The Allen Americans beat the Missouri Mavericks 4-2 last night before a rocking crowd of 5262 at the Allen Event Center. The Americans now have a 3-1 series lead with the opportunity to win the series at home on Sunday and advance to the Western Conference final.
- Allen didn't play their best, but found a way to win in large part because of the play of goalie Riley Gill who stopped 35 of 37 Mavericks shots. What Allen did do right was get off to a good start scoring the first two goals of the game. The Americans had a 2-0 lead after the second period but squandered it away as the Mavericks scored twice early in the third period. Missouri scored a power play goal just 11 seconds into the period and another at the 3:26 mark. While Missouri dominated play early in the third period the Americans battled back and through a lot of hard work got the game winner. Spencer Asuchak came off the bench on a line change and arrived at the net just as a pass from Dyson Stevenson arrived. It was a "Texas Leaguer" as Dyson's pass to the net went off the stick of the Mavericks player covering him and fluttered toward the front of the net. The timing was perfect for the arrival of Asuchak who fired the puck in the net. It looked like, on replay, the Missouri defenders got mesmerized by the floating puck and ignored Asuchak who was flying toward the net.
- The goal scorers for Allen were Vincent Arseneau (2 & 3), Gary Steffes (3) and Spencer Asuchak (3). You can check out all of the goals and some great saves by Gill at ECHL Rewind. Make sure to replay the game winner by Asuchak several times and watch how Roy and Stevenson carry the puck up the ice while the other three players head to the bench. Asuchak is the first over the boards and streaks to the front of the net. You can find ECHL Rewind here: http://www.echl.com/
- This series is far from over. Allen has a great opportunity to close it out on Sunday afternoon (4:05 pm). However, if Missouri can win on Sunday and get the series back home for games six and seven, I am sure they like their chances. Game five will be critical.
STEVE MARTINSON'S POST GAME COMMENTS
- I sure didn't like the start of that third period. Missouri scored on the rush on the power play right away and really took it to us the first seven or eight minutes of the period. Riley Gill dug down and kept us in the game at that point. Then I thought we gained some momentum as our forwards started kicking it in again. We made some plays to the net and almost had a couple of other goals.
- We need to figure out a way to get back to where we were on Wednesday night. We need to make sure we are skating like we did in the first period in game three.
- We will have practice tomorrow but will just have a few guys at practice. The pace was pretty tough tonight with a lot of back and forth.
- It was nice to see Asuchak's good timing on that game winning goal. He also dogged the puck down on the empty net goal and passed to Arseneau. The Mavericks can generate offense quickly so it was good to see the empty net goal.
- I expect Missouri to come out on Sunday and give it everything they got so we will have to be sure we are ready to play. Missouri has a really good team. The first seven or eight minutes of the third period they were giving us more than we could handle. Our forwards were not getting any puck possession time and we weren't winning battles for the puck and we weren't moving our feet, we were standing around and turning pucks over. That is all I was saying on the bench. We have to get moving and win some battles and making some plays.
- I thought the referees did a good job tonight. You always think they missed one or two calls but I am sure Missouri feels the same way.
- There were a lot of odd man rushes both ways tonight. They would get something going one way and didn't score and then we had something going the other way. That happened several times as both teams were getting odd man rushes. I don't think either team had a game plan to do that but that is how it turned out.
- Jordan Rowley and Thomas Carr are playing a pretty big role in this series and getting a lot of minutes. We have been using Rowley on the penalty kill. Carr made a great play on the pass to Steffes on his goal tonight. They are professional rookies but they played junior hockey and then five years of college hockey, they were Canadian National champions and all-stars so they are very experienced. Both of them can defend and also jump up in the play and help out with the offense.
- Riley Gill's play in the playoffs shows why he has won two championships. He is not giving them anything easy.
OTHER COMMENTS
- Allen has now beaten Missouri five of the last six times they have played each other. The Mavericks started the season beating Allen six of nine times.
- There was a huge milestone reached last night as Riley Gill became the winningest playoff goalie in ECHL history. The win last night was #43 all time for Riley and ties him with Nick Vitucci who played in the 1990's. Riley took 70 games to get his 43 wins while Vitucci played in 80 playoff games. Congrats!
- "It was a good battle. They scored on a lucky bounce. We have to look ahead and get ready for Sunday. We found ways to win all season and we aren't going to stop now.".....Mavericks coach Richard Matvichuk
- Chad Costello had an assist on the Steffes goal to extend his point scoring streak to 30 games.
- Will have a complete game preview tomorrow but an interesting statistic from the NHL record book. In seven game quarterfinal series when a team starts the series on the road and takes a 3-1 lead the odds of winning game five is 50-50 but the odds of winning the series is 90%.
- Thanks to the voice of the Missouri Mavericks, Bob Rennison, for inviting me to be his between periods guest last night on his broadcast. It is always great to talk hockey with Bob, who has forgotten more hockey history than I will ever know.
PLAYOFF UPDATE
- Fort Wayne beat Utah last night 5-3 to sweep that series 4-0. Fort Wayne will now have time to rest as they await the winner of the Missouri vs Allen series.
- Reading plays at home tonight against Wheeling. The series is tied 2-2.
- Adirondack is at home tonight to take on South Carolina. The series is tied 2-2.
- Home teams were 1-1 last night so the overall home vs road record now stands at 31-32.
