18 Game Challenge Update:
- 9th game in the books
- Last game: 4-2 home loss to Kansas City
- Next game: Idaho at home on Tuesday
- Record: 1-7-1-0
- Point Percentage: .167
- The Allen Americans came close to earning a point last night in a 4-2 loss to the Kansas City Mavericks. But as we used to say when I was in Vietnam in a mortar platoon, close only counts in darts, horseshoes and mortars. Or as I heard Colin Jacobs say in post game interviews the last two night, moral victories don't mean much in the standings.
- The first period was scoreless which doesn't sound like a big thing, but it was. In the three previous games against the Mavericks the first period scores were 3-0, 1-0, 3-0 and remember, Kansas City is a perfect 13-0-0-0 when leading after the first period.
- Allen scored the first goal of the game at 3:24 of the second period which was the first time in the four head to head matches against the Mavericks the Americans tallied the first goal. That was big because Kansas City's record when it scores first is 15-1-1-1. While preventing the Mavericks from scoring first was big, it wasn't a big advantage for Allen. As hard as it seems, the Americans actually have a losing record when they score first (5-7-3-0, .433). That is the worst scoring first record in the league.
- The second period has been an issue for Allen most of the season and it proved to be the case again last night. Allen has been outshot 401-250 in the second period this season and was outshot 23-11 last night. The 23 shots was the second most shots allowed in the second period in the ECHL this season.
- Second period goals have also been an issue for Allen. The Americans scored both of its goals in the second period taking a 1-0 lead on J.C. Brassard's second goal of the season and a 2-1 lead on Kyle Crnkovic's sixth goal of the season. The Americans couldn't hold either lead as they gave up three second period goals to the Mavericks. Allen has been outscored 38-23 in the second period.
- Kansas City took the 3-2 lead into the second period intermission and it was pretty much lights out for the Americans. The Mavericks record when leading after the second period is 13-0-1-0 and when Allen is trailing after the second period its record is 1-13-2-0. The odds proved to be prophetic as the only goal of the third period was the Maverick's empty net goal with 0.2 seconds remaining to make the final score 4-2.
- Nothing spells dominance more than the totals in the four games against Kansas City which were all played in Allen. The Americans are 0-4, have been outscored 22-4 and outshot 167-87. The Americans will face the Mavericks twice this week in Kansas City, on Friday and Saturday. As odd as it sounds, it will be a break for Allen playing Kansas City on the road. Both teams play much better on the road than at home. Hopefully that works in Allen's favor. Her are the stats:
- Allen is 2-8-4-0 (.286) at home vs 6-7-1-0 (.464) on the road.
- Kansas City is 4-4-1-1 (.500) at home vs 15-3-1-0 (.816) on the road.
- Luke Richardson played great in goal last night stopping 41 of 44 shots for a .932 save percentage. Since joining Allen, Luke has played in five games for a total of 258 minutes. He has a GAA of 2.33 and .928 save percentage.
Here are the video highlights: https://echl.com/videos/kansas-city-mavericks-vs-allen-americans-dec-28-2024
COACH'S COMMENTS
"We were able to score first and hit a few posts, but some execution issues prevented us from scoring more. They turned the tide turned a little bit in our end in the second period. We got caught running around and that may have tired us out some for the third period."
"We had too many bad reads and didn't take care of the puck in terms of how we broke out. That hemmed us in and we had trouble with the breakouts."
"When we pulled the goalie at the end the execution wasn't good. Lost faceoffs and bad passes hurt us. It is not the shot that is the problem it is the bad pass into the feet or two inches high or behind the player. A pass off by three inches makes a big difference."
"We will take tomorrow off and get back at it on Monday to get ready for Idaho."
- Next up for the Allen Americans is a visit from the Idaho Steelheads on New Year's Eve. Idaho has had its struggles recently. Wichita beat them twice this weekend in Idaho. It was a 3-2 overtime loss on Friday and a 5-0 shutout last night for Idaho. The Steelheads have lost six of their last 10 games and are currently not in a playoff position.
