The Allen Americans are in Rapid City for a three game series starting tonight (8:05 Allen time). If you look at the standings you might conclude it is a great opportunity for the Americans to gain ground playing the last place team in the Mountain Division with a lowly .367 point percentage. The facts say this will be a hard fought series between two teams that have been playing good hockey after poor starts to the season. Allen lost its first five games of the season but is currently on a five game point streak (3-0-2-0). Rapid City lost its first nine games of the season but has a record of 4-2-0-0 over it last six games with a win over Kansas City and a three game sweep in Idaho.
- Allen will play Rapid City eight times this season. After the three game series that starts tonight these teams will play five straight times, two away followed by three at home, at the end of January. Last season Allen split six games against Rapid City (3-3-0-0).
- One thing working in Allen's favor is Rapid City has the worst home record in the ECHL (1-4-0-2) while the Americans have a losing record at home (2-3-3-0) but a winning record on the road (5-2-3-0).
- Here is how Allen and Rapid City rank is some key stats this season:
- Ave. goals scored: Allen #19 (2.69) - Rapid City #24 (2.40)
- Ave. goals allowed: Allen #29 (4.23) - Rapid City #26 (3.47)
- Ave. shots for: Allen #24 (27.62) - Rapid City #10 (31.47)
- Ave shots allowed: Allen #29 (41.92) - Rapid City #26 (34.87)
- Power play percentage: Allen #5 (23.1%) - Rapid City #13 (19.1%)
- Penalty kill percentage: Allen #22 (78.0%) - Rapid City #7 (86.0%)
- One of the reasons both of these team have had better results recently is they are allowing an average of 2.8 goals per game, a big improvement over their season long averages that rank the at the bottom of the league rankings.
- Special teams as always will be a big key to this series. Historically Allen and Rapid City have been high penalty minute teams, but not this season. Allen averages 11.38 (#19) penalty minutes per game and Rapid City averages 10.40 (#23). If you compare Rapid City's home special teams percentage to Allen's road percentages the Rush have the edge on the power play (33.3% vs 23.5%) and Allen has the edge on the penalty kill (87.0% vs 81.8%). Maybe the most important power play stat for Allen is it has at least one power play each in the last five games for a total of 6-14 (42.8%).
- Rapid City is undefeated when its scores first, but the Rush have scored first in just two of 15 games (13%) which is the lowest in the league. Allen has scored first in six of 13 games (46%) with a record of 4-1-1-0. Scoring first will be a big key along with playing with the lead. Neither Allen or Rapid City have won a game all season if it trailed after the first period or second period.
- Both of these teams give up a lot of shots, especially Allen who is last in the league allowing over 40 shots per game. The best way to reduce shots is having more offensive zone time. I noticed the coaches working hard on that in practice this week with drills designed to hang onto more pucks in the offensive zone. The drills emphasized puck protection and engagement.
- 22 players made the trip to Rapid City. Players that stayed home are Will Gavin* (14-day IR), Nolan Orzeck (14-day IR) and Dakota Seaman* (3-day IR). The rookies are marked with an asterisk. Notice the inexperience at the blue line with four of the six defensemen being rookies:
Goalies
- #33 Marco Costantini
- #35 Anson Thornton*
Defensemen
- #91 Ayo Adeniye*
- #3 Ryan Gagnon
- #66 Artyum Kulakov
- #21 Mike Van Unen*
- #2 Quinn Warmuth*
- #5 Hudson Wilson*
Forwards
- #26 Spencer Asuchak
- #42 Robbie Baillergeon
- #24 Harrison Blaisdell*
- #22 Easton Brodzinski
- #28 Brian Chambers*
- #16 Kyle Crnkovic
- #8 Mark Duarte
- #17 Riley Ginnell
- #84 Liam Gorman*
- #14 Brayden Guy
- #86 James Hardie
- #82 Ryan Mahshie*
- #11 Rylan Van Unen*
- #92 Brayden Watts
- Allen has four players on this trip that have 13+ points and the rest of the players have no more than two points. Rapid City, on the other hand, has no player with more than 11 points, but has 14 players with three or more points and 10 players with six or more points. If Rapid City can defend Allen's big four the Rush will be a difficult foe. If the Americans can get some depth scoring they will be tough to beat.
- Chaz Smedsrud (#24) has played in 11 games since being traded by Allen to Rapid City. He has averaged 1.00 points per game and is already tied for the team lead in points with 11 (4G, 7A). Seems like whenever former players play against Allen they find a way to score.
- Mark Duarte and Riley Ginnell will be making their first return to Rapid City after playing for the Rush last season. I talked to both of them after practice on Monday and they told me they are looking forward to the trip. They still have friends on the team and in Rapid City. Both would like nothing better then to score against their old team. James Hardie also played in Rapid City last, but was traded to Allen in at the end of March. He made a trip back to Rapid City late in the season and had a goal and two assists against his old team.
- I will post the lineup later in the day, but you would have to assume Anson Thornton will get the start tonight and Marco Costantini will play at some point in this series.
- Here the series preview issued by the Allen Americans: https://allenamericans.com/news/2024/11/game-day-preview-americans-open-a-three-game-series-in-rapid-city
- The game tonight will be a two referee game. The referees will be #6
John Linder and #54 Scott Allan. Linder was the referee for six Allen
games last year and there were an average of nine penalties in those six
games. Both referees are also AHL referees.
OTHER COMMENTS
- Defenseman Donovan Sebrango, who played four games for Allen last season was just called up to the Ottawa Senators from the Belleville Senators. If you recall, Sebrango scored the first goal of the season in Allen's opening night 5-2 win in Idaho last season. That was the same game goalie Leevi Merilainen won the game for Allen despite the Americans being outshot 45-19. The list of players that have played in Allen and then went on to the NHL is very short. Turns out there were two of them in the opening night lineup in Idaho last season. Hopefully Donovan will get in a game soon. The injured player Sebrango is replacing was placed on long term injured reserve yesterday.
- You may have seen the video of Allen's NHL affiliate, Utah HC, having to walk to the arena in Toronto because the traffic was so bad. One player in the video mentioned it was a first having to walk to the arena. It is not unusual in the ECHL and has been a frequent occurrence in Allen over the years when visiting teams stay at the Hampton Inn. I asked Tommy Daniels some of the places the team typically walks from the hotel to the rink. The list includes Kansas City, Idaho, Tulsa, Rapid City, Fort Wayne, Reading and Adirondack. Just another way NHL players are treated differently than ECHL players. Also, NHL payers squeak by on $132 per day per diem when traveling while ECHL players scrape by on $53 per day.
- There are 12 games around the ECHL tonight, very busy for a Wednesday. There are some great matchups. The top team in the Central Division, Toledo, is at Wheeling to take on the top team in the North Division. The top two teams in the Mountain Division, Tulsa and Kansas City, play in Tulsa. Here are all of the previews: https://echl.com/news/2024/11/echl-today-nov-27
DID YOU KNOW: Comparing ECHL and AHL attendance:
Smedsrud is showing BJ exactly why this decision to trade his was a moronic bonehead decision.
ReplyDeleteBJ should be fired, noting that anything other than a 3-0 win of the series against Rapid City would be a bad result.
Find it interesting that all our trades are successful… probably bc they have a real qualified coach.
DeleteIf he’s thinking this will be an easy series, he’s wrong.
Farmer developed under Costello.
DeleteSo did Crone.
So did Smedsrud.
So did Costantini
So did Kielly.
So did McAuley.
So did Hardie ... although you can argue he hasn't advanced in 24/25 under BJ's coaching.
Lol
ReplyDeleteThank you Barry.
ReplyDeleteOh and a fire BJ comment from the bitter old man crew. Shocking insight.
Fire BJ, okay. who will they hire? Why don’t you name a solution to this problem you keep complaining about?
