Practice and Roster Update, 3ICE Tickets, Top Ten Underrated ECHL Players, NHL/AHL Contracted Players and More

 

The Allen Americans are back at practice getting ready for the weekend. After a long time off it will be a brutal return to action for the Americans. Allen plays at home Friday night against Tulsa and gets on the bus after the game and travels to Wichita. The Americans play Wichita Saturday night and then will travel back to Allen after the game. The weekend ends with an early start (2:10 pm) game against Wichita on Sunday. It will be a key weekend for Allen against two teams that have been playing well. Wichita has won five straight games, second longest win streak in the ECHL right now. Tulsa just earned three points in a series against Idaho (1-1-1-0). 

 

- It seems like forever ago but as a reminder Allen's last six games were against Tulsa (5 games) and Wichita (1 game). The Americans beat Wichita and were 3-2 against Tulsa. Allen is seven points behind Tulsa and two points ahead of Wichita in the standings, but the Americans have two games in hand on both teams.

 

- There was some good news at practice yesterday. Bennett MacArthur is back with the team after spending some time in the AHL (Syracuse). Liam Finlay has been practicing with the team during the optional skates last week and was a full participant (no restrictions) the last two days. He looks ready to go and could be in the lineup this weekend. Liam hasn't played since October 29. His career points per game average of 1.26 and goals per game average .60 in 58 games played for the Americans will be welcome back in the lineup.

 

- In other roster news Ty Fournier is practicing and it looks like he is also close to returning to the lineup, maybe as early as nest week. Hank Crone is still recovering from his injury and has not started skating. There has been no news about the possibility of players being assigned by Belleville this week, but those things can change each day. What is clear is as players return or get assigned the Americans will have too many players. Teams are limited to 22 players, 20 on the active roster and two on reserve. Players on injured reserve don't count. By my calculation with the addition of MacArthur the Americans now have the maximum 22 players on the roster. That means if Finlay comes off IR, a player will have to be released unless another player goes on IR. It is easy to see coach Costello could have to release several players in the coming days as players return from IR and/or players get assigned from Belleville.   

 

- Allen season ticket holders (STMs) will have a chance to buy tickets at a discount for the 3ICE tournament being held at the CUTX Event Center on June 19. All STMs should get an email today (scheduled at 10:30 am) with the details and a link to buy tickets. If you are a season ticket holder and haven't received an email from the Allen Americans you should followup ASAP. Here is what I have been told:

• STMs will get a $10 discount on all ticket prices.
• Discount pricing is only available today and tomorrow.
  
• Tickets go on sale to the general public on Friday.
• Ticket prices vary from $20-$40.
• There are a lot of special prices for seniors (60+), children (2-12), youth sports players (5-18) and military. 

If you haven't had a chance to watch 3ICE it is a fast paced 3-on-3 game that is very entertaining. You will likely see some current and former Allen Americans and ECHL stars, though that won't be decided until the league conducts its draft which takes place in the middle of April. A reminder this will be the third season for 3ICE and the league MVP in year one was Chad Costello and in year two was Hank Crone.  

 

- Here is an article written by Justin Cohn for FloSports where he ranks his top 10 most underrated players in the ECHL.  Former Allen player Jackson Leppard makes his list. Easton Brodzinski doesn't make the list but is named as an honorable mention. Cohn mentions Brodzinski is an opportunistic goal scorer who has 19 goals on 95 shots. What he doesn't mention is Easton has scored his 19 goals in his last 30 games for a goals per game average of .63. That is among the highest goals per game average in the league. Brodzinski would be high on my top 10 list. Here is Cohn's list which will give you information on a bunch of ECHL players doing very well, but do not get a lot of publicity. A good read for sure: https://www.flohockey.tv/articles/12208829-walleyes-keenan-k-wings-vorva-among-10-most-underrated-echl-players?nav_id=75

 

 

- Games and promotions that honor our military are always popular as are the military specialty jerseys. On March 9, against Kansas City, it will be Top Gun Night. The first 2500 fans will get an Allen Americans dog tag:

 

  

 DID YOU  KNOW: Here is the latest info on NHL/AHL contracted players assigned to ECHL teams. Allen's number is four (Fizer, MacArthur, Murray, Sinclair) plus Hank Crone on injured reserve.

 

NHL/AHL contracted players on each ECHL team. Includes active and reserve roster, excludes players on injured reserve.

 

9: FW, TUL

8: *IND, *KC, TR, NFL

7: ATL, SC, MNE

6: FLA, *NOR, WHL, WOR, REA

5: *ADK, IA, ORL, SAV, *TOL, UTA

4: ALN, KAL, WIC

3: *JAX, *GVL

2: CIN, RC

1: *IDH

 

*Top two teams in each division.

 

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Allen Hiatus Update, Mountain Division Update Including NHL/AHL Affiliates Playoff Position, Historical Regular Season Rank and More

 

The Allen Americans are over halfway through their 12 day hiatus and not much new to report, but wanted to give you a brief update and cover a few other topics:

 

- I mentioned last week about coach Costello giving the team the opportunity to earn days off during the 12 day hiatus. It was based on wins and the team ended up earning six days off. The team had ice time and players were able to skate last week if they so desired and were in town, even though they were "off days." I stopped by the rink twice last week and to my surprise it looked like a regular practice day with almost everyone participating. They were working but also having fun. One day they drafted two teams for a 3-on-3 cross ice tournament that was fun to watch. It was very impressive seeing all the players showing up for optional practices during their days off.

 

- This week it will be back to regular practices as the team gets ready to play one of those grueling three games in three days with travel. The question is will the team be energized after having time off to heal the bumps and bruises or will they be rusty after so much down time? Here is the schedule for the week ahead. Another gem from the ECHL schedule after 12 days off:

• Friday, Tulsa at home
• Saturday, at Wichita
• Sunday, Wichita at home (2:10 pm start time)  

 

 - Forward Bennett MacArthur was recalled by Tampa Bay to Syracuse last week which makes sense given all of the downtime in Allen. Syracuse has a game tonight and another one on Wednesday. This move gives MacArthur a chance to practice with the AHL club and maybe get in a game. I haven't been told this but if you look at the Syracuse roster there are 16 forwards listed, so assume MacArthur might be sent back to Allen by the weekend.

 

- There has been plenty of talk about Belleville sending players to Allen given the Senators have had several players return from injury. It made no sense to send players to Allen during this long hiatus, but you could see players assigned to the Americans this week. 

 

- If Allen does get players assigned this week, combined with any injured players returning, coach Costello will have to reduce the roster through trades or releasing players. Allen can carry a maximum of 20 players on the active roster (must stay under the salary cap) and can have two on reserve. Players on IR are unlimited and don't count toward the salary cap. Right now Allen has 21 players on the active plus reserve list and five on injured reserve. That means just one player can be added from the IR or assigned by the NHL/AHL before players will have to be traded or released. It could be a very busy week roster wise for Costello if Allen gets players assigned and players return from IR. 

 

- If you haven't been paying attention to the Mountain Division standings during the Allen down time there has been some interesting dynamics.  

• Wichita appeared to be out of the playoff picture but has reeled off five straight wins including road wins in Kansas City and Indy (2). The Thunder are now just two points behind idle Allen. 
• Rapid City is headed in the other direction. From recently being in a playoff spot the Rush have lost eight straight including five straight at home and are now in last place in the division with a .392 points percentage. It has been a tough schedule for Rapid City. The last seven losses have been to Kansas City, Idaho and Greenville who are ranked #1, #3 and #4 in the league. Rapid City plays at Greenville again this afternoon.
• Tulsa took three of four points from Idaho this weekend and play the Steelheads again this afternoon. The Oilers now have a five point lead over the Americans.  
• Utah has done well playing top teams recently. The Grizzlies split with Idaho, took two of three from Wheeling and split two games in Kansas City. They play the Mavericks again this afternoon. Next week Utah plays three games in Idaho.

 

- The conventional wisdom was the top teams would help Allen out during the 12 day hiatus but thus far that has not been the case. Here are the Mountain Division standings by points and points percentage with games remaining in parenthesis:

• 77 points - .770, Kansas City (22 games)
• 71 points - .696, Idaho (21 games)
• 54 points - .529, Tulsa (21 games)
• 49 points - .480, Utah (21 games)
• 47 points - .470, Allen (22 games)
• 45 points - .433, Wichita (20 games)
• 40 points - .392, Rapid City (21 games)

 

 

- With between 18-23 games remaining in the ECHL regular season the fate of teams is partially dependent on what happens with their affiliates. Will the number of players assigned to the ECHL go up or down? Will the number of NHL/AHL contracted players help or hurt down the stretch? Here are two main factors in answering that question.

