to every story. Spencer has been a friend for over ten years and you care for your friends even when they are going through tough times. That is my plan going forward.      

 

- In closing I want to say what a privilege it is to share what I write for you every morning. It is never easy when some fans want to tear you down and it is discouraging at times. I know if  I was that unhappy with a blog I would either write my own or quit reading it. I am uplifted by the 99% of you that let me know all the time how much you appreciate the blog. I will continue to do my best knowing I can always do better and will strive do that until it is no longer fun. The plan was to quit writing everyday when Steve Martinson left but Chad Costello has welcomed me the same way Martinson had over the years. If it wasn't for the trust of the coach the blog would not have the inside information it provides. We all benefit from that relationship. Thanks for letting me vent and let's get back to hockey.        

Allen vs Tulsa Series Preview, Roster and Coach News, Tonight's Lineup, ECHL History 20 Years Ago and More

 

The Allen Americans have seen plenty of ups and downs this season and it continues. First and foremost is coach Chad Costello will be away from the team taking caring of a family matter. Everyone's thoughts and prayers are with Chad and his family. The Americans will be putting out a statement on this matter this afternoon along a photo of a special helmet sticker they will be wearing.

 

- Assistant coach Aaron Gens takes over while Chad is gone and will be behind the bench for the three games against Tulsa this weekend. Coach Gens is very capable of taking on this role. He has won championships as a head coach in youth hockey as recently as last season. As the Americans assistant coach he is very involved on a day to day basis. Gens and Costello actually share the same office. 

- Allen hasn't had any players loaned to AHL teams all season. AHL contracted players have gone back and forth but not Allen signed players. That all changed yesterday when goalie Luke Peressini was loaned to Belleville and forward Hank Crone was loaned to Ontario. The goal when young players sign in Allen is to put them in position to get an opportunity at the next level. With numerous injuries in Ottawa and Belleville, Peressini will get his first experience in the AHL. All Allen signed players are free agents and can be loaned to any AHL team. Hank Crone's stats speak for themselves and stats get you noticed. The Ontario Reign came calling and the rookie Crone will get his first opportunity in the AHL. 

 

- Given Allen has three games in three days this weekend and plays three games in Utah next week the Americans had to find a backup goalie rather than go with an EBUG, since it is unknown how long Peressini will be in Belleville. Yesterday the Americans signed Justin Kapelmaster who has bounced around a lot but is a capable goalie. Allen fans will remember Kapelmaster from the 2020-21 season when he played 19 games for the Americans with a 2.96 GAA and .905 save percentage. Kapelmaster's stats since turning pro in 2020-21 include 39 ECHL games (GAA 2.89, Save % .907) and three AHL games (GAA 1.55, save % .943). 

 

- Luckily Allen gets Mikael Robidoux and Zach Pochiro back from suspension so the Americans will have a full lineup. Gavin Gould will move up to replace Crone. Here is the expected lineup:

• Gould-Hargrove-McAuley  
• Combs-Butcher-Finlay
• Pochiro-Hebert-Robidoux
• Young-Bethune
• Myllari-Saucerman
• Bernard-Massicotte
  
• Gally-Gagnon 
• Perry
• Kaplemaster (backup) 
  

 

- As I said yesterday Tulsa and Allen have always played each other close. Allen is 2-3-0-0 against Tulsa this season and over the last five years the Americans record against Tulsa is 25-24-4-0. Allen has been playing the better hockey recently. Over the last 10 games the Americans have the best record in the Mountain Division (7-3-0-0), Tulsa has the worst (4-5-0-1). Allen's home record is 6-8-1-0 compared to Tulsa's road record 3-8-3-0.

 

- Overall stats are also very close. Both teams give up an average of 3.6 goals per game. Allen scores 2.9 goals per game, Tulsa averages 2.8 per game. Allen has scored 109 goals and allowed 135 for a -26 goal differential. Tulsa has scored 131 goals and allowed 102 for a goal differential of -29.

 

- As always special team will play a key role this weekend. The Allen penalty kill has been great recently but the Americans need to be more disciplined. Allen has taken more minor penalties (225) than any team in the ECHL. Allen leads Tulsa in every category of penalties and if combine them all the totals are 254 penalties for Allen and 205 for Tulsa. Even though the Oilers have the #27 ranked power play in the league (14.3%) compared to Allen's #14 rank (19.6%) staying out of the penalty box will be key in this series.

 

- Allen has the better record when scoring first. Allen is 12-5-1-0 (.694) and Tulsa is 7-7-1-1 (.500). With that said a good start will be important tonight and in this three game series. These teams have a combined record when leading after the first period of 16-7-0-1 and when leading after the second period of 17-3-2-0.

 

- If any games go extra time it is advantage Allen. The Americans are 2-1 in overtime and 1-0 in shootouts. Tulsa has the second worst record in the league in extra time games. The Oilers are 2-6 in overtimes and 0-1 in shootouts. 