DID YOU KNOW: Statistically, Allen has been ranked in the lower half of the teams
remaining in the playoffs in most categories. However, the stats are
somewhat skewed by two lopsided losses of 7-1 against Idaho and 5-2
against Missouri. If you eliminate those two games Allen has outscored
their opponents in nine playoff games 26-15, has a power play
percentage of 26.5% and a penalty kill percentage of 90.3%. The Americans team plus/minus would improve from -3 to +19.
Saturday, May 7, 2016
Friday, May 6, 2016
Allen vs Missouri Game Four Preview, Playoff Update and Minor Penalties With Major Impact
It is game day for the Allen Americans as they take on the Missouri Mavericks in game four of their best of seven series (7:05 pm). The Americans lead the series 2-1 and have a chance to take a commanding lead with a win tonight. If Allen loses tonight it would mean the series will finish in Missouri, no matter what the outcome of game five on Sunday.
- Here is how Allen and Missouri rank among the eight teams remaining in the playoffs.
Goals Against Average: Allen 6th (2.49) - Missouri 3rd (2.29)
Goals Scored Per Game: Allen 8th (2.50) - Missouri 4th (3.14)
Goals Allowed Per Game: Allen 5th (2.50) - Missouri 3rd (2.29)
Shots For Per Game: Allen 4th (30.70) - Missouri 7th (28.29)
Shots Against Per Game: Allen 3rd (28.00) - Missouri 5th (29.75)
Shooting Percentage: Allen 8th (8.1%) - Missouri 2nd (11.1%)
Power Play Percentage: Allen 1st (25.6%) - Missouri 3rd (20.0%)
Penalty Kill Percentage: Allen 7th (82.2%) - Missouri 4th (85.7%)
Plus/Minus: Allen 8th (-18) - Missouri 4th (+13)
- The totals for the three playoff games thus far have Allen leading in goals (9-6) and shots (86-80). Both teams have scored three power play goals with Allen going 3-18 (16.7%) and Missouri going 3-16 (18.8%). The difference in power play goals is the Americans have one in each game while the Mavericks scored three in one game and had none in the other two games.
- If you look at home versus road special teams play in all playoff games there is a striking difference on the power play. At home Allen is 6-21 (28.6%) while on the road Missouri is 2-15 (13.3%). It is a different story on the penalty kill as both teams have been outstanding. At home Allen at 92.9% on the penalty kill but Missouri is even better as their road penalty kill is at 93.8%.
- Allen has taken 21 penalties for 42 minutes in the first three games while Missouri has taken 23 penalties for 46 minutes. Missouri was one of the least penalized teams in the regular season and Allen was one of the most penalized teams. Allen had 61 major penalties (mostly for fighting) while Missouri had just 23.
- An early goal has proved to be very telling in the first three games of this series. The team that scored the early goal has won each game. A good start is imperative for both teams tonight.
- You might see a roster change for the game tonight especially if the physicality of the game is expected to be ramped up.
- The referees scheduled tonight are Stephen Reneau (#17) and Peter Tarnaris (#23). The linesmen will be Brian Bull (#49) and Alex Black (#63).
PLAYOFF UPDATE
- It was a heart breaker for the Reading Royals last night. They were playing at home with a chance to take a 3-1 series lead against Wheeling. The Royals scored a third period goal to tie the game 1-1 and send it to overtime. It took three overtimes before Wheeling rookie Cody Wydo scored the game winner. The series is now tied 2-2 with game five in Reading on Saturday.
- South Carolina fell behind 2-1 in their series with Adirondack and played in Adirondack last night. With their backs against the wall the Stingrays showed why they are considered the favorites to win the Eastern Conference. South Carolina scored their first goal just one minute into the game and never looked back shutting out Adirondack 6-0. With the series now tied 2-2 game five will be in Adirondack on Saturday.
- There are two playoff games tonight. In addition to Allen vs Missouri, the Fort Wayne Komets have a chance to become the first team to qualify for the conference finals. The Komets play Utah in Utah leading the series 3-0.
- Both road teams won last night so the home vs road playoff record is now 30-31. Playing at home has certainly not been an advantage thus far in the playoffs.
OTHER COMMENTS
- The Pensacola Ice Flyers won the Southern Professional Hockey League (SPHL) championship last night with a 5-4 victory over the Peoria Rivermen. It was the third SPHL championship for Pensacola in the last four years. It was quite a finish as the Ice Flyers scored the game winning goal as time expired.
- Have heard a lot of feedback about the penalties Missouri defenseman C.J. Ludwig took at the end of the game on Wednesday. As much as Allen fans love Tyler and Trevor Ludwig for all they have accomplished in hockey, the feeling is not the same for their younger brother. C.J. has been suspended numerous times this season by the ECHL and AHL. On Wednesday he was penalized at 18:56 of the third period for two infractions, tripping and slashing. If you look at the video it looks like Ludwig slows down so he won't get hit by Dyson Stevenson and then deliberately uses his stick to take out Stevenson's legs. Dyson falls awkwardly into the boards. Ludwig then puts his stick between Stevenson's legs and deliberately tries to injure him (see picture). In the boxscore it was just two minor penalties at the end of a blowout victory by Allen. To Americans fans it was two more attempts to deliberately injure. When added to the clipping penalties earlier in the season, one of which broke Aaron Gen's ankle, there are certainly some hard feelings lingering.
DID YOU KNOW: This is the 12th playoff series since Steve Martinson became coach of the Allen Americans but the game tonight is just the second game four at home. The only other game four at home was in the 2014 championship final against Denver. Allen won that game 4-3 in overtime on a goal by Jonathan Lