A defensive battle and great goaltending led to an exciting game at the CUTX Event Center last night. The outcome wasn't decided until an empty net goal was scored with 16 seconds remaining in the game. 4988 fans watched the Allen Americans lose 3-1 to the Kansas City Mavericks. The loss snapped Allen's three game win streak and the win improved Kansas City's road record to 23-2-1-1.
- The goalie play by both teams was outstanding. Combined they stopped 66 of 69 shots for a save percentage of .957. Kansas City goalie, Jack LaFontaine, saved 29 of 30 shots (.967) and Allen goalie Marco Constantini saved 37 of 39 shots (.947).
- It took until there were 4.1 seconds remaining in the second period for a goal to be scored. An ill advised Allen slashing penalty put Kansas City on the power play. It took most of the power play for the Mavericks to get a shot on goal. A defensive breakdown found not one but two Kansas City players alone in front of the net. Marco Constantini had no chance as the Mavericks took a 1-0 lead.
- The third period started with Kansas City taking a penalty 31 seconds after puck drop. Allen had six shots on goal during the power play but could not get the puck in the net. Later in the period (9:45) the teams were playing 4-on-4 and Colby McAuley took a pass from Justin Allen and blasted a one timer into the net top to tie the score 1-1. At that point Allen had all of the momentum but it didn't last long. The very next shot on goal by either team was a goal by Kansas City at the 11:04 mark. Shortly after the Mavericks took the 2-1 lead, Allen was assessed a delay of game penalty that appeared to carom off the glass before going into the netting. Allen killed the penalty and and pulled the goalie but never got close to scoring the equalizer. Kansas City scored an empty net goal with 16 seconds remaining to make the final score 3-1.
- It was a disappointing loss but a well played game by both teams. These tight games against good teams always come down to who makes the fewest mistakes. Kansas City is the best team in the league and there is no question Allen can play with them.
- Here is the game recap form the Allen Americans: https://allenamericans.com/news/2024/03/americans-fall-3-1
- Colby McAuley was the lone goal scorer for the Americans last night. It was his team leading 23rd goal of the season. Here are the video highlights: https://echl.com/videos/kansas-city-mavericks-vs-allen-americans-march-8-2024
COACHES COMMENTS
- Aaron Gens and Colton Hargrove addressed the season ticket holders after the game. Here is some of what they had to say:
"We recognize we are a good hockey team but I don't think we played as well as we can tonight. Putting together a consistent 60 minutes has been an issue. That is really what we are trying to do every game as the season winds down.".....Aaron Gens
"I thought we played a good hockey game and we are proud of the way the guys battled. At the same time we made some mental errors that resulted in odd man rushes against us.".....Gens
"Credit to Kansas City who is a fast, deep hockey team with an unbelievable road record. They are a nice team but we are a nice team too.".....Gens
"We weren't happy with some of the penalty calls tonight at critical times during the game, but you have to play through those penalties. We had plenty of chances to score goals in the first period.".....Gens
"We are trending in the right direction and we are a very good hockey team. If we limit our turnovers at the blue line and ill advised penalties we can compete with any team in the league.".....Colton Hargrove
"Ty Fournier is very close to being ready. He has been skating a ton and participating in drills. I work with him everyday doing some extra stuff and he is poised to be ready to go.".....Gens
"Hank Crone has not started skating yet but will get clearance any day now to get on the ice. His type of injury will take a couple of weeks before he will be game ready.".....Gens
"My injury is pretty long term. I will start running in a few weeks and then start skating three or four weeks after that. Regarding the playoffs, at the earliest I might be ready for the conference finals (3rd round).".....Hargrove
"We have too many guys that want to play on the perimeter on the power play and not enough guys that want to go to the dirty areas and get hit by the puck or bang home a rebound goal. Everybody wants to make the pretty play and play on the outside and I don't think that is how the power play works. When things aren't working we need get the puck to the point, shoot the puck, go to the net and something good will happen. Then when the defense starts to collapse it will open up the perimeter.".....Hargrove
TONIGHT'S PREVIEW
- What does Allen need to do to come away with points tonight? There is room for improvement for sure and it won't take much to give the Americans a chance for victory:
- Kansas City has won every game against Allen this season when they scored first (6-0). It took until the end of the second period, but the Mavericks scored first last night. Allen needs the first goal tonight.
- Allen was outshot last night 40-30. The Americans need to close the shot gap and give up fewer than 40 shots tonight. The second period was a slow one for the Americans as it has been much of the season. Last night Allen was outshot 16-8 and outscored 1-0 in the second period. over the course of the season the Americans have been outshot in the second period 757-551 and outscored 69-85. Can Allen win the second period tonight?
- Allen lost the power play battle last night going scoreless in four power play attempts will giving Kansas City six power plays which resulted in one goal, the first goal of the game. Staying out of the penalty box and scoring a power play goal will make a big difference tonight.
- The referee scheduled tonight is the same as last night, #12 Brendan Schreider, but he will have a partner as there will be two referees. The other referee will be #8 Tyler Hascall.
- If you want more details on the game tonight checkout this preview issued by the Allen Americans: https://allenamericans.com/news/2024/03/game-day-preview-americans-host-kc-on-top-gun-night-in-allen
TONIGHT'S LINEUP
- Coach Costello has mixed up the lines trying to generate some offense after the one goal game last night. Ty Fournier returns to Allen's lineup for the first time since the end of January.
OTHER COMMENTS
- The Mountain Division standings continue to be the story of two teams at the top far away from the rest. Kansas City has a .786 points percentage and Idaho has a .700 points percentage. Every other team in the division is below .500 and scrambling for a playoff spot.
- Allen is one of four teams in the division that has won seven of its last 10 games. The others are Kansas City, Idaho and Wichita.
- Here is the ECHL Today with previews on the 10 games on the schedule tonight: https://echl.com/news/2024/03/echl-today-march-9
DID YOU KNOW: Current (2023-24) ECHL players with the highest career points per game average in the playoffs (minimum 20 playoff games):
NAME OF GAME IS “SHOOT THE PUCK AND KEEP SHOOTING THE PUCK “!!! Gets tiring of just seeing them pass the puck over and over
ReplyDeleteHargrove hit the nail on the head with his comments. Limit the turnovers in the neutral zone, limit the stupid penalties, and fight for dirty goals. Allen is best when we get dirty, dirty filthy goals
ReplyDelete-Bobby 226