1. Will the affiliates be buyers or sellers at the trade deadline? If the affiliates are net gainers at the trade deadline it could push players to the ECHL. If they are net losers, contract players in the ECHL could be recalled. Here are the trade deadlines by league. Who will be the buyers and sellers?

 

NHL: March 8

AHL: March 15

ECHL: March 21

 

2. The second factor that can make a big difference for ECHL teams is whether their NHL/AHL affiliates make the playoffs? If both are going to miss the playoffs the ECHL affiliate has hit the jackpot and can get plenty of help. If the NHL/AHL affiliates both make deep playoff runs little help can be expected. Some ECHL teams are built with little affiliate help expected while others rely on it for success. Stay tuned!

 

 

 

- Not sure if the first point above will impact Allen as it all depends if Ottawa/Belleville add players or lose players in the next couple of weeks. On the second point above, here is where the Mountain Division teams and their affiliates are in the standings. It will give you some idea how much help will be given to the ECHL teams. The middle team is the AHL affiliate and the bottom team is the NHL affiliate. Teams currently in playoff positions are marked with an asterisk. Tulsa looks to be best positioned to get help from its affiliates. Idaho and Utah have NHL and AHL affiliates that could make deep playoff runs. 

 

• Kansas City - 1st place*
• Coachella Valley - 1st place*
  
• Seattle - 6th place
  

• Idaho - 2nd place*
• Texas - 3rd place*
  
• Dallas - 1st place*
  

• Tulsa - 3rd place*
  
• San Diego - 9th place
  
• Anaheim - 7th place
  

• Utah - 4th place*
• Colorado -2nd place*
  
• Colorado - 3rd place*
  

• Allen - 5th place
• Belleville - 3rd place*
  
• Ottawa - 7th place
  

•  Wichita - 6th place
• San Jose - 10th place
  
• San Jose - 8th place
  

• Rapid City - 7th place
• Calgary - 4th place*
  
• Calgary - 5th place

 

DID YOU KNOW: Here is how Allen has ranked in the final ECHL regular season standings since joining the league in 2014-15. Playoff results are in parenthesis:

• 2023-24: 22nd (with 22 games remaining)
  
• 2022-23: 13th (lost in 2nd round)
  
• 2021-22: 10th (lost in 1st round)
  
• 2020-21: 1st (lost in 2nd round)
  
• 2019-20 - 3rd (no playoffs)
  
• 2018-19 - 27th (missed playoffs)
  
• 2017-18: 13th (lost in 1st round)
  
• 2016-17: 2nd (lost in 2nd round)
  
• 2015-16: 5th (won Kelly Cup)
• 2014-15: 2nd (won Kelly Cup)
  

Allen Loses 3-1, Game Recap, Video Highlights, Remaining Schedule Stats, 40 Goal Scorers and More

 

The Allen Americans had a chance to sweep the week and go into their 12 day break on a high note, but the Tulsa Oilers had other ideas and pulled out a 3-1 win. A big Saturday afternoon crowd (6004) on McDonald's Day watched the Americans offense sputter while the defense held Tulsa to just three goals. It was just the third time all season the Americans held an opponent to three or fewer goals and lost a game in regulation.

 

- Tulsa scored the first goal of the game at the 13:42 mark of the first period and that was a sign of the outcome of the game.  In the last six games between Allen and Tulsa the team that scored first won the game. However, Allen responded a little over two minutes later (16:13) when Gavin Gould took a pass from Eric Williams and put a backhander into the net. It was Gould's seventh goal of the season. The score was tied 1-1 at the end of the first period. Coach Costello would tell me after the game the first period was key to the outcome of the game. Allen dominated the period but failed to convert on many grade A chances.

 

- The eventual game winning goal came in the second period. Former Allen forward, Tyler Poulson, scored his career high 16th goal of the season to put Tulsa ahead to stay by a score of 2-1. Poulson has been tough on his old team this season. Six of his 16 goals (38%) have come against the Americans. Poulson's goal was the only one of the second period as Tulsa outshot Allen 16-9.

 

- Allen had the better play in the third period including a power play opportunity but could not get the equalizer. Allen out shot Tulsa 17-9 and came close several times but could not get the puck in the net. Tulsa scored with three minutes remaining in the game. Eddie Matsushima, who was a teammate of Chad Costello in 3ICE in 2022 when they won the championship, scored to seal the win for the Oilers. Matsushima has led Tulsa in points against Allen. In 10 games he has 15 points (6G, 15A). 

 

- There were plenty of positives to take away from the game for the Americans:

• Allen out shot Tulsa 40-34. It was only the second time the Americans reached 40 shots against Tulsa and the 34 shots allowed were the fewest against the Oilers.
• The penalty kill was perfect (0-3) after going 0-4 in Tulsa on Friday.
• Allen held Tulsa to three goals. The Americans win 87% of the points when allowing three of fewer goals.
   

- Here are the game recaps from both teams and the highlight video:

• Allen Americans game recap: https://allenamericans.com/news/2024/02/americans-split-weekend-series-with-tulsa
• Tulsa Oilers game recap: https://tulsaoilers.com/news/2024/02/oilers-are-victorious-over-americans-in-final-game-of-five-straight
• Video highlights: https://echl.com/videos/tulsa-oilers-vs-allen-americans-feb-17-2024

 

- Now the Americans will have 12 days before their next game which happens to be against Tulsa at home on March 1. Coach Costello made an offer to the team back when Allen was heading on the road to Kansas City and Idaho. He would give the team a day off during the upcoming long break for every game they win until the break. The team earned six games off. The fact is most of the players are staying in town or going somewhere for a couple of days. The team has ice for most days and you can bet a lot of the players will show up for these optional skates. The last four or five days before Allen plays Tulsa on March 1 the team will have regular practices. Having a long break at this point in the season is unheard of with the grueling ECHL schedule. Having some time off for all of the bumps and bruises to heal should be helpful down the stretch. 

 

- Allen has 22 games remaining in the regular season. It is looking more and more like Allen, Tulsa and Utah will battle to the end of the season for the final two playoff spots. Here is the remaining schedule for all three teams. All team's current points percentage is in parenthesis:

• Allen - 22 games remaining (.470)
  
• 13 home, 9 away
• 5 - Tulsa (.531)
  
• 5 - Kansas City (.781)
  
• 3 - Kalamazoo (.564)
  
• 3 - Rapid City (.408)
  
• 3 - Adirondack (.714)
  
• 3 - Wichita (.385)
    

• Tulsa - 24 games remaining (.531)
  
• 9 home, 15 away
• 8 - Wichita (.385)
• 6 - Idaho (.704)
• 5 - Allen (.470)
• 3 - Kansas City (.781)
• 2 - Indy (.612)
    

• Utah - 24 games remaining (.490)
  
• 13 home, 11 away
• 8 - Idaho (.704)
• 6 - Kansas City (.781)
• 6 - Rapid City (.408)
• 3 - Norfolk (.592)
• 1 - Wheeling (.604)

- It will be interesting to see what happens in Belleville and Ottawa during this long break for the Americans. Ottawa is in last place and will not make the playoffs. Belleville is currently in the last playoff position. Both teams have been getting injured players back. I doubt you will see any players assigned to Allen next week, but it is likely you could see that happen toward the end of the month.

 

 

  

DID YOU KNOW: The ECHL Stats post today is about 40 goals scorers and Allen is well represented. Here are Allen's top single season goals scorers in franchise history

• 49 - Hank Crone (2022-23)
• 44 - Gary Steffes (2014-15)
• 41 - Chad Costello (2014-15) 
• 39 - Colton Hargrove (2022-23)
• 36 - Jack Combs (2022-23)
• 35 - Greger Hanson (2016-17)
• 34 - Bruce Graham (2010-11)
• 34 - Nino Musitelli (2010-11)
• 34 - Zach Pochiro (2018-19)
• 33 - Chad Costello (2016-17)
• 33 - Colton Yellow Horn (2010-11)
• 33 - Liam Finlay (2022-23)
  

 

 

In the last 10 ECHL seasons just eight players scored more than 40 goals in a season: 

 

49 - Hank Crone, ALN (2022-23)

44 - Mickey Lang, FW & ORL (2013-14)

44 - *Gary Steffes, ALN (2014-15)

41 - *Chad Costello, ALN (2014-15)

41 - David Pecan, BRM (2016-17)

41 - Brendan O’Donnell, FLA (2016-17)

41 - Adam Pleskach, TUL (2014-15)

41 - *Michael Joly, COL (2017-18)

 

*Team won the Kelly Cup

 

- The last player to reach 50 goals in a season was Kevin Baker. Playing for Florida in 2008-09 Baker had 57 goals.

 

Allen Wins, Game Recap, Video Highlights, Costello Comments, Today's Preview, Goalie Stats and More

 

Last night the Allen Americans won for the third time in four games against the Tulsa Oilers over the last 10 days. It was a 4-2 win over the Oilers before a crowd of 5800 at the BOK Center. With the win Allen has moved to within two points of third place Tulsa, however, the Oilers have two games in hand.

 

- The win last night followed a familiar pattern in Allen's recent success:

• Allen scored first to improve its record when scoring first to 17-5-1-1 (.750).
• Allen led 2-0 after the first period and is almost unbeatable when leading after the first period. The Americans record is now 12-0-1-1 (.929).
• Allen led 3-1 after the second period to improve its record to 17-2-1-1 (.857).
• Allen's penalty kill was perfect 0-4. 
• Allen allowed two goals and improved its record when holding teams to three or fewer goals to 16-2-1-0 (.868).

 

- Allen got off to a great start when Blake Murray scored his 15th goal of the season just 37 seconds after the opening puck drop. Late in the period (17:18) Bennett MacArthur scored his seventh goal of the season to give Allen a 2-0 lead at the first intermission. After the Murray and MacArthur first period goals I started thinking what great finds these two contracted players were for Allen. They didn't just fall into Chad Costello's lap. He called many teams trying to find some help when Belleville could not send skaters to the Americans because of injuries. He saw the potential in these two players from different organizations and the player's NHL/AHL team had confidence in Costello's leadership style and commitment to player development. They were willing to send these players from their affiliate to Allen. The proof is in the pudding in how well this has worked out for Allen and the players:

• Blake Murray
• Before Allen: 12 games, six points (2G, 4A), points per game average .50
• Allen Stats: 28 games, 31 points (13G, 18A), points per game average 1.11 

• Bennett MacArthur
• Before Allen: 12 games, three points (1G, 2A), points per game average .25
• Allen Stats: 20 games, 17 points (6G, 11A), points per game average .85.

 The stats above show that Costello saw the potential in Murray and MacArthur. When given the opportunity and ice time they have been outstanding. In addition to their offensive ability they are 200 foot players. They are #1 and #2 on the Americans in plus/minus.  

 

 

 

- The second period was key to the game. Tulsa cut Allen's lead to 2-1 early in the period (3:16), but Allen responded when Grant Hebert scored his eighth goal of the season at the 8:20 mark to regain its two goal lead. Hebert has four goals in the last four games. Allen had to kill two penalties and goalie Marco Costantini made numerous saves to allow the Americans to take a 3-1 lead into the second intermission. 

 

 

 

- The third period was more of the same with Tulsa putting on the pressure and the Americans defense playing tough and when there were breakdowns Constantini was outstanding. Tulsa finally scored to cut the score to 3-2 with three minutes remaining in the game. Tulsa pulled the goalie and had several opportunities to tie the score before Eric Williams put the game away with an empty net goal, his fifth of the season, with 18 seconds remaining. 

 

 

- Here are the game recaps from both teams with more details:

• Allen Americans: https://allenamericans.com/news/2024/02/americans-leave-tulsa-with-two-points
• Tulsa Oilers: https://tulsaoilers.com/news/2024/02/oilers-stumble-in-fourth-of-five-straight-against-americans
     

 

- Here are the video highlights. It includes all of the goals and the Andrew Jarvis fight. Also notice the great pass from Hebert on the MacArthur goal and the MacArthur pass on the Hebert goal. https://echl.com/videos/allen-americans-vs-tulsa-oilers-feb-16-2024
 

 

 

- COSTELLO COMMENTS

 

"It was a good road win and a key was our team defense."

"Our penalty kill was very good tonight (0-4) and had some critical kills at key points in the game."

 "When you spend four hours on the bus on game day travel and come away with two points it is a good day."

"Marco Constantini played great again in goal. He has given us a chance to win in every game he has played."

"I am real proud of the guys and the way they battled tonight. Everyone contributed."

- There is no rest for the weary as both teams had to travel to Allen after the game (235 miles) and will be back on the ice for a game this afternoon (4:10 pm). When I talked yesterday about the strange scheduling for the three straight games against Tulsa starting with last night I forgot about the early start today which makes the scheduling even more bizarre. Here is the sequence again.

Allen drove to Tulsa yesterday (left at noon), played the Oilers last night, drove back to Allen after the game and plays Tulsa at home today (4:10 pm). Then the Americans take 12 days off before playing Tulsa again at home on March 1. You hear about three games in three nights against the same team quite often, but how about three games in 15 days against the same team. Welcome to the ECHL schedule.

 

 

 

- It will be a tired group that takes the ice today for a 4:10 pm puck drop but it will be the same for both teams, as they both traveled over night to get to Allen. If there is one stat that will predict a win for Allen is holding Tulsa to three or fewer goals. To do that the Americans will have to do a better job in shots on goal. Last night the official shot totals from the boxscore shows Tulsa outshot Allen 55-26. The stats from the software that tracks shots shows Tulsa outshooting Allen 56-31. While Allen did a good job of keeping most shots from the outside, the Americans need to close the gap in shots today to be successful. 

 

 

 

- In the last five games between Allen and Tulsa the team scoring first has won all of thme. Tells you how important the first goal will be this afternoon.  

 

 

 

- Special teams will also be key this afternoon. Allen held Tulsa without a power play goal last night. It was the first time in the last seven games against Tulsa dating back November the Oilers haven't scored a power play goal against Allen. If the Americans can hold Tulsa scoreless on the power play this afternoon it should lead to a victory. 

 

 

 

- I am not superstitious but it is worth noting the game this afternoon is a specialty jersey game with a big crowd on a Saturday. Maybe the early start will throw off the curse. haha

 

- The referee scheduled this afternoon is #17 Tatu Kunto. His name is not familiar but he works in the AHL, ECHL and WHL according to his bio. One of the linesman scheduled is #96 Daniel Barnes who worked the game in Tulsa last night. Daniel is familiar to Allen fans because he lives in the area and works a lot of Allen games. It will be understandable if he is dragging today, especially if he had to drive himself back to Allen after the game last night.   

 

OTHER COMMENTS

 

- The Mountain Division winners last night were Allen, Kansas City, Idaho and Utah. Here are the standings by points with games remaining in parenthesis:

 

• 75 points - Kansas City (25 games)
• 67 points - Idaho (24 games)
• 49 points - Tulsa (25 games)
• 47 points - Allen (23 games)
• 45 points - Utah (25 games)
• 40 points - Rapid City (24 games)
• 35 points - Wichita (25 games) 

 

- It is starting to look like Tulsa, Allen and Utah will battle for two playoff spots. You can slice and dice the schedule many ways. Here is a simple look at how many times these teams play Kansas City and Idaho the rest of the season. In parenthesis is how many times these teams play last place Wichita:

• Tulsa - nine times (8 times)
  
• Allen - five times (3 times)
  
• Utah - 14 times (0 times)

- Wheeling had its 12 game winning steak snapped in Utah last night. There have been two 12 game win streaks in the ECHL this season. Adirondack had one earlier in the season. Last season Toledo had an 18 game win streak (2nd longest in ECHL history) and Idaho had a 12 game win streak. 

 

DID YOU KNOW: ECHL Goalies: Most games this season with .900 save percentage or higher:

 

22 - Tyler Parks, Fort Wayne

20 - Cam Johnson, Florida

19 - Taylor Gauthier, Wheeling

18 - Jonathan Lemieux, Kalamazoo

17 - Zach Driscoll, Indy

17 - Matt Vernon, Jacksonville

17 - Jeremy Brodeur, Adirondack

Allen vs Tulsa Preview, Roster Update, Scoreboard Watching, Top 10 All-Time ECHL Win Streaks and More

 

It is a schedule only the scheduling gods and/or the scheduling computer can appreciate. A month of the Allen Americans playing only Tulsa and Wichita. The Americans played Tulsa three times last week (won two), took a respite on Wednesday night to beat Wichita and now will play Tulsa three more times. Even more strange is the sequence of the upcoming three games against Tulsa. Allen drives to Tulsa today (leaves at noon), plays the Oilers tonight, drives back to Allen after the game and plays Tulsa at home tomorrow. Then the Americans take 12 days off before playing Tulsa again at home on March 1. You hear about three games in three nights against the same team quite often, but how about three games in 15 days against the same team. Welcome to the ECHL schedule.

 

- All that is on the minds of the Allen Americans is the game tonight. The team will be trying to erase the memory of the 6-1 whipping they took at the hands of the Oilers last Saturday. In that game Allen set season highs for power plays allowed (10), power play goals allowed (4), second period shots allowed (23) and total shots allowed (52, tied).

 

-  Allen has a winning record against Tulsa (5-3-1-0) and could tie Tulsa for third place in the division if they sweep the next three games against the Oilers. A tall task for Allen and it all starts tonight in Tulsa. Allen has won three of its last four games while Tulsa has lost three of its last four games. 

- Here is a little different look at comparative stats. How Allen and Tulsa rank in the ECHL.

• Goals scored average
• Allen #7 (3.44)
• Tulsa #11 (3.28)

• Goals allowed average
• Allen #27 (4.08)
• Tulsa #11 (3.07)

• Power play percentage
• Allen #8 (22.0%)
• Tulsa #20 (17.8%)

• Penalty kill percentage
• Allen #20 (77.9%)
• Tulsa #15 (78.8%)

• Penalty minutes per game
  
• Allen #2 (18.42)
• Tulsa #21 (11.67) 

 

- Special teams as always will play an important role in the game tonight. In the three game series last week in Allen the Americans were 2-11 (18.2%) on the power play and Tulsa was 6-14 (42.9%). Staying out of the penalty box will be a key to winning tonight. 

 

- Team defense and team discipline broke down in game three against Tulsa last week but Allen held the Oilers to three goals in the first two games of the series and won them both. Here is the Allen record when the team allows three or fewer and four or more goals. A key to success tonight is holding Tulsa to three or fewer goals.

• 15-2-1-0 (.861) - Record when allowing three or fewer goals.
• 6-22-1-1 (.233) - Record when allowing four or more goals.

 

- Johnny Walker, Solag Bakich, Dalton Skelly and Chase Perry did not make the trip to Tulsa. Easton Brodzinski is back after serving his one game suspension. Since Walker has two games left of his three game suspension, he has to be carried on the active roster. Allen will play with 16 skaters and two goalies tonight. I haven't heard who will get the start in goal but assume Sinclair will start tonight since Constantini started on Wednesday. 

 

- The referee scheduled tonight is #21 Evan Reddick. He was one of the two referees that worked the  Allen vs Wichita game on Wednesday. Yesterday it was announced Reddick was one of five recipients of an ECHL scholarship to finish his graduate degree.   

 

OTHER COMMENTS

- Here are game previews from both teams:

• Allen Americans: https://allenamericans.com/news/2024/02/the-first-game-of-a-back-to-back-against-tulsa-starts-tonight-in-oklahoma
• Tulsa Oilers: https://tulsaoilers.com/news/2024/02/game-preview-feb-16-vs-allen-americans 
  

 

- If you are scoreboard watching tonight all seven Mountain Division teams will be in action. Wheeling has won 12 straight games and if they win in Utah tonight will make the top 10 winning streaks all time (see below):

• Allen at Tulsa
• Kansas City at Wichita
• Idaho at Rapid City
• Wheeling at Utah 

 

- All deadlines for players going to and coming back from Europe have now passed. There were several transactions this week. The main source for recruiting players will now shift to players finishing their junior and college careers. These amateurs can play a big role down the stretch and into the playoffs. 

 

- Here is the ECHL Today with previews on all 12 games on the schedule tonight: https://echl.com/news/2024/02/echl-today-feb-16    

 

 

DID YOU KNOW: Wheeling has 12 straight wins and tonight can join the all time top 10 list for consecutive wins. Adirondack had a 12 game win streak earlier this season.

23 - South Carolina, 2015

18 - Toledo 2023

17 - Colorado, 2017*

17 - Cincinnati, 2008*

15 - Victoria, 2009

14 - Missouri, 2015

14 - Louisiana, 2001

14 - Knoxville, 1994

13 - South Carolina, 2009

13 - Las Vegas, 2007

 

*Won Kelly Cup

 

Allen Wins, Game Recap, Video Highlights, 3ICE Coming to Allen, Overseas Deadline Today and More

 

You wouldn't call it a must win game, but when you play the worst team in the ECHL, with a recent record of 4-12-3-0 (.289) at home coming away with two points is essential. That is what the Allen Americans accomplished last night in a methodical 3-1 win over the Wichita Thunder before a Wednesday night crowd of 2811 at the CUTX Event Center.

 

Allen was in control of the game from opening puck drop and the game was not as close as the final score. If not for some outstanding goaltending by Wichita's Trevor Gorsuch the margin of victory would have been much wider. The number of grade A chances Allen had in the game had to have been in double digits. The Americans hit every key to the game and had a trifecta in the three goals it scored, a full strength goal, a shorthanded goal and a power play goal. Here are the game stats:

• Allen scored first, bringing its record when scoring first to 16-5-1-1 (.739).
• Allen led 1-0 after the first period and now has a record of 11-0-1-1 (.923) when leading after the first period.
• Allen led 3-0 after the second period and now has a record of 16-2-1-1 (.850) when leading after the second period.
• Allen's penalty kill was perfect (0-3) and also scored a shorthanded goal.
• Allen's power play was 1-3.
• Allen allowed Wichita 28 shots, tied for the low water mark for shots allowed this season.
  
• Allen outshot Wichita 37-28, just the sixth time in 48 games that has happened. 
• Goalie Marco Constantini stopped 27 of 28 shots for a .964 save percentage.
   

- Colin Jacobs scored the only goal of the first period at the 13:59 mark, tipping in a shot from Blake Murray. Allen added two goals in the second period. Gavin Gould scored his team leading third shorthanded goal at the 11:08 mark. Gould is tied for second in the league in shorthanded goals. Kris Myllari scored his fifth power play goal of the season with 23 seconds remaining in the second period to give Allen a 3-0 lead. Myllari leads all ECHL defensemen in power play goals.

- Wichita spoiled Allen's shutout early in the third period (7:41). but that is as close as the Thunder could get. The Americans outshot Wichita 6-0 over the last six minutes of the game. 

- Goal scorers for Allen were Colin Jacobs (3), Gavin Gould (6), and Kris Myllari (9).  Here are the video highlights with all the goals and a save by Wichita goalie Trevor Gorsuch that will surely by one of the saves of the week:  https://echl.com/videos/wichita-thunder-vs-allen-americans-feb-14-2024

 

- Here are the game recaps issued by both teams: 

• Allen Americans: https://allenamericans.com/news/2024/02/game-recap-americans-hand-wichita-3-1-loss
• Wichita Thunder: https://wichitathunder.com/news/2024/02/wichita-drops-valentines-day-contest-in-allen

 

- Next up for Allen are two games against Tulsa this weekend. The teams will play in Tulsa on Friday and in Allen on Saturday. The Americans will get Easton Brodzinski back after he served his one game suspension last night. Johnny Walker will miss both Tulsa games serving the last two of his three game suspension. Solag Bakich will also miss the Tulsa games, he will be the best man at his brother's wedding.  

 

- Tulsa had to cancel its game on Valentine's Day because mechanical issues with the ice. I assume everything will be fixed by tomorrow night.     

 

OTHER COMMENTS

- With Allen's win last night the Americans have moved back into a playoff spot by themselves. Here are the Mountain Division standings by point percentage with points in parenthesis:

• .793 - Kansas City (73 points)
• .691 - Idaho (65 points)
• .533 - Tulsa (49 points)
• .469 - Allen (45 points)
• .467 - Utah (43 points)
• .426 - Rapid City (40 points)
• .380 - Wichita (35 points)
    

- Here are the points earned by each Mountain Division team over the last 10 games:

• 17 points - Kansas City
• 15 points - Utah
• 15 points - Idaho
• 12 points - Tulsa
• 10 points - Allen
• 6 points - Wichita
• 4 points - Rapid City

 

- Here are the penalty minutes for each team in the Mountain Division with the team's position in the division in parenthesis:

• 884 - Allen (4th)
  
• 631 - Wichita (7th)
  
• 608 - Rapid City (6th)
  
• 562 - Idaho (2nd)
  
• 537 - Tulsa (3rd)
  
• 504 - Utah (5th)
  
• 432 - Kansas City (1st)
   

 

 

 3ICE COMING TO ALLEN

- 3ICE announced its 2024 schedule yesterday and one of its stops will be in Allen. The CUTX Event Center will host 3ICE on June 19. It make perfect sense to have Allen host one of the 3ICE weekly tournaments since Chad Costello was the MVP and won the championship in the 3ICE inaugural season in 2022 and Hank Crone matched that in 2023. The Allen Americans have entered into an agreement with 3ICE to sell tickets for the tournament in Allen on June 19. There will be a discount for Allen Americans season ticket holders (STMs). Tickets will go on sale March 1st but it is expected STMs will be able to purchase tickets earlier than the March 1st general public date.