 

- It is going to be a tough series emotionally for the Americans with coach Costello being away from the team and the leading scorer and winningest goalie on loan to the AHL. It will require everyone to step up and provide leadership on and off the ice for the team to be successful. 

OTHER COMMENTS

- Hank Crone's 10 game point streak is on hold with his promotion to the AHL but Colton Hargrove will be trying to extend his 12 game point streak tonight and continue his goal a game average which stands at 11 goals in 11 games.

 

- The reason Luke Peressini was needed in Belleville is because Kevin Mandolese was recalled to the Ottawa Senators. Ottawa goalie, Cam Talbot, exited the Senators game on Wednesday with a lower body injury. Mandolese was called up on Thursday. Talbot is expected to be out until after the NHL All-Star game. Ottawa has three games before the All-Star break. Mandolese joins the list of players that spend time in the ECHL, AHL and NHL in one season, but Kevin may hold the record because he has been in all three leagues within three weeks. 

- Justin Kaplemaster is more remembered by Allen fans for the one period he played in the Kelly Cup playoffs. It was against Allen in the 2021 Kelly Cup playoffs when he was with Fort Wayne. Allen was about to take a 2-0 lead in the best of five series. The Americans were ahead 4-1 going into the the third period and Fort Wayne inserted Kapelmaster for the third period. Fort Wayne came back and won that game 5-4 in overtime in one of the worst collapses in Allen playoff history. Kaplemaster didn't play a single playoff minute in the six games before that one period plus overtime, or the four games after as Fort Wayne beat South Carolina to win the Kelly Cup. Kapelmaster played just one period but helped turn around a series that would have likely gone to Allen without that great comeback. 

 

Here is what I wrote about the game on June19, 2021 that could have cost the Allen Americans their third Kelly Cup;

- The second period was all Americans as they outshot Fort Wayne 16-12 and outscored them 2-0 and had one goal disallowed that many thought was a good goal. Instead of a 5-1 lead after the second period Allen had a lead of 4-1. I am sure most everyone saw this game in the win column for Allen when you consider in its 10 game win streak dating back to May 28 the Americans allowed three goals in an entire game just once let alone in one period. If truth be known, though I am sure they would never admit it, the Komets also thought the game was lost. With the score 4-1 going into the third period, Fort Wayne inserted former Allen goalie, Justin Kapelmaster, into the game presumably to give starter Dylan Ferguson a rest. Kapelmaster hadn't played a single minute in Fort Wayne's first six games of the playoffs. To his credit, Justin did his job stopping all eight shots that came his way but the game turned on what was happening at the other end of the ice.

- As Fort Wayne beat writer, Justin Cohn, posted after the game, The Komets had one of the most remarkable victories of their 69 year history." The Americans self destructed defensively and Fort Wayne came roaring back. The first goal at the 7:56 mark cut the score to 4-2 but the gut punch was two goals within 54 seconds to tie the game. To add insult to injury the goal that tied the game came on the power play, the only power play of the game. Allen had plenty of opportunity to put the game away on the power play but failed to convert on seven attempts. Fort Wayne wasn't much better missing on its first five power play attempts but came up big when it counted. Allen's power play is now dead last in the playoffs at 8.0% (2-25).

 

- It is a big night around the ECHL with 26 of 28 teams in action. All seven Mountain Division teams will play. The games: Tulsa at Allen, Wichita at Idaho, Rapid City at Utah and Wheeling visits Kansas City. Here is the ECHL Today with the previews: https://www.echl.com/en/news/2023/1/echl-today-jan-27

 

 

 

DID YOU KNOW: The ECHL Stats post today is about the league 20 years ago. What isn't included is the playoff  MVP for the Kelly Cup champions, Atlantic City Boardwalk Bullies. The playoff MVP was former Allen assistant coach Kevin Colley who was part of the 2015-16 Americans Kelly Cup championship. In the 2003 playoffs Colley had 20 points (13G, 7A) in 17 games. 

ECHL History: In 2002-03 the ECHL was celebrating its 15th anniversary. Here are some highlights:

 

- Macon transferred to Lexington and renamed Lexington Men O’ War. Mobile and New Orleans granted voluntary suspension, making ECHL a 27-team league.

 

- Teams played a 72-game schedule.

 

- Brian McKenna named President/CEO. He would serve in that role for 16 years, until 2017-18.

 

- Former Johnstown center Brett McLean becomes 200th player to play in the National Hockey League after playing in the ECHL when he made his debut with the Chicago Blackhawks on Dec. 10.

 

- League name changed from East Coast Hockey League to ECHL on May 19.

 

- Former Cincinnati goaltender Corey Schwab becomes sixth former ECHL player to have name engraved on Stanley Cup as member of New Jersey Devils.

 

- Atlantic City Boardwalk Bullies won the Kelly Cup.

  

Allen Wins, Now Best Division Team Over Last 10 Games, Game Recap, Video Highlights, Teams with Most Points from Defensemen

 

  The Allen Americans beat the Kansas City Mavericks 3-2 last night before a Wednesday night crowd of 2606 at the CUTX Event Center. The Americans got off to a quick start scoring the first goal of the game just 81 seconds after puck drop. Hank Crone put in a rebound after Colton Hargrove skated through three Mavericks right to the mouth of the goal. Crone has been a first goal specialist this season. He has 30% of the goals when Allen scores the first goal of the game.

- Allen book ended its first period scoring after Kansas City tied the score 1-1. The Americans scored their second goal with 66 seconds remaining in the period. Colton Hargrove scored, assisted by Colby McAuley. Hargrove has averaged a goal per game since the end of December (11 games, 11 goals). 

 

- There was no scoring in the second period due in a large part to goalie Chase Perry who stopped all 14 Kansas City shots. The Americans were outshot 14-7. Allen got an insurance goal at the 13:44 mark of the third period when Chad Butcher and Liam Finlay combined on a 2-on-1 break. Butcher made a great play and pass, Finlay tapped it in the net. 

 

- Allen would need that insurance goal. After a long delay to replace a broken glass with 3:57 remaining in the game, the momentum was all with the Mavericks. A bad turnover in the defensive zone led to a Kansas City goal with 2:37 remaining. Allen held on to claim the victory. The Americans could have had an empty net goal as time expired. Liam Finlay had time to score but opted to return the favor for the Butcher pass on his goal. Instead of scoring Finlay slid a pass to Butcher who put it in the net just after time ran out. 

 

- Hank Crone score his 20th goal and 48th point of the season and leads all ECHL rookies in scoring. He extended his points streak to 10 games the third longest current point streak in the league. Colton Hargrove scored his 15th goal of the season and extended his scoring streak to 12 games (18 points) which is the longest current point streak in the league. Finlay scored the game winner, his 14th goal of the season. Finlay has six points (3G, 3A) in the last four games. Here are the video highlights that are not complete but include the three Allen goals: https://www.echl.com/en/video/2023/1/kansas-city-mavericks-vs-allen-americans---jan-25-2023-okgovxl8

   

- Here is the game recap from the Allen Americans: https://allenamericans.com/media/americans-beat-the-mavericks-3-2-win-the-season-series-4-1/

 

- Chase Perry and the Allen penalty killers played a big part in the win against Kansas City. Allen was outshot 45-29 put Perry came up big time and time again. Stopping 43 of 45 shots, Perry's save percentage was .956. Allen did not allow a power play goal. The Mavericks were 0-6 on the power play which included two 5-on-3 opportunities, one of them was six seconds shy of a full two minutes. 

 

- The Americans will now prepare for a grueling three games in three days (actually in less than 48 hours) series against Tulsa and that includes traveling to Tulsa for the game on Sunday. Will have a complete preview tomorrow but these team have always played each other close. Allen is 2-3-0-0 against Tulsa this season and over the last five years the Americans record against Tulsa is 25-24-4-0. Allen needs to win two of the three games this weekend to call this week a success. 

 

OTHER COMMENTS

 - With the win last night Allen now has the best record in the Mountain Division over the last 10 games. Here are the points earned and record for each team in the last 10 games:

• 14 points: Allen (7-3-0-0)
• 13 points: Utah (6-3-1-0)
• 12 points: Idaho (6-4-0-0)
• 11 points: Wichita (5-4-1-0)
• 11 points: Rapid City (5-4-1-0)
• 10 points: Kansas City (4-4-2-0)
• 9 points: Tulsa (4-5-1-0)

 

- After the game last night Allen's average attendance is 3578 which is 358 more per game than last season. The ECHL average attendance is 4389 which is 454 per game more than last season.

 

- Hank Crone's recent scoring streak (10 games) has him climbing the ECHL leader board. Here are a few examples:

• 1st - Rookie points (48)
• 2nd - Rookie goals (20)
• 2nd - Rookie assists (28)
• 3rd - ECHL points (48)
• 3rd - ECHL goals (20)
• 4th - ECHL first goals (5)
  
• 8th - ECHL assists (28)  

 

- One of the biggest Allen turnarounds from last season is shorthanded goals. This season Allen has scored four shorthanded goals and allowed three for a +1. Last season Allen scored seven shorthand goals and allowed a league high of 20 for a -13. 

 

- If there is an Allen player that should shoot more it would be Liam Finlay who leads the team in shooting percentage. Finlay scores on 24.1% of his shots. 

 

 

DID YOU KNOW: The ECHL Stats post today is about most team points from defensemen. FYI, Allen defensemen have totaled 60 points this season. 

 

Offensive contributions from defensemen are a key to success. Here are the ECHL teams with the most points from defensemen this season. The list includes the top team in all four divisions and only one team on the list (Orlando) is not currently in a playoff position. The team’s points percentage is in parenthesis:

 

131 points - Idaho (.803)

110 points - Jacksonville (.635)

96 points - Florida (.697)

96 points - Orlando (.513)

96 points - Toledo (.577)

95 points - Wheeling (.526)

94 points - Newfoundland (.731)

93 points - Indy (.705)

 

Two defensemen have 30+ points:

35 points: Owen Headrick, Idaho

33 points: Patrick Kudla, Idaho

 

Allen vs Kansas City Preview, Tonight's Lineup, Mountain Division Strength of Schedule and More

 

It is game day for Allen and the start of another critical week for the Americans. When you are in last place in the division with 50% of the season in the books and have hopes of making the playoffs, every week will be critical. 

- Allen has a great opportunity to move up the standings with four games this week, starting with a home game tonight against Kansas City. The week concludes with three games in three days against Tulsa. Friday and Saturday they will play in Allen and then close out the series in Tulsa on Sunday (4:05 pm CST start). If Allen is to make progress in its goal to make the playoffs, it has to do better than a split this week. Anything less than six of the eight points available will be another week of opportunity wasted.

- The Allen roster will get a boost for the game tonight. Defenseman Dalton Gally, who has missed the last two games, will be back in the lineup. Gavin Gould, who the Americans recently acquired in a trade, will also be in the lineup. It was one year ago (January 22, 2022) that Gavin played his last game in Allen before having season ending surgery. He scored the first goal in that game so hope he can duplicate that tonight.

 

- With four games in five days this week you can expect both goalies will get two games. Coach Costello's plan is to continue alternating the goalies. Alternating means Chase Perry will get the start tonight and Luke Peressini will start on Friday. Alternating can always change depending on how the goalies play. Most coaches will give a goalie the chance to start the next game if they have a shutout. 

 

- Based on my observation at practice yesterday and a discussion with coach Costello afterwards this is the expected lineup tonight if nothing changed after the pregame skate this morning.

• Crone-Hargrove-McAuley
• Combs-Butcher-Finlay
• Gould-Hebert-Bethune
• Myllari-Saucerman
• Bernard-Massicotte
  
• Gally-Gagnon 
• Perry
• Peressini (backup)
  

 

- The game tonight will be the fourth of the season between Allen and Kansas City. After tonight they will play just one more time. They will play for the last time in Allen on April 12.

 

- Here is an update from the game preview notes from last Sunday. In the four previous meetings between these teams, all this month, the visiting team has won:

January 3 in Kansas City - It took a Hank Crone overtime goal to give Allen a 3-2 win. It was the game that Colton Hargrove took charge and has been on a tear ever since. Hargrove had 11 of the Americans 27 shots and had both of Allen's goals in regulation. 

January 6 in Kansas City - Allen scored the only goal in the first period (Jack Combs) and second period (Ryan Gagnon) to lead the Americans to a 2-1 win. The star of the game was Luke Peressini. Allen was out shot 37-27 with Peressini making numerous great saves. His save percentage in that game was .973.

January 8 in Allen - This was the game where Allen had to play three games in three states in three days. They played in Tulsa on Saturday night and had to travel back to Allen to play Kansas City Sunday afternoon at 2:05. Meanwhile Kansas City did not play on Saturday and was in Allen resting while waiting for the Sunday game. Allen got blown out 8-1 in the game while giving up 48 shots. 

January 22 in Kansas City -  This was the game Allen was the more rested team having not played on Saturday while Kansas City had to travel to Wichita. The rested Americans jumped on the Mavericks in the first period with wave after wave of great scoring opportunities. Allen scored three times but it could have easily been five or six. Allen had a 4-0 lead late in the second period when any thought of a blowout disappeared when Kansas City scored three times in less than two minutes. A safe 4-0 lead turned into a 4-3 nailbiter in 108 seconds. Allen righted itself in the third period and came away with a 5-4 win. 

- If you look at season totals Kansas City has a slight edge in average goals scored (3.3 vs 2.9) and average goals allowed (3.4 vs 3.7). Allen has a slight edge in power play percentage (20.3% vs 18.6%) and penalty kill percentage (81.5% vs 80.3%).  In the four head to head games Allen was 3-14 (21.4%) on the power play and Kansas City was 3-16 (18.8%). 

- Another way to look at special teams is home vs road records. On the power play Allen is 21.2% at home vs Kansas City at 8.5% on the road. The Mavericks have had 59 power play opportunities on the road and scored only five goals. On the penalty kill Allen is 82.7% at home, Kansas City is 80.8% on the road.

- Scoring first is typically a good indicator of which team will win the game but not so much with the Americans and Mavericks. If you look at season long data both teams are under the league wide average for winning when scoring first. Allen has scored first in 17 of its 36 games and has a record of 11-5-1-0 (.676). Kansas City has scored first in 18 of its 35 games with a record 8-6-4-0 (.556). In the four head to head games between the Americans and Mavericks the team that scored first won three times.

- One of the four games between Allen and Kansas City went to overtime which Allen won. Season totals give Allen a big advantage if the game tonight goes extra time. Allen is 2-1 in overtimes and 1-0 in shootouts. Kansas City is 2-5 in overtimes and has not been in a shootout this season. 

 

- Colton Hargrove and Hank Crone will be looking to extended long points streaks tonight. Hargrove has the longest current point streak in the ECHL at 11 games (16 points). Crone is not far behind with a nine game point streak (14 points).  

 

OTHER COMMENTS

- The final two Mountain Division playoff spots will likely be contested between five teams who have points  percentages between .529 (Kansas City) and .431 (Allen and Tulsa). Rapid City (.526) and Utah (.446) are in between. I took a look at the remaining schedule for the five teams competing for the final two playoff spots. Here are a few of my observations:

• Tulsa has just 14 home games remaining, Utah and Allen have 22.
• Kansas City has the worst road record in the division (.267) and has 21 road games remaining.
• Tulsa's first six games in February are against Idaho.
• Utah has 10 of its last 12 games of the season at home, all three game series. In order they play Cincinnati, Wichita, and Idaho before finishing up against Tulsa.
• Nine of Allen's remaining games (25%) are against Utah, six of the nine in Utah.
• Allen has nine of its remaining games outside the division all at home. Allen will play three game series against Fort Wayne and Florida in back to back weeks in February and against Savannah in April.
• Ten of Rapid City's remaining games (31%) are against the top two teams in the division, seven against Wichita and the final three games of the season against Idaho.
• Rapid City has six games outside the division, three games against Toledo (home) and Fort Wayne (road). 

- Here is another way to look at strength of remaining schedule. A breakdown for the five teams vying for the final two playoff spots of how many of their remaining games will be against teams with a points percentage currently above .600.

• 43% (16 of 37) - Kansas City
• 33% (12 of 36) - Tulsa
  
• 22% (8 of 36) - Allen
• 20% (7 of 35) - Utah
  
• 9% (3 of 33) - Rapid City

 

- It you are scoreboard watching tonight or surfing the FloHockey games there will be plenty to follow. There are only seven games on the schedule but three of them are in the Mountain Division. In addition Kansas City at Allen, Wichita is at Idaho and Rapid City visits Utah. Here is the ECHL Today with the previews: https://www.echl.com/en/news/2023/1/echl-today-jan-25 

 

DID YOU KNOW: An exclusive club of four. Just four current ECHL players have 100+ goals and 125+ assists since 2017-18:

 

133G, 127A: Spencer Watson, Indy

115G, 127A: Andrew Cherniwchan, South Carolina

111G, 131A: Blake Winiecki, Florida

102G, 158A: Zach O’Brien, Newfoundland 

 

 

Here are the top three current players in goals and assists (not combined) since 2017-18:

 

GOALS

133 - Spencer Watson, Indy

120 - Justin Vaive, Cincinnati

116 - Justin Taylor, Kalamazoo 

 

ASSISTS

193 - Michael Pelech, Atlanta

177 - Shawn Szydlowski, Orlando

170 - A.J. White, Idaho

 

The Week Ahead, Allen Assessment at Halfway Point, Projected Allen Scoring Leaders, ECHL Team Shutouts and More

 

The Allen Americans roster will be shorthanded again this week as the team gets ready for one of those grueling four games in five days. The good news is three of the four games are at home starting with the Kansas City Mavericks on Wednesday. After Wednesday the Americans should have a full lineup.

 

- Allen played with 14 skaters in the win over the Mavericks in Kansas City on Sunday. Here is who is in and out for this week:

• Gavin Gould will arrive today and is expected to play on Wednesday.
• Dalton Gally has been listed as day to day and is expected to play on Wednesday.
• Justin Young was injured in the game in Wichita on Friday. He will not be available this week and I would expect he is headed to injured reserve. 
• Zach Pochiro will not play on Wednesday as he will be serving the second game of his two game suspension. He will return for the three weekend games against Tulsa.
• Mikael Robidoux will be serving the last of his seven game suspension on Wednesday. He will return for the three weekend games against Tulsa.

It is possible coach Costello could have enough players by the weekend to have a healthy scratch. That is if there are no suspensions or injuries on Wednesday and Belleville doesn't recall either of its defensemen. Big ifs but certainly possible. 

 

- The Allen Americans have completed exactly 50% of the season and will have to play much better in the second half to have any hope of making the playoffs. Here are some of the stats at the halfway point. The league rank in parenthesis.

• 31 - points (22nd)
• .431 - points percentage (22nd)
• .393 - home points percentage (26th)
• .455 - road points percentage (18th)
  
• 20 - losses (3rd)
• 106 - goals scored (21st)
• 133 goals allowed (21st) 

 

- There have been plenty of obstacles the first and foremost being the trouble finding an affiliate. Allen was last or close to last in finding an affiliate. The Americans have received the fewest contract players of any team in the league, partly because of so many injuries in Belleville and Ottawa. 

 

- Allen has lost players for a combined total over 130 games because of injuries and another 40 games because of suspensions. That is the equivalent of losing five players for the entire first half of the season.   

 

- There is certainly reason for optimism for the second half of the season. Allen's points percentage in the month of January is .667 (6-3-0-0). In the nine January games Allen has allowed three or fewer goals in seven. The roster has gotten stronger with the addition of Chad Butcher, Colby MacAuley, Gavin Gould, Dalton Gally, Aidan Brown, Xavier Bernard, Grant Hebert and Chase Perry. If Allen could have fewer injuries in the last half of the season, get some help from Belleville and play disciplined hockey it could be a much better outcome in the final 36 games. 

OTHER COMMENTS

- Ten ECHL players have 40+ points this season. Two teams have two players on the list, Allen and Wichita. For Allen Hank Crone is #4 (47 points) and Jack Combs is #6 (44 points). For Wichita Brayden Watts is #2 (52 points) and Michal Stinil is #3 (48 points). 

- Since the Allen Americans joined the ECHL in 2014-15 the leading scorer each season has exceeded 70 points four times. All four times were by Chad Costello. Based on their current points per game average and if they play in all remaining games, three players could exceed 70 points this season. Here are the projected points based on current pace:

• 94 points - Hank Crone
• 88 points - Jack Combs
• 71 points - Liam Finlay

DID YOU KNOW: The ECHL Stats post today is about team shutouts. Allen is one of eight teams that does not have a shutout this season. The last Allen shutout was over a year ago. In January 16, 2022 the Americans were in Tulsa and shutout the Oilers 8-0. Hayden Lavigne stopped 27 Tulsa shots on the way to the most lopsided shutout win in Allen history. Allen's all time record for most shutouts in a single season is held by Riley Gill. In 2016-17 Riley had seven shutouts in the regular season and two more in the playoffs. 

There have been 38 shutouts in the ECHL this season. Eight teams have none, eight teams have one, nine teams have two and just three teams have more than two shutouts.

 

3 - Atlanta

3 - Utah

6 - Idaho

 

Goalie Jake Kupsky (Idaho) leads the ECHL in shutouts with three. Kupsky has more shutouts by himself than 25 ECHL teams. He has been on a PTO (professional tryout) in the AHL (Abbotsford) since early December. Kupsky only played seven games in Idaho before heading to the AHL. His ECHL totals, seven games played, three shutouts, 6-1 record, GAA 1.15 and save percentage .955.

 

 

Allen Hangs on for Big Road Win, Game Recap, Video Highlights, Costello Comments, Gaining Ground in the Division, ECHL Most Prolific Scorers and More

 

The Allen Americans earned a road trip split with a 5-4 victory in Kansas City before a Sunday afternoon crowd of 3240 at Cable Dahmer Arena. Except for two minutes late in the second period the Americans were in control and met all the three keys to the game. Allen scored first, outshot the Mavericks and won the special teams battle.

 

- Allen was the more rested team having not played on Saturday while Kansas City had to travel to Wichita where it lost 7-1. One the other hand Allen was playing shorthanded with just 14 skaters. The rested Americans jumped on the Mavericks in the first period with wave after wave of great scoring opportunities. Allen scored three times (Grant Hebert, Liam Finlay, Chad Butcher) but it could have easily been five or six. With a 3-0 lead at the first intermission it looked like it would be an easy win for Allen. 

- Allen added a fourth goal (Jared Bethune) early in the second period and it started to look like the Americans would do to the Mavericks what they did in Allen on January 8. That was the game Kansas City didn't play on a Saturday and was waiting in Allen while the Americans had to play in Tulsa. The well rested Mavericks spanked the Americans 8-1.

- Any thought of a blowout disappeared late in the second period when Kansas City scored three times in less than two minutes. A safe 4-0 lead turned into a nailbiter in 108 seconds. Allen took the 4-3 lead into the second intermission.

 

- The Americans regrouped and took a 5-3 lead early in the third period when Hank Crone took a great pass from Colton Hargove and buried the puck. The Mavericks fought back again with a power play goal at 12:34 to cut the score to 5-4. Allen did a great job at the end of the game and the Mavericks had trouble getting their goalie to the bench for an extra skater. Allen outshot Kansas City 4-1 in the last five minutes of the game. 

- Goal scorers for Allen were Grant Hebert (1), Liam Finlay (13), Chad Butcher (3), Jared Bethune (3) and Hank Crone (19). Allen was 2-5 on the power play (Hebert, Bethune). Liam Finlay, Jack Combs and Colby MacAuley had two assists. Every forward in the lineup contributed at least one point. Here are the video highlights with all nine goals: https://www.echl.com/en/video/2023/1/allen-americans-vs-kansas-city-mavericks---jan-22-2023-6GfbEn3N

 

- Here is the game recap from the Allen Americans: https://allenamericans.com/media/americans-hold-on-for-5-4-victory-in-kansas-city/

 

CHAD COSTELLO COACH'S COMMENTS

"We came out great to the start the game. We had a lot of energy and a lot of opportunities that gave us a 3-0 lead."

"We had about a five minute lull late in the second period that let them back in the game. A missed call led directly to a goal and a few bad bounces we didn't react to well. You never want to see a bad stretch like that but we reacted well."

"I was pleased the way the guys bounced back in the third period."

"When the lineup is shorthanded like tonight due to suspensions and injuries it takes everyone to win a road game. That is what we got tonight.."

OTHER COMMENTS

- The depth scoring in the game last night was a big factor. Hebert scored his first pro goal, Bethune and Butcher their third of the season. If that continues Allen will be tough to beat. The top scorers continue to lead the way. 

• Hank Crone - Crone had the game winning goal and extended his point streak to nine games (5G, 9A). He has points in 12 of his last 13 games (7G, 12A). Hank is now tied for the ECHL rookie scoring lead with 47 points.
• Colton Hargrove - Hargrove had two great assists last night to extend his point scoring streak to 11 games. It is the longest current point streak in the ECHL. In the 11 games, Hargrove has 16 points (10G, 6A). Colton has points in 15 of his last 16 games with a total of 22 points (11G, 11A). 
• Jack Combs - Combs leads the Americans with 20 goals. Only four ECHL players have 20+ goals. Jack has points in 10 of the last 13 games with a total of 18 points (7G, 11A).
• Liam Finlay - Finlay recently missed three weeks with an injury. If you look at average points per game he is #3 on the team (1.16). In 25 games he has 29 points (13G, 16A). In the last three games he has shown he is back to his old self after the injury with five points (2G, 3A).

- Allen will have another busy week this week and a chance to gain ground in the standings. The Americans have four games with the first three being at home. 

• Wednesday, Kansas City at home
• Friday, Tulsa at home
• Saturday. Tulsa at home
• Sunday, Tulsa in Tulsa
  

 

 - Allen got a split this week but it is so hard to gain any ground in the standings as Mountain Division teams play each other and take turns winning. Allen has been playing good hockey recently, but if you look at points earned in the last 10 games for each team in the division you can see why it is tough to gain any ground. Points earned last 10 games:

• 13 points - Wichita
• 13 points - Rapid City
  
• 12 points - Allen
• 12 points - Idaho
• 12 points - Kansas City
• 11 points - Utah
• 9 points -Tulsa   

As of this morning Allen is six points out the final playoff spot, 10 points out of third place, 18 points out of second place and 28 points out of first place. This week Allen lost a point to second and third place and broke even with the teams in first and fourth place. Shows you why going 6-4-0-0 over the next 10 games (Allen's record the last 10 games) will unlikely be good enough to gain ground toward the playoffs.

 

 

 

- Idaho has lost three of its last five games and has fallen under .800 in points percentage. The Steelheads still lead the ECHL in points percentage but have come down to earth recently. There are four ECHL teams with a points percentage above .700.

 

• .797 - Idaho
• .724 - Newfoundland
• .714 - South Carolina
• .705 - Indy

 

 

-  I have had the question about Kevin Mandolese playing all the games in Belleville recently. He has had to carry the load the last week because Belleville's other two goalies (Antoine Bibeau & Mads Sogaard) are injured. Belleville lost its three games at home this week to Toronto (twice) and Hershey. It was a tough ask for Mandolese since Toronto leads the AHL North Division and Hershey leads the Atlantic Division. On Wednesday it was a 6-5 shootout loss to Toronto. Mandolese faced 41 shots with a 4.62 GAA and .875 save percentage. Friday night was another loss to Toronto, 4-3. Mandolese faced 31 shots with a 4.09 GAA and .871 save percentage. On Saturday Belleville lost 4-2 to Hershey. Mandolese faced 34 shots with a GAA of 3.05 and save percentage of .905. Belleville plays Wednesday, Friday and Saturday again this week but all games are on the road. Both injured goalies are listed as day to day so it is uncertain if Kevin will get any help this week.

 

 

DID YOU KNOW: The ECHL Stats post today is about the best average points per game in the ECHL. Hank Crone is on the list at 1.31 but not far behind are Jack Combs (1.22) and Liam Finlay (1.16).

ECHL’s most prolific scorers this season based on average points per game (minimum 20 games) is dominated by two teams:

 

1.75: Zach O’Brien, Newfoundland

1.46: Pavel Gogolev, Newfoundland

1.45: Michal Stinil, Wichita

1.40: Orrin Centazzo, Newfoundland

1.37: Brayden Watts, Wichita

1.31: *Hank Crone, Allen

 

*Rookie

Allen vs Kansas City Game Preview, Penalty Minutes Stats, Top Four Goalies in Save Percentage are Rookies and More

 

The Allen Americans had a day of rest in Kansas City yesterday while the Mavericks traveled to Wichita and lost to the Thunder 7-1. Will that work to Allen's advantage in the game against Kansas City this afternoon (4:05 pm CST)? 

 

- Allen will be playing shorthanded this afternoon for sure. The question is how short? Best case the Americans will be short two players. Allen only had 16 skaters on the trip so played one short in Wichita on Friday. Zach Pochiro was suspended two games for an illegal check to the head in the game on Friday so that will reduce the number of skaters to 15. The unknown is will any of the several players that were injured in Wichita have to sit out today. My guess in one or two players will not be available so the Americans will have to play the game this afternoon with 13 or 14 skaters.  

- The game today will be the fourth of the season between Allen and Kansas City. After today they will play only two more times this season both in Allen. They will play again on Wednesday and the final time on April 12.

- In the three previous meetings between these teams, all this month, the visiting team won:

January 3 in Kansas City - It took a Hank Crone overtime goal to give Allen a 3-2 win. It was the game that Colton Hargrove took charge and has been on a tear ever since. Hargrove had 11 of the Americans 27 shots and had both of Allen's goals in regulation. 

January 6 in Kansas City - Allen scored the only goal in the first period (Jack Combs) and second period (Ryan Gagnon) to lead the Americans to a 2-1 win. The star of the game was Luke Peressini. Allen was out shot 37-27 with Peressini making numerous great saves. His save percentage in that game was .973.

January 8 in Allen - This was the game where Allen had to played three games in three state in three days. They played in Tulsa on Saturday night and had to travel back to Allen to play Kansas City Sunday afternoon at 2:05. Meanwhile Kansas City did not play on Saturday and was in Allen resting while waiting for the Sunday game. Allen got blown out 8-1 in the game while giving up 48 shots. 

- If you look at season totals Kansas City has a slight edge in average goals scored (3.3 vs 2.9) and average goals allowed (3.4 vs 3.7). Allen has a slight edge in power play percentage (19.6% vs 18.8%) and penalty kill percentage (81,3% vs 81.1%).  In the three head to head games Allen was 1-9 (11.1%) on the power play and Kansas City was 2-9 (22.2%).

 

- Special teams is always one of the keys to the game but it will be even more important in the game this afternoon. With Allen playing shorthanded staying out of the penalty box will be critical.  

- Scoring first is typically a good indicator of which team will win the game but not so much with the Americans and Mavericks. In the three head to head games the team that scored first lost twice. If you look at season long data both teams are under the league wide average for winning when scoring first. Allen has scored first in 16 of its 35 games and has a record of 10-5-1-0. Kansas City has scored first in 18 of its 34 games with a record 8-6-4-0. 

- One of the three games between Allen and Kansas City went to overtime which Allen won. Season totals give Allen a big advantage if the game tonight goes extra time. Allen is 2-1 in overtimes and 1-0 in shootouts. Kansas city is 2-5 in overtimes and has not been in a shootout this season. 

- If you look at recent performances both teams have played well though both lost their last game and Kansas City has lost two straight. Allen is 6-4-0-0 in the last 10 games, has won three of the last four games, five of the last eight and seven of the last 12 games. Kansas City is 5-3-2-0 in the last 10 games,  has won three of the last five, five of the last nine and seven of the last 12 games. 

 

- Allen has four players averaging a point per game. Hank Crone (1.31), Jack Combs 1.20), Liam Finlay (1.08) and Colton Hargrove (1.00). In the three games against Kansas City, Crone has five points, Hargrove four points and Combs four points. The Kansas City player that has done the most damage against Allen is #19, Hugo Roy who has seven points (3G, 4A) in three games.

OTHER COMMENTS

- With a single loss on Friday and being idle last night the Americans find themselves back in last place (both points and points percentage ) in the Mountain Division. The only other division game today has Utah at Tulsa finishing up a three games series. The teams split the first two games.

 

- Allen is #2 in the ECHL in average penalty minutes per game. Here is a stat I haven't computed before. Allen is one of 28 ECHL teams which is 3.6% of the teams. Here is the Allen percentage of total ECHL penalty minutes and each category of penalties. It is no surprise Allen gets more than its fair share in every category. 

• 4.4% - Penalty minutes
• 4.2% - Minor penalties
• 3.9% - Major penalties
• 5.8% - 10 minute misconduct penalties
• 4.9% - Game misconducts
• 14.3% - Match penalties
  

- It is a heavy schedule for a Sunday with 11 ECHL games on tap. Here is the ECHL Today with the previews:  https://www.echl.com/en/news/2023/1/echl-today-jan-22

 

 

DID YOU KNOW: The top four ECHL goalies in save percentage are rookies (minimum 720 minutes):

 

.936 - Strauss Mann, Wichita

.936 - Remi Poirier, Idaho

.931 - Clay Stevenson, South Carolina

.928 - Hunter Vorva, Kalamazoo