OTHER COMMENTS
- Kansas City's sweep of Allen pushed the Mavericks above the .700 point percentage mark where they join a small club. Here are the five ECHL teams with a .700+ point percentage. The odds, based on the historical data, would say the eventual Kelly Cup champions will be one of these five teams. While Florida is on this list this year, last season the Everblades beat the historical odds by finishing #8 in the regular season with a .628 point percentage and went on to win the Kelly Cup. Here are the top five by point percentage:
- .788 - Wheeling
- .771 - Trois-Riviéres
- .750 - Florida
- .707 - Toledo
- .707 - Kansas City
- It is a relatively busy Sunday in the ECHL with 10 games on the schedule, most of them starting at 3:00 pm local time. The only Mountain Division game today is Tulsa at Tahoe. Here are the previews: https://echl.com/news/2024/12/echl-today-dec-29
DID YOU KNOW: The ECHL Stats post today looks at net power play percentage. Allen's power play percentage is 20.7%, but when you compute net power play percentage by subtracting shorthanded goals allowed the Americans net power play percentage is 17.1%.
Allen was out played by a smarter team.
ReplyDeleteBJ was out coached.
Allen played their best 25 minutes of the season in the first and second periods, before it all fell apart. BJ berating players doesn't help. He is clearly feeling the pressure.
Myles, any update on changes?
0.167 is pathetic.
ReplyDeleteI sit by the penalty box. Looking at the Americans bench I see Ferguson laughing a lot. Why?
ReplyDeleteProbably trying to uplift the players. He's a jovial guy on and off the ice.
DeleteLess jovial. More coaching at the game.
DeleteCan celebrate with success.
All for being jovial off the ice.
Results matter in this league.
Attendance matters.
BJ needs to go!!!! ASAP 🆘
ReplyDeleteWonder if he thinks shots on goals still don’t matter. I think anyone pulled from the stands could coach better than him. The players deserve better than him!
Way to go Coach …..still setting those records, adding to the worst home record in the league.
ReplyDeletePositives:
ReplyDelete* Great effort and execution on both goals
* Outstanding performance by #33 keeping the game close with key saves.
Feedback:
* 1st Period, 16:34: #82 focus on staying inside the face-off dots to avoid giving up easy breakaway, like this one that led to a great save by #33
* 2nd Period, 1st Goal: #26 avoid chasing the puck; stay in position to use your size (6’6”) effectively to get a stick in the way of the defenseman shooting. #3 be more willing to block shots in front- especially important on the penalty kill and in tight games.
* 2nd Period, 2nd Goal: #2, end the play earlier at the blue line if possible. If not, stay inside the dots and trust #42 to handle the player. Slide to the middle to prevent the primary scoring threat from taking a high-quality chance.
* 2nd Period, 3rd Goal: #5, communicate with #28. Make it clear you’ve got the forward driving the net so #28 can pick up the defenseman, who ultimately scored. Defensive awareness is key here.
* 3rd Period, Disallowed Goal: #8, work on boxing out the forward in front and stepping up to block the shot instead of being passive. A lucky break this was disallowed, as the forward kicked it in.
Thanks Chad.
DeleteHopefully you’ll be back in Allen one day.
This Eye in the Sky needs to be signed ASAP…comments say “I can coach and guide” these guys…and they would appreciate the Coaching
DeleteOr was it Gensy?
Delete2 people we know it wasn’t, BJ or Ferguson.
Delete😆
DeleteJustin ☠️ 🤣🤣 good one
Delete🤣🤣🤣
DeleteWe just suck and it’s starts with BJ. These owners are about to loose so much money next season… a whole entire section will not be renewing their seats. Owners better do something!!!
ReplyDeleteI’m sure there is more than 1 section
Deletebye!
DeleteSo, we all agree change is needed.
ReplyDeleteThe challenge for Myles is who do we get?
Martinson isn’t coming back. Zero chance.
Costello … not sure terms of his deal in Rapid City, could be for next season also. Whilst prayers for Burtie, it doesn’t sound great and Chad may be there a lot longer, transitioning in the future to RC’s head coach. Again, we all hope Burtie defeats this.
Who would y’all hire tomorrow to be Head Coach and GM. Do we have a separate GM?
I’m not sure to the above.
DeleteSteve Kerr is one of the most respected people in the NBA and has this to say yesterday on a fellow coach’s firing.