- The 3ICE schedule:

- The league is made up of eight teams of six players and a goalie. There will be eight weekly tournaments with four teams participating each week. Each tournament takes place in a couple of hours. The four teams play an opening round. The two losers then play for 3rd and 4th place and finally the two winners play for the championship. Teams get points based on how they finish in the four weekly tournaments they play. The top four in points make the championship playoffs in week nine, which utilizes the same format as the regular season tournaments.

- The coaches are NHL Hall of Famers and/or multiple Stanley Cup winners. Here is the 2024 launch video:

 

 

-  If you are not familiar with 3ICE it is a fast pace 3-on-3 game with rules to speed up play. Here are a few of the unique rules.

• Game consists of two running time eight minute halves. The clock stops only for penalties and injuries.
• No power plays. All penalties are penalty shots with the coach picking the shooter.
• Goalies can play the puck all over the ice.
• No overtimes. If score is tied game goes directly to a shootout.
• Pucks going into the netting are still in play.
• Intentional icing is a penalty.
• Goalies can't freeze the puck. 
• No coaches challenges.
• Only puck drop is start of the game and second half.    

Here is a video that talks about the rules:

 

- Here is the highlight video 3ICE put together on Hank Crone's MVP season in 2023:

 

DID YOU KNOW: Today is the last day for players to return from overseas and play in the ECHL. The deadline is this afternoon, February 15 (3:00 pm EST). What must be completed in order to meet the deadline?

1. Have a signed Standard Player’s Contract, a copy of which must be submitted to the League.

2. Player must be placed on the team’s Active Roster.

3. Must have proper immigration status on file with the League.

Allen vs Wichita Preview, Fizer Back in Allen, Roster Update, NHL/AHL Contracted Players Assigned to ECHL Teams and More

 

It is game day for the Allen Americans with long time rival Wichita in town for a single game. It will be the sixth of nine games against Wichita this season. The Americans have a record of 4-1 against the Thunder and in the odd stat of the day the road team has won all five of the previous games. 

 

- The Americans got some good news yesterday as forward Tarun Fizer was loaned to Allen by the Belleville Senators. Fizer played four games for Allen in mid January and had three points (2G, 1A). Adding Fizer to the lineup tonight is very timely given the Americans have two forwards (Easton Brodzinski, Johnny Walker) missing tonight serving suspensions from the game on Saturday. Being in the lineup tonight will also qualify Fizer for the ECHL playoffs which requires five ECHL games played.

 

- Here are the stats from the five head to head games between Allen and Wichita:

• Allen's record against Tulsa is 4-0 on the road and 0-1 at home.
  
• Allen has a big edge in goals, 22-13.
• Wichita has a big edge in shots, 180-143.
• Allen's power play is 3-23 (13.0%).
• Wichita's power play is 5-11 (45.5%).
   

 

- If you compare overall stats the teams are relatively close:

• Allen scores more goals per game (3.4 vs 2.9)
• Both team allow an average of 4.1 goals per game, the worst average in the league. If you break it down further Wichita is ranked #27 (4.13) and Allen is ranked #28 (4.15).
• Wichita has a slight edge in shots for per game (30.0 vs 29.8). 
• Allen gives up more shots per game (40.4 vs 36.3). 
• Wichita has the better power play percentage (23.5% vs 21.8%).
• Allen has the better penalty kill percentage (77.6% vs 76.3).

- The game tonight is critical to Allen for several reasons:

• After the poor performance on Saturday Allen needs to get back on the winning track.
• Allen has to beat the teams they are expected to beat. Playing the last place team in the league in points (35 points) at home fits that bill.
• Allen is missing two suspended players (Brodzinski & Walker) and Hank Crone was just place on injured reserve. Can Allen overcome these obstacles?

- Wichita has had several roster changes this week including losing its top scorer (Peter Bates) who is headed to Europe. Here is a recap of the players coming and going from Wichita that will impact the game tonight. https://wichitathunder.com/news/2024/02/wichita-announces-several-transactions

 

- The keys to winning tonight are no surprise. 

• Allen does much better playing with the lead than from behind. A good start will be key for both teams. The team that scored first won four of the five previous games.
  
• Allen needs to stay out of the penalty box after giving up a season high four power play goals on Saturday. Wichita has a 45.5% power play percentage in the head to head games against Allen this season. Allen has to win the special teams battle tonight.
• Allen needs to keep the shots on goal close. The Americans have won games against Wichita this season when they were outshot 39-19 and 41-26. However, that is not a formula for success.
• Defensemen have played a key role in the head to head games against Wichita. Both teams will be without their leading scorers (Hank Crone & Peter Bates). Allen's leading scorers in the five head to head games against Wichita after Crone are defensemen Nolan Orzeck (6 points - 2G,4A) and Kris Myllari (5 points - 1G, 4A). Add Eric Williams' four points (2G, 2A) and you can look for the defensemen to play a role offensively tonight.    

 

- Tonight is one of the nine home games during the season when the two referee system will be used. The referees assigned are Tyler Hascall (#8) and Evan Reddick (#21). Players need to adapt to the stick penalties behind the play. 

- It is a light Wednesday night in the ECHL with only four games on the schedule. Allen has a chance to gain ground in the race for the playoffs. The only other Mountain Division game tonight is Idaho at Rapid City. Here are the previews: https://echl.com/news/2024/02/echl-today-feb-14  

OTHER COMMENTS

 - If you have been tracking Allen's affiliates (Ottawa & Belleville) you have noticed they now have five healthy goalies with three in Belleville. You have to expect a goalie will be assigned to Allen soon. In the past that goalie has been Leevi Meriläinen.

 

- Here is the Allen Americans Weekly which reviews last week, looks ahead to this week and covers the team leaders: https://allenamericans.com/news/2024/02/americans-weekly2   

 

- I keep hearing Liam Finlay is feeling much better as he trains back at home. From my reporting you could see him return to Allen in the very near future to continue his training. That would provide a big lift for the Americans. If you look at the big four from last season and compute average goals per game, Finlay was second among the group. Here are the average goals per game last season for the big four with total goals in parenthesis:

• .710 - Hank Crone (49 goals)
  
• .611 - Liam Finlay (33 goals)
  
• .609 - Colton Hargrove (39 goals)
  
• .514 - Jack Combs (36 goals)

 

DID YOU KNOW: Here is the ECHL post for the day. Allen now has five NHL/AHL contracted players with the addition of Fizer today. Here is the Allen list with the player's NHL/AHL team.

• Hank Crone - Chicago Wolves (AHL)
• Tarun Fizer - Belleville Senators (AHL)
• Bennett MacArthur - Tampa Bay Lightning (NHL)
• Blake Murray - Carolina Hurricanes (NHL)
• Mark Sinclair - Belleville Senators (AHL)
  

 

 

NHL/AHL contracted players on each ECHL team (includes active, reserve & IR). Teams with point percentages above .600 are marked with an asterisk. Notice the top teams are sprinkled throughout the list:

 

12: FW

11: NFL

10: *KC, SAV

9: ATL, MNE, ORL, *SC

8: REA, *WHL

7: *FLA, IND, TUL, WOR, TR

6: IA, *JAX, UTA, NOR

5: *ADK, *TOL

4: ALN, CIN, *GVL, KAL, WIC

3: *IDH

2: RC

Inconsistency Strikes Again, Game Recaps, Video Highlights, Mountain Division Fight Stats, 3rd Period Comeback Stats and More

 

To quote coach Chad Costello after Allen's dominate 6-3 win over Tulsa on Friday,  "It was pretty to watch, but what you have to fight for in any sport is consistency. We have to have this new level and keep growing." The consistency bug bit Allen in the backside last night as the Tulsa Oilers press release stated, "Oilers Respond With Dominate Win Over Americans." You can honestly say Allen went from arguably its best game of the season on Friday night to arguably the worst game of the season on Saturday night.That is inconsistency personified.

 

- The final score last night was 6-1 in favor of Tulsa before another big crowd of 5879 on Police/Fire Night. I heard more than a few observers point out it was another Saturday night, big crowd, specialty jersey disappointing loss. For the two games this weekend the attendance was 11,886 for an average of 5943. My records only go back a few years but I am pretty sure this weekend was the highest attendance in back to back games in the history of the team. Stick taps to the sales and marketing staff who probably need an "attaboy/attagirl" as they deal with all of the upset season ticket holders after season ticket prices for next season went up dramatically. 

