The Allen Americans came back from a 3-1 third-period deficit only to lose 4-3 to Tahoe in overtime last night. The game-winning goal, at 2:34 of overtime, was scored on the power play. What appeared to be an obvious slashing penalty against Tahoe was not called, just before Allen was called for a tripping penalty. It drew this remark from Coach Martinson when I talked to him after the game, "If you don't call the slashing, you can't call the tripping."
- Allen's eight-game winning streak was snapped, but the point they earned last night extends their point streak to nine games and may be critical to passing Idaho for second place in the division. The Steelheads beat Tulsa 4-1 last night and have a three-point lead (89 vs 86) over Allen. Idaho plays Tulsa this afternoon in their final game of the season. What does Allen have to do to finish in second place? If Idaho wins today, Allen needs five points in its last three games. If Idaho loses today, the Americans need three points in their last three games.
- In retrospect, there were a couple of key turning points early in the game last night that were key. Allen scored the first goal (8th time in 9 games) at 3:56 of the first period when Spencer Asuchak batted the puck out of the air into the net after it bounced off the end boards. Three minutes later, Danny Katic appeared to score a second goal. It was ruled a goal on the ice, but after a long review, the goal was disallowed for a kicking motion. Shortly after the disallowed goal that would have given Allen a 2-0 lead, Tahoe tied the score. The period ended with the score tied 1-1, but Tahoe took two penalties in the last nine seconds of the period (19:51 & 19:59).
- The second turning point was when Allen started the second period with a long 5-on-3 power play (1:51) and failed to convert. The Americans managed just one shot. When I asked Coach Martinson about this power play, he told me, "We had a chance between periods to set up three different plays to try on that 5-on-3, and they didn't try any of them."
- The second period, which has been Allen's best all season, did not go well for the Americans. After the failed 5-on-3 power play, Tahoe scored two unanswered goals to take a 3-1 lead into the second intermission. The Americans had some chances, outshooting Tahoe 13-11, but could not get the puck past the Knight Monsters' goalie.
- Allen's record when trailing after the second period is 3-18-3-0, so it was clear the third period would be a challenge, trailing 3-1. It didn't take long for Allen to cut into that lead. Michael Gildon, scored his second goal in as many games at the 4:24 mark. At the midpoint of the period, Brayden Watts tied the score 3-3, and Allen was back in business. Both teams had opportunities to win the game in the second half of the third period, but the goalies made great saves. The bottom line is that it was a big comeback by the Americans to force the game into overtime.
- The overtime period was a disappointment for the Americans. No shots in the first 1:56 of overtime, and then a tripping penalty gave Tahoe a 4-on-3 power play. It took 38 seconds for Tahoe to score. It was the only shot of the overtime period.
Here are the video highlights and game recaps from both teams:
- Video highlights: https://echl.com/videos/tahoe-knight-monsters-vs-allen-americans-apr-11-2026
- Allen game recap: https://allenamericans.com/news/2026/04/americans-earn-ot-point
- Tahoe game recap: https://knightmonstershockey.com/news/2026/04/knight-monsters-win-season-series-against-americans-with-4-3-overtime-road-victory
- Right after the game, the team was scrambling to get packed up to head to Wichita, which is a 365-mile drive. Puck drop this afternoon is 2:05 CDT. Wichita also had to travel back home last night after losing 4-3 to Kansas City. Their commute was 207 miles.
- No doubt, both teams will be tired today, playing their fourth game in five days. You often hear these games are more will over skill. In that case, the Americans should be very motivated with second place on the line. There is no excuse for not winning this game. Wichita has nothing to play for and has had its team depleted. They have lost 11 of their last 12 games. By any measure, Allen is the better team today. They need to prove it today.
- Allen will have some lineup changes for the game today. Landon Hookey (injured) and Colton Hargrove (healthy scratch) did not make the trip. Andre Anania is still in Milwaukee on loan. Moving into the lineup with fresh legs will be Kevin Gursoy and Chase Maxwell. Marco Costantini will be in goal. His last start was April 2, against Greensboro.
- Here is the lineup for today.
- Allen's game starts an hour before Idaho's, so the Idaho outcome will not be known before the Allen game is over. What is known is that an Allen regulation loss today, along with an Idaho win, eliminates all chances of the Americans reaching second place. The definition of a must-win game.
OTHER COMMENTS
- Danny Katic's ECHL goal lead is two goals over Brandon Hawkins of Toledo (36-34). Both players have three games remaining. Hawkins will also have a say in which forward finishes with the most points. Hawkins leads with 73 points, followed by Brayden Watts with 72. Utah's Danny Dzhaniyev also has 72 points, but only one game left.
- Savannah lost last night, but still clinched a spot in the playoffs. There are only two playoff spots yet to be determined, both in the Central Division. Here are the points and games remaining for the four teams vying for the final two playoff spots:
- Andre Anania had one shot and was +1 in helping Milwaukee to a 4-3 shootout win yesterday. He will be in the lineup again today (3:00 pm CDT) when Milwaukee hosts the Iowa Wild at home.
- Belleville has been officially eliminated from the AHL playoffs, and now the only thing keeping the Senators from sending players to Allen is availability. Belleville has three games remaining, on Wednesday (15th), Friday (17th), and Saturday (18th), so don't expect many players to be sent to Allen before Saturday. FYI, playoff rosters are due on Monday (20th) at 3:00 pm EDT.
- A former Allen American has been suspended, and a coach has been fined. Here are the details: https://echl.com/news/2026/04/echl-announces-fines-suspensions2
DID YOU KNOW: The Americans are the best offensive team in the ECHL, averaging 3.72 goals per game. Allen has six players with 20 or more goals. How does that compare to the rest of the league?
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