Perhaps ownership should understand these words as they disrupted continuity for zero reason other than a Joe Ernst vendetta.
“I feel very fortunate to work in an organization that really values continuity,” Kerr said. “That allows our team and our staff to get through the rough patches. Every team in the league is going to face these tough stretches, like we’re going through right now.
“I know I’m probably the exception rather than the rule when it comes to organizational support and continuity. That doesn’t mean it’s going to last forever, but it means I’ve been very lucky to coach here and work for this organization, because it’s not easy. This job, this business, it’s pretty rough.
Just throwing names out:
Delete1. Rob Murray
2. Steve Bergin
3. Andrew Lord
Chad Costello should be approached regardless. He’s proven talent, on and off the ice.
I’d also approach Colton Hargrove if he were to retire.
Costy 👍🏻
DeleteChad will still be coaching the Rush. All the players will run to play for him. They will have a great team next season. I’m sure they will surpass us in the standings too, ironically funny.
DeleteWhat a mess a few people have made of this team/club. Couldn’t have gone any worse. 🙄
DeleteIf (if grandma had balls she’d be grandpa) I owned the team, knowing Martinson’s success starting in San Diego, where I had season tickets, all the way through his coaching career, I would open my checkbook and at least try to get him back. We certainly would not do worse than where we are at.
DeleteAdmittedly, I do not know the affiliation world, but I feel like being affiliated brings more handcuffs than it’s worth (upside feels minimal but maybe that’s because we haven’t been affiliated with very good teams). But admittedly, I do not know much in that area to make more than a general comment and only based on what I’ve seen over 30-ish years of watching hockey at minor league levels in addition to the NHL.
Something has to change and change quickly because the season is going to go downhill faster the longer we wait.
You make statements with such confidence as if your know what you’re talking about. Fools.
ReplyDeleteDo tell. What makes you think that they don’t?
Delete*you maybe proof read your posts. Fool
DeleteLOL if you go back to the beginning of the season, when people were called negative non supporting fans and to give it time....are you just upset they were correct in all the prediction. Put the bottle down
DeleteFunny - I think we have very conflicting definition of "Fools"
DeleteYou may be correct - let's revisit that, say mid-April. OK?
I agree. Just a bunch of grown ass whiners. Dont have better things to do. Aren’t productive . Just whiners.
ReplyDeleteDude you’re posting the same comments and agreeing with yourself. Delusional.
DeleteYou aren’t wearing losing very well. Perhaps a different outfit will suit you better.
DeleteEnjoy the team today - it’s the best they will be all season
Last checked, winning is (supposed to be) the goal. I would imagine that anyone taking the time to post on an ECHL blog cares and is likely a paying fan. They are lucky to still have some of us given the epic mismanagement of this team.
Delete☝🏻 this…..
DeleteThen I will continue to be a grown-ass whiner until the funds I had to spend before this fiasco are used up. Next year, I won't be a grown-ass whiner because I won't have a dog in the fight... or any tickets!
DeleteI have said this before & I’ll say it again to the pigeons that think their aren’t people on here that are in the know. There are people on here that are actually in the know. They post thinking that certain people will read it & take note. & those people know who they are & we commend them for being on here trying to make things better. Myles reads the blog (noted on here) JM reads the blog (as stated by himself). Bottom line is Myles knows wtf is going on & is handcuffed with Zawyer (Joe) & Rev don’t forget about them. Paging local investors… FIND THE LOOP HOLE & get rid of the cancers! Has anyone noticed that the suspensions league wide are down this season? I wonder why.. (Joe) isn’t in charge. Barry can you confirm this compared to last season throughout the league?
ReplyDeleteYep, you’d be surprised who posts on this blog. That’s all I will say and I am in the know. 🤫
DeleteThank you!
Deleteoh i am in the know, i know that you know that we know that they know.... that all know what is known by those in the know who know...
Deletewhat a stupid post.
i am you
DeleteWho in their right mind would even consider buying this dumpster fire right now. We have owners that don’t really understand hockey although I think Myles is really trying. Unfortunately his mother doesn't have a clue. Perhaps Rev can help on the business side but Zawyer continues with management of the on ice product which has been a tragedy so far this season. Maybe with Zawyer out Marty or Chad could be convinced to return. Right now they are the only two that really understand the franchise both as coach and GM. Any new owner would have to lay a lot of groundwork before entering negotiations. That in itself could prove to be a Herculean task.
DeleteI am hearing the REV deal isn't working and ownership is looking to exit that deal. Ownership is listening and watching.
DeleteDespite being tied to consulting deals and management deals, the amount of missteps is far too high. We are almost halfway through what has been a horrendous season. This debacle started late May and continues to this day.
DeleteTime is now to lay out strategic plans for 25/26 and beyond.
I sincerely hope Myles and LJ are executing on this behind the scenes.
Crone's gonna get a hatty..... just sayin
ReplyDeleteHank was never happy at Allen, he normally just sat on the bench and pouted that he had to live with his mom and dad in Highland Park... poor guy.
DeleteLOL if you’re gong to try and take a shot at someone do your research first … he’s from Cedar Hills
Deletethanks holly
Deletein the know posterDecember 29, 2024 at 6:24 PM
ReplyDeleteoh i am in the know, i know that you know that we know that they know.... that all know what is known by those in the know who know...
what a stupid post.
I agree, if they really were in the know they wouldn’t be posting here. The fact they keep saying they are in the know, the less likely they are. I agree, what a stupid thing to post.
Why you mad Bro? Bc all the talk in the beginning has come to light?
ReplyDeleteFans that understand the basics of hockey, understand the ways to form rosters, not because they are experts, but because they absorb the game of hockey whether it be NHL, AHL or other ECHL teams, understand that every step this off season, including the promises made, and promises ultimately not kept by BJ towards certain players, has been obvious from Day 1.
DeleteFans were quick to see former players, or players who spoke out about Chad being fired, not even called. This was a grave mistake from a rookie ECHL Coach/GM in listening to referee Joe Ernst. W
We are still feeling the effects today and could for another season. BJ was hired to win. From what has been posted here recently, it seems BJ was applying for every Zawyer coaching gig when it came up.
DeleteUs fans have been fleeced by the club, specifically ownership for the 24/25 season.
To those attacking JM, there is some substance there, but JM I can see cares. I also suspect everyone is concerned at the likelihood of losing $250-300k of STH renewals. That can require immediate capital calls. not a good scenario. Margins are compressed and slim as it is.
LJ and Myles need to step up. I've been trying to bump into LJ with no luck for the past 6 home games. Myles is no where to be seen. LJ needs to come and sit next to me in the fan seats, and stop spending so much time in the suites. She should come and spend a period next to me and witness/observe from the fans perspective, not some jaded perspective from the suites.
I'm rooting for RED, but people are making this so hard.
To quote Memphis Dave, none of this needed to happen kiddos .... NONE OF IT.
C’mon man! LJ was in the owner’s suite all alone during the last home game. I went in and chatted with her for about 10 minutes. She was certainly subdued and I think overall concerned about the team (although still a little lost about what to do). I suggested that, with Jonny having addressed the STH did she think Myles would be receptive. She said she would ask him - time will tell if the message gets relayed.
DeleteMost don't go to the suite level and walk around trying to find LJ.
DeleteC'mon Ted!!
This ^^^^^^
DeleteNot allowed on that level unless you have suite tickets or loge tickets anyway. Keep hiding up there though - great place to avoid the fans Ms. Montgomery Burns
DeleteSTHs are allowed access to the loge/suite section without a specific ticket - my actual seats are in Sec 101 where I watch the first and third periods. I go up to the loge section for second period to watch from the Americans attacking end. The owners suite is marked as such and is usually open and Myles and/or LJ are usually there. If you are going to criticize them from afar why not go talk to them face-to-face.
DeleteBecause. They would rather just keep complaining vs ask how they can help.
DeleteExample - Jonny offered his email to Barry for anyone to reach out and yet no one ever did… I’d name names but would get my comment deleted.
Wrong. Totally wrong.
DeleteThank you for your comments. So much better than all the ignoramus “insights”.
ReplyDeleteAnd especially the ignoramus "we have a better record this year than last year" and "what NHL team did you coach so you can have an opinion" comments! I could go on and on and on...
DeleteMark Sinclair ... loaned to Belleville. Oh how things have changed....
ReplyDelete