 

- There could not be more of a contrast between Allen's win on Friday and loss last night. 

• Friday night Allen scored first and put the game away with four first period goals.
• Saturday night Tulsa scored first, led 1-0 after the first period and 4-1 after the second period. 
• Friday night Tulsa scored a shorthanded goal to tie the score 1-1 and get the momentum only to have Allen score 17 seconds later.
• Saturday night Allen scored a shorthanded goal (Grant Hebert) to cut the score to 2-1 and gain momentum. Tulsa scored 22 seconds later to regain a two goal lead.
• Friday Allen allowed Tulsa two power play opportunities. Saturday Allen allowed 10 power plays (a season record) and Tulsa converted on four of them, which is also a season record.
• All of the power plays contributed to Allen giving up a season high (tied) 52 shots, including 23 shots in the second period. That is tied for the most shots given up in the second period by any ECHL team all season. 
• The second period proved to be the death knell for the Americans once again last night. In Allen's last three losses it has given up three goals in the second period while being outshot 54-20 and outscored 9-1.

 

- Allen failed every key to the game last night. 

• The Americans gave up the first goal and their record when that happens is 5-19-1-0 (.220).
• Allen trailed 1-0 after the first period and their record when that happens is 4-13-0-0 (.235).
• Allen trailed 4-1 after the second period and when that happens their record is 3-18-1-0 (.159)
• Allen lost the special teams battle by giving up a season high 10 power plays and four power play goals. The Americans were scoreless on the power play (0-4) which included a 55 second 5-on-3 power play.

 

- It wasn't just the lack of execution that contributed to the loss last night, it was also a lack of discipline, especially late in the game. I know the Americans want to be a team that is tough to play against, but you can't take 13 penalties and give up four power play goals on 10 chances and expect to win a game.

 

- Here are the game recaps from both teams:

• Allen Americans - https://allenamericans.com/news/2024/02/americans-fall-in-series-finale
• Tulsa Oilers: https://tulsaoilers.com/news/2024/02/oilers-respond-with-dominant-win-over-americans
   

 

- Here are the video highlights: https://echl.com/videos/tulsa-oilers-vs-allen-americans-feb-10-2024

 

 

- The good news for the Americans is they earned four points this weekend by winning two of three games against Tulsa. Allen gained ground on Tulsa, Utah and Rapid City so it was a successful week despite the disappointing loss last night. 

 

- Next week will give Allen another great opportunity to advance in the standings. The Americans have three games next week. They play Wichita at home on Wednesday, play at Tulsa on Friday and play at home against Tulsa on Saturday. In a quirk in the ECHL schedule, after the game on Saturday (February 17) the Americans won't play again until March 1 (at home against Tulsa). Having 12 days between games is unheard of in the ECHL. It will be time for the Americans to regroup, refocus and heal up before the final push to the playoffs. Allen will have 22 games remaining when they return to action on March 1.

 

OTHER COMMENTS

 - There are no games on the ECHL schedule today, a rarity and maybe a deference to the Super Bowl. There is at least one ECHL game every day this coming week which is also unusual.

 

- There are comers and goers at the top of all four ECHL divisions.

• North Division - Adirondack has hit a rough patch dropping four straight games, but still has a 12 point lead over second place Norfolk who has the best record in the division over the last ten games (7-3-0-0).
• South Division - Greenville has lost four of its last five games and has seen its lead trimmed to six points. The two hottest teams in the division are now nipping at the Swamp Rabbit's heels. Jacksonville is 8-1-1-0 over the last 10 games and South Carolina is 8-1-0-1.
• Central Division - Toledo has a five point lead despite a mediocre 10 game record of 3-3-2-2. The hottest team in the ECHL is Wheeling who has won 12 straight games. Wheeling has now risen to second place in the division but is still five points behind Toledo.
• Mountain Division - Kansas City continues to march toward the Brabham Cup as the regular season ECHL champion. Kansas City has a 10 point lead over Idaho in the division and a seven point lead over Adirondack for the best record in the ECHL.    
   

- Allen has 11 fighting majors this season but only four since December 20. Here are the fight numbers for all Mountain Division teams:

• 21 - Wichita
• 15 - Utah
  
• 13 - Kansas City
• 13 - Tulsa
• 11 - Allen
• 5 - Idaho

 

DID YOU KNOW: The ECHL stats post today is about third period comebacks. Allen's record when trailing after the second period is 3-18-1-0 (.159). Allen has trailed after the second period in 22 of 47 games, 47%, which is one of the highest percentages in the league. The team with the fewest games trailing after the second period is Adirondack who has trailed in nine of 47 games (19%)

3rd period comebacks are very rare. The combined record for all ECHL teams this season when trailing after the 2nd period is 30-185-12-10 (.173).

 

Toledo has the most 3rd period comebacks with a record of 5-5-0-4, (.500) when trailing after the second period.

 

Six teams have no 3rd period comebacks:

0-9-0-0: Fort Wayne

0-9-0-0: Norfolk

0-8-0-0: Trois Rivières

0-7-0-0: Reading

0-6-0-0: Cincinnati

0-6-0-0: Kalamazoo

Allen Rolls 6-3, Game Recap, Video Highlights, Costello Comments, Tonight's Preview, ECHL Offensive Defensemen and More

 

 Everything came together for the Allen Americans last night in one of the most entertaining home games of the season. Over 6000 fans (the third 6000+ game of the season) watched Allen beat Tulsa 6-3 at the CUTX Event Center. With the win Allen moved into fourth place by themselves in the Mountain Division and closed the gap to third place Tulsa to four points.

 

- It didn't take long for Allen to score the first goal of the game. Grant Hebert scored 22 seconds after puck drop on the first shot of the game. It was the quickest the Americans had scored a goal all season. Tulsa tied the score 1-1 at the 11:32 mark of the first period on a shorthanded goal. It was the eighth shorthanded goal Allen has allowed this season. Allen responded just 17 seconds later regain the lead after on Grant Hebert's second goal of the game.

 

- Allen added two more first period goals (Colby McAuley and Bennett MacArthur)  to take a 4-1 lead at the end of the first period. Four goals is most first period goals Allen has scored all season. Allen outshot Tulsa 15-7 in the first period.

 

- Allen has struggled in the second period recently having been outscored 7-0 and outshot 43-16 in the three games prior to last night. When Easton Brodzinski scored early in the second period to give Allen a 5-1 lead the game was pretty much decided. Tulsa had a good second period outshooting the Americans 15-7 but managed just one goal and that came with 57 seconds left in the period.

 

- Allen regained its four goal lead (6-2) on a Johnny Walker power play goal at the 12:41 mark of the third period. The only question at that point was the final score. Allen gave up a power play goal with 13.5 seconds remaining in the game to make the final score 6-3. It was a meaningless goal but Marco Costantini deserved a better fate.  

 

- Goal scorers for Allen were Grant Hebert (5, 6), Colby McAuley (22), Bennett MacArthur (6), Easton Brodzinski (19). Johnny Walker (5). Here are the video highlights. It is notable all six goals had two assists which shows how the Americans were making plays last night. Several of the goals were set up by defensemen moving the puck up ice with speed. https://echl.com/videos/tulsa-oilers-vs-allen-americans-feb-9-2024    

- Here are the game recaps issued by both teams:

• Allen Americans: https://allenamericans.com/news/2024/02/americans-erupt-for-four-goals-in-the-first-beat-tulsa-6-3
• Tulsa Oilers: https://tulsaoilers.com/news/2024/02/first-period-deficit-too-much-to-overcome-against-americans

 

POST GAME COMMENTS

- Chad Costello brought Johnny Walker (1G, 2A) to the post game press conference with the season ticket holders and here is what they had to say:

"The support from the fans was great tonight, you were into the game right away and that really helped.".....Costello

"We have to complete the sweep tomorrow night. We had as tough road trip in Kansas City and Idaho. We pretty much played the same was on the road trip as we did tonight, but had some misfortune.".....Costello

"The guys are as tight and committed as I have seen the entire season. It is that time of year here in Allen. As we get closer and closer to playoff time, tonight felt like here we go again. We don't want to get too ahead of ourselves because we still have a long way to go.".....Costello

"As coach said we have been a little unfortunate the last couple of weeks but credit to our group in sticking to it. You saw it on Wednesday night and again to night, a resilient effort, and that is what you will see tomorrow.".....Walker

"Hebert went off but he is fine. The game was almost over and I wanted to get him a hat trick, but anytime you get hit in the head with the puck you have to take it seriously so we sent him off as a precaution.".....Costello