The real truth is, no matter who they brought in, 99% of y’all wouldn’t accept or support anyone but Costello. So continuing to gnash your teeth and beat the dead horse is just getting old.
Have you emailed Jonny your suggestion on ending BJ’s contract? No? Why not?
(Thundering herd of orthopedic shoes to get to the keyboards)
“TB your out of touch”
“TB your an idiot”
But no one will give a solution or name a replacement coach. Just throw the same insults at me.
Memphis Dave might actually give me a name.
TB you remain an idiot!
DeleteJM has had power stripped.
DeleteJM cannot effect change.
The change is effected by one person - LJ.
Thinking anything to the contrary is delusional.
LJ needs to wake up, see what’s going on, understand the diabolical mess that has been 5+ months which was initiated by enabling Joe Ernst to effect change, and quite frankly just as bad is Myles Jack lying to Chad Costello. Systematically, those 2 events place us where we are today.
Give BJ a chance? Absolutely.
Here’s the issues, which JM cannot control:
- BJ failed to even contact players from last seasons roster bar a few (they ended up on the roster for training camp).
- BJ has traded away proven talent (Farmer, Smedsrud, Nielsen etc.)
- Players are unhappy with BJ’s approach (can’t elaborate further).
Now, what else has transpired to piss people off?
- STH were asked to commit in Feb. no issues ordinarily, but Chad had a big fan base and I’d argue many renewed based on him having another year, his commitment to bring in talent and the execution of a great comeback to make the playoffs having rebuilt the roster multiple times.
- Many have not heard from the club in the offseason, no emails, nothing except selling a mediocre jersey.
- Zero contact from STH rep.
- Zero sense of direction from the club.
- Termination of a club legends contract when many feel it was unjust and retaliatory from Ernst.
- execution of a partnership with Zawyer, only to be told by Zawyer that unless they have more control they want out
- expanded partnership with REV which will go beyond “marketing” with REV failing to show execution on the hockey side of the business elsewhere.
- No improvement as to the fan experience.
- Continual devaluation of STH commitment and giveaways of free seats (noting, free tickets should be given to teachers, school kids, first responders and hospital employees, but the approach should be direct to each school/ISD/hospital etc. not a blast to all emails you have on file including STH).
I mean I can keep going…..
Don’t be bitter TB, just accept there has been a colossal amount of screw ups, fan frustration and the only person that can affect change is LJ as Myles is an absent owner for the most part.
It’s nothing personal, many feel BJ isn’t the right guy. Many are happy to be proven wrong and hope BJ does that. Many were frustrated and angry when Costello replaced Marty. Many of those became Costy fans.
It’s real simple - many people believe a lot of the events since May 30 did not need to happen.
LJ has her fingerprints on all decisions.
I guess I’m in the 1%—I don’t want Costello back, but for his own sake. I don’t think he can succeed here right now.
DeleteRebuilding this team doesn’t start with the coach; it starts with ownership and management. They need to establish the big-picture strategy and then hire coaches who can execute it. When BJ was hired, it didn’t seem like that was the plan—it sounds like he was just the first to accept the salary offered.
The idea that no one can call BJ inadequate or suggest he be fired without naming his replacement is absurd. Management is already aware of available candidates and likely has a shortlist. Throwing out names here wouldn’t add much to the discussion.
That said, I’d want Zach Stortini to be considered.
And honestly, you sound like you’ve got a bit of a crush on Memphis Dave with how often you call him out. I don’t think he feels the same, but you’ve made me consider asking him to adopt me.
Tissue Boy nobody cares what you have to say. Go blow your nose
DeleteCostello couldn't effect change this season as BJ, Ernst, Zawyer and LJ have allowed what was being created to be destroyed.
DeleteI do think progress is being made. I see the team getting better each game.
That being said, comments pertaining to BJ losing the locker room and players not wanting to play for him concern me.
The club is terrible at marketing and communicating with fans. Just downright terrible. If REV has any input as to that then god help us.
BJ needs to come out of the shell he operates in, begin to appreciate and enjoy the ECHL, speak freely to STH and not think they will go and tell everyone in the ECHL what is discussed. Trading talent away without reason mystifies me. We've lost some good people.
Rev and Zawyer are butting heads bc Rev now sees what a train wreck Zawyer did. No one knows who’s making what decisions, the finger pointing has begun and will continue.
DeleteBJ has no control or leadership in the lockerroom. I mean he hasn’t even named a captain … he can’t even make a simple decision & yet we’re supposed to have faith he can make a hard one. Here’s the trio: Watts , Spencer & Gagnon. See not that hard.
Again, example #698 as to why LJ needs to step up and make big girl decisions. Time to stop being a fangirl for a moment and show leadership and lead by example…
DeleteGame Predictions:
ReplyDeleteAllen 3-2 in OT.
Game winner Brodz or Watts.
Allen 3-0 on the series. Marco to start in goal Saturday.
RC 2-1
DeleteOvertime? We don't need no stinking overtime - AMERICANS 8-0 in all 3 games! Great way to start our 34 game winning streak! We will have player of the week, goalie of the week, coach of the week and owner of the week!
Delete5-2, 1out of 3 in series
DeleteAyo Adeniye - Number Three Star of the Game - he tied his own laces!
DeleteMike Van Unen - Number Two Star of the Game - he walked Tissue Boy's Dog between periods
And Number One Star of the Game - Hank Crone - for escaping this madness!!!
The owners are trash and no nothing about this sport!!!! It’s a “look at me” we are part owners of a minor hockey team. SMH, Allen is at rock bottom and will have a hard time digging themselves out of this mess. It’s embarrassing! Hit the owners where it hurts…in their pockets. Sell the team!
ReplyDeleteWonder what the minority owners think about LJ's involvement.
DeleteSome owned their 10% well before this shitshow started.
Zane Schartz .... 10% owner of Allen Americans
DeleteWonder what he thinks...
Wonder what Megan Hayward thinks….. 🤔🙈
DeleteTommy again talking over National Anthem with commercials and Tommy’s grandson.
ReplyDeleteRelax. Give the guy a break. I'm not a huge fan but he does a decent job. Focus on the game.
DeleteIf you're not a buddy of Tommy you wont get a call out on the broadcast. Get's old fast. Understand the audience Tommy.
DeleteTommy is notoriously calling out his buddies
DeleteDidn't call my message out either. Typical.....
DeleteShout outs to only people he is using or benefits from. Half the time he just makes up names
DeleteIt would be nice if Tommy knew who scored 🙄
ReplyDeletethe uniforms are beyond confusing tonight,
DeleteYep - the Waldos vs Santa
DeleteThat is if you accept mediocrity.
DeleteIt's clear we do
DeleteGood lord Tommy watch the refs or the game, they called the goal off
ReplyDeleteOur Elite just got phucked! Wonderful
ReplyDeleteGetting hammered on SOG yet again.
ReplyDeleteHang on, Rapid City just hammer the net right?
Ah, that's OK then.
New coach needed.
Allen is terrible again at SOG.
DeleteRapid City outshooting them by 50%
Tommy alluding Rapid City shows 2 shots for every one shot at goal 🙄🙈 …. That after Rapid City hammers the net 3 times in a row. He’s been hanging around BJ too much.
Delete35-21 SOG ... going to lose a lot of games if this isn't fixed.
DeleteTommy takes a moment to get wound up to get excited about a Thornton save, but realizes its actually a goal, and just continues the excitement.
DeleteAllen terrible result.
ReplyDeleteShould have beaten RC.
Pressure mounts on BJ.
Marco in goal Saturday.
The LJ Way
ReplyDelete👍🏻 afraid to make leadership decisions. Seems like the years running an ATT store did wonders for LJ.
DeleteThis blog is the best content that the team has. Thank you and well done! Really enjoy the stats and news.
ReplyDeleteDo they have someone assigned to do social media? I am surprised that the league doesn’t mandate even the basic updates.
Maybe they should give access to someone who cares?