"Crone is better than we thought. When I watched the video I would have sworn it was a broken ankle. It is not serious but will take some time. Luckily we have that break coming up and he should be back quicker than you think. He is a tough little player. Being small like that he is used to getting hit especially holding on to the puck as he does.".....Costello   

"I expect we will be getting players assigned from Belleville as soon as next week.".....Costello

"Marco Costantini has been incredible. He has started seven straight games for us including the  tough road games in Kansas City and Idaho. I made a joke I was going to play him until he legs fell off. He has given us a chance to win every game. He is a calm, patient type of goalie that makes his team feel safe so the guys don't hesitate, they just play.".....Costello   

"As a group we try to buckle down on certain things. It is like okay we are giving up less shots, now how do we get more shots. Okay we are getting 40 shots, how do we get more scoring chances. That first period was like whoa, that's speed, defense, shots, power plays, that's playing smart, that was playing as a group. It was pretty to watch, but what you have to fight for in any sport is consistency. We have to have this new level and keep growing.".....Costello 

"Our defensemen are really fast. If you are big and really fast you are signed to the NHL or AHL. The real big guys in our league usually can't skate. Our defensive group is not real big but are very fast. That is what you saw tonight. Our forwards were just flying through the neutral zone and if they get stopped our defensemen push up and are right on top of the opponent. The kicker is when the opponent throws the puck to our net. Are we able to be strong enough to keep them away. That is the challenge I have for those guys. I ask them to compete with their hearts on fire. I tell them we love your speed and everything you bring but you have to compete in front of our net. It has been a challenge but as a group they have gotten better.".....Costello

 

TODAY'S PREVIEW

- If you had describe what it will take to win tonight it would be more of the same. Last night Allen scored first, had the lead after the first and second period, matched the #2 ranked team in shots per game, scored six goals and allowed three goals. If you had to pick something to improve it would be special teams. Allen was 1-4 on the power play and gave up a shorthanded goal. Tulsa was 1-2 on the power play. 

 

- Allen has done a good job in staying out of the penalty box and giving up power play opportunities in the first two games against Tulsa. Allen has had seven power play opportunities to just four for Tulsa. The referee tonight will be the same as the first two games and he let a lot go last night and Wednesday. You have to expect the rough stuff will ramp up even more tonight.

 

- One of the decisions coach Costello will have to make today is who gets the start in goal. Costantini has started seven straight games and has to be tired. It is not unusual to start back to back games but three games in four nights after all the road games may be tough. Mark Sinclair is close to being ready after not playing for the last month. Other than who gets the start in goal the lineup should be the same tonight. 

UPDATE: Mark Sinclair will get the start in goal tonight.

OTHER COMMENTS

- Allen allowed three goals last night and improved its record when allowing three or fewer goals to 14-2-1-0 (.853). When giving up more than three goals the Americans record is 6-21-1-1 (.241).

 

- Colby McAuley has 44 points (22G, 22A) in 43 games this season and is on pace for 35 goals and 70 points. Since turning pro in 2017-18 he has never had a season with more than 16 goals and 44 points. Colby is currently on a seven game point streak (5G, 3A).

 

- Here are the Mountain Division standings by points percentage with points in parenthesis:

• .789 - Kansas City (71 points)
• .689 - Idaho (62 points)
• .522 - Tulsa (47 points)
• .467 - Allen (43 points)
• .456 - Utah (41 points)
• .444 - Rapid City (40 points)
• .375 - Wichita (33 points)  

- There is a full slate of games in the ECHL tonight with all 28 teams in action.Here are the previews: https://echl.com/news/2024/02/echl-today-feb-10

 

DID YOU KNOW: The ECHL Stats post today is about defensemen scoring. Kris Myllari leads the Americans in points per game by a defenseman at .78.

 

 

Offensive defensemen, the five ECHL defensemen that are averaging .90+ points per game (minimum 20 games):

 

1.09 - Jalen Smereck, Cincinnati

1.05 - *Nick Leivermann, South Carolina

.93 - Gabriel Chicoine, Maine

.91 - *Jonny Tychonick, Newfoundland

.90 - Patrick Kudla, Idaho

 

*Rookies

 

 

- On a personal note several of you have asked about our recent small ship cruise to the Madeira Islands, Canary Islands and the west African countries of Morocco and Senegal. Here is a short video that covers some of the highlights of our trip thanks to a friend I met on the trip, Jim Wigton.

 

 

Allen vs Tulsa Preview, Former Players Overseas Stats, ECHL Shootout Stats and More

 Game one of six of Allen's upcoming games against Tulsa resulted in a shootout win for the Americans. Game two is tonight at the CUTX Event Center. There were a lot of positives for Allen on Wednesday so what do the Americans have to do tonight to get another victory? Here are the stats that will improve the odds.

- Score First: Allen scored first in the win on Wednesday. In the three losses in Idaho last week the Americans gave up the first goal in all three games. Allen has scored first in 21 of 45 games (47%) this season and has a record of 14-5-1-1 (.714) when scoring first. When the Americans allow the first goal their record is 5-18-1-0 (.229). You combine Allen's stats when scoring first with the fact that Tulsa has a record of 14-3-3-0 (.775) when scoring first and you can see the importance of the first goal tonight. 

 

- Playing with the lead is always critical. Here are the records for both teams when leading after the first and second period. Though it worked on Wednesday the American do not want to be playing from behind tonight:

• Allen
• 9-0-1-1 when leading after the first period
• 14-2-1-1 when leading after the second period 

•  Tulsa
• 11-2-0-0 when leading after the first period
• 14-0-2-1 when leading after the second period

 

- Wednesday the Americans had the most shots (41) and allowed the fewest shots(34) of any of the seven head to head games against Tulsa this season.. This was a big accomplishment when you consider in the overall ECHL stats, Tulsa is ranked #2 (36.82) in average shots per game and Allen is last (#28) in average shots allowed (40.20). The win on Wednesday was the first game all season Allen outshot an opponent and won the game. The Americans don't need to outshoot Tulsa tonight to win but they have to keep the shots close. 

 

- Allen allowed three goals in the win on Wednesday. The Americans have allowed three or fewer goals in two of the seven games against Tulsa and won them both. Allowing three or fewer goals has been the key to winning for Allen given its offensive firepower. The Americans are ranked #8 in the league in average goals scored per game (3.44). Here is the Allen record when the team allows three or fewer and four or more goals.

• 13-2-1-0 (.844) - Record when allowing three or fewer goals.
• 6-21-1-1 (.241) - Record when allowing four or more goals.

It is a bit of an oversimplification, but if Allen allows three or fewer goals tonight they will win, if they allow four or more they will lose.

 

- Special teams are always a key to winning and both teams have done well in the seven head to head games. Allen was 1-3 on Wednesday and is 7-21 (33.3%) in the seven games against Tulsa. The Oilers were 1-2 on Wednesday and is 7-23 (30.4%) in the seven games against Allen. Overall this season Tulsa is ranked #27 (15.7%) and Allen is ranked #8 (22.3%) in power play percentage. On the penalty kill both teams have almost identical percentages, Allen at 78.8% and Tulsa at 78.3%. In every game in the series with Tulsa the team that won the special teams battle won the game. Allen has the edge on special teams. They need to show that tonight.

 

- Goalie play will be another key tonight. Marco Costantini has made six straight starts for Allen since being signed two weeks ago and I expect he will be in goal again tonight. Five of Marco's six starts have been against Kansas City and Idaho. He has compiled a record of 2-2-1-1 with a 3.31 GAA and .901 save percentage. Tulsa will likely start Gage Alexander, who stopped 37 of 40 shots on Wednesday for a .925 save percentage. His season record is 3-4-1-0 with a 3.95 GAA and .882 save percentage. 

 

- Hard to predict the game tonight will go to overtime but the odds are compelling. Four of the seven games (57%) Allen and Tulsa have played this season have gone to overtime. Allen has won three of the four. Here are the overall season long overtime/shootout stats:

• Allen - 2-2 in overtime, 1-1 in shootouts
• Tulsa - 4-4 in overtime, 1-1 in shootouts

- The referee tonight will be #25 David Lilly. He was the referee on Wednesday and let the guys play for the most part. He let a lot go in the pushing and shoving after the whistle. He called just five minor penalties on Wednesday, two on Allen and three on Tulsa. Would expect there will be more penalties tonight.  

OTHER COMMENTS

 Here is the game preview from the Allen Americans: https://allenamericans.com/news/2024/02/friday-night-ice-in-allen-as-the-americans-host-tulsa-at-710-pm-cst

 

- I haven't heard a report on Hank Crone's lower body injury but based on the trouble he had putting any weight on his leg as he left the ice, he will not be playing this weekend. The next step will be to see if he goes on in injured reserve which would sideline him for a minimum of 14 days. 

- Here are five former Allen players that are tearing up leagues in Europe.

• Steve Owre:  55 points (29G, 26A) in 44 games 
• League: ICEHL
• Team: Pioneers Vorarlberg
• Country: Austria
• Allen years: 2020-21

• Alex Lavoie: 50 points (14G, 36A) in 37 games
• League: Ligue Magnus
• Team: Gernoble
• Country: France
• Allen years: 2012-14 & 2020-21
  

 

• Olivier Archambault: 50 points (13G, 37A) in 37 games
• League: Extraliga
• Team: HK Spisska Nove Ves
• Country: Slovakia
• Allen years: 2017-18 & 2019-20    

 

• Dante Salituro: 46 points (20G, 26A) in 38 games
• League: Germany3
• Team: HC Hannover Indians
  
• Country: Germany
• Allen years: 2018-19

 

• Josh Winquist: 45 points (17G, 28A) in 36 games
• League: Metal Ligaen
• Team: Esbjerg Energy
• Country Denmark
• Allen years: 2021-22

 

- There are 13 games in the ECHL tonight with six of seven Mountain Division teams in action. In addition to Tulsa at Allen. Kansas City is at Rapid City and Idaho is at Utah. Wichita is idle. Here are the previews: https://echl.com/news/2024/02/echl-today-feb-9

 

 

 

DID YOU KNOW: The ECHL Stats post today is about shootout stats. Allen has been in two shootouts with a record of 1-1. In those two shootouts Allen has been successful on two of seven attempts (28.6%).

Five ECHL teams have not been involved in a shootout this season (Jacksonville, Maine, South Carolina, Utah, Rapid City). Here is the shootout record for the four teams that have been involved in four or more shootouts this season including conversion percentage. Attempts and goals is in parenthesis: 

 

- Toledo: 1-5

5.9% (1-17)

 

- Adirondack: 4-2

31.6% (6-19)

 

- Norfolk: 3-1

40% (4-10)

 

- Fort Wayne: 1-3

20% (3-15)

Shootout Win Snaps Losing Streak, Game Recap, Video Highlights, Costello Comments and More

 

It took four rounds in a shootout but the Allen Americans got back in the win column last night with a 4-3 victory over the Tulsa Oilers. A Wednesday night crowd of 2988 watched the Americans tie the score 3-3 with just 19.9 seconds remaining in the game and go on to win the game in the fourth round of a shootout..

- It was a close and well played game by both teams. Neither team had more than a one goal lead the entire game and the Americans didn't lead until the shootout game winner. Allen scored first just 94 seconds after the opening puck drop on a Blake Murray goal, but Tulsa answered back to tie the score only 42 seconds later. The first period ended with the score tied 1-1. Allen had the better opportunities and outshot Tulsa 12-6 in the first period.

 

- Allen's pattern recently has been a close first period, a poor second period and a big third period. It proved true to form last night. Tulsa scored the only goal of the second period on the power play while outshooting the Americans 12-9. Allen actually played well in the second period and had several grade A opportunities but just couldn't finish. Tulsa took a 2-1 lead into the second intermission and there was reason for concern since the Oiler's have been almost unbeatable when leading after the second period (14-0-2-0).

 

- Allen tied the score 2-2 early in the third period (3:54) on Blake Murray's second goal of the game. By the midway point of the third period Allen had outshot Tulsa 12-1 but had just the one goal to show for it. Tulsa then went on a run of outshooting the Americans 8-1 which ended up with a goal at the 14:13 mark that gave the Oilers a 3-2 lead. After the Tulsa go ahead goal the Americans struggled to get the puck out of their defensive zone. That all changed when Allen pulled the goalie with 73 seconds remaining. The Americans had a couple of great chances to no avail until Colby McAuley found the back of the net with 19.9 seconds left in the game.

 

- It was a wild overtime period with both teams having great opportunities to score. Each team had a 3-on-1 chance and didn't even get a shot. Allen had the better opportunities outshooting Tulsa 4-2 in the overtime period.

 

- The shootout came with plenty of drama. A Tulsa player started building up snow with his stick in the crease his team was defending in the shootout. I think it was Robidoux who reciprocated in the Allen crease. The referee called for the ice maintenance crew to come out with shovels and clear the snow from around the nets. The tension was building during the delay. Next there was a dispute as to which team was shooting first. The home team has the choice and Chad Costello chose to go first, but both teams had a player on the ice ready to go. For some reason the referee ruled Tulsa would go first and coach Costello decided to not argue about it. It turned out to be a good decision since Tulsa's first shooter was stopped and then Easton Brodzinski gave Allen the lead. In the second round both teams missed but Tulsa scored in the third round to even the score. Tulsa missed in the fourth round and Colin Jacobs scored to give Allen the win. 

 

- It was a great game with an outstanding ending. You won't find many games as entertaining as the one last night. A close back and forth game with lots of scoring chances and great goaltending by both goalies. 

 

- Here are some random stats from this game:

• In the six head to head games prior to last night Tulsa averaged 44 shots and Allen averaged 31 shots. Last night Allen out shot Tulsa 41-34.
• Last night was just the fifth time all season (45 games) Allen has outshot its opponent.
• Last night was the first and only time all season Allen has outshot its opponent and won the game. The Americans are now 1-4-0-0 when outshooting the opponent. 
• Allen snapped a four game losing streak and a stretch where the Americans had lost eight of nine games.
• Allen has been in six extra time games all season with four of them being against Tulsa. Allen is 2-2 in overtimes (both wins against Tulsa) and 1-1 in shootouts (win against Tulsa).
   

- Goal scorers for Allen were Blake Murray (14, 15) and Colby McAuley (21). Colin Jacobs had the game winning goal but shootout goals don't count in the stats nor is a game winning goal credited. I have never understood why. Hank Crone had two assists and is now #5 in the league with 33 assists. Here are the video highlights: https://echl.com/videos/tulsa-oilers-vs-allen-americans-feb-7-2024

 

- Hank Crone needed help getting off the ice after he took a big hit late in the game and his leg got caught under him. He left the rink last night in a boot and will have it examined today. Hopefully it is not a serious injury. 

- I had a chance to stop by the coaches office and needless to say it was a happy group. Anytime you go from getting no points as it looked like with 21 seconds left in the game to getting two points it makes for a fun locker room. 

 

- Here is what coach Costello had to say about the game:

"It was one of those games where I thought we were the better team for long stretches and we had the better chances."

"Sometimes when you don't score after having so many chances, you want so bad to see one or two go in and see the floodgates open but that never happened."

"When they scored to take a 3-2 lead it was a wake up call because we were playing great but we were on the verge of losing another home game."

"I like the way the team stayed with it and that was a great goal by McAuley to get us to overtime."

"To be honest I would say even though we don't have the results to show it, we have played pretty solid hockey going back to the Kansas City series, the Idaho series and then game tonight."

"If we continue to play like we have been playing and grow from there I like where we stand every single night."

"Everyone contributed tonight. We pretty much rolled four lines until late in the game so minutes should be down. The only thing I would change is a little more hunger to score goals. We need to get more bodies to the net when the puck gets there. 

 

- Here is the game recap from the Allen Americans:  https://allenamericans.com/news/2024/02/game-recap-americans-win-in-a-shootout   

 

OTHER COMMENTS

- Allen now has four players with 15+ goals:

• 21 goals - Colby McAuley
• 18 goals - Easton Brodzinski
• 15 goals - Hank Crone
• 15 goals - Blake Murray

- Allen's power play unit is all over the ECHL leader board:

• #1 power play goals (11) - Colby McAuley
• #3 power play assists (18) - Hank Crone
• #3 power play points (22) - Hank Crone
• #5 power play points (21) - Kris Myllari
  
• #5 power play assists (17) - Kris Myllari 

- Kansas City beat Fort Wayne at home last night and has opened up a nine point lead in the Mountain Division over Idaho (69 vs 60). The Mavericks overall record is 33-8-2-1. What really distinguishes Kansas City is a phenomenal road record of 17-2-0-1.  

DID YOU KNOW:Some eye opening stats from the ECHL standings:

 

- Kansas City’s road record is 17-2-0-1 (.875).

- Adirondack’s road record is 17-4-1-0 (.795).

- Wheeling has won 10 straight games.

- Greenville is the only team with 17 home wins (17-8-0-0).

- Adirondack has been involved in 17 extra time games, 11 overtimes (7-4) and 6 shootouts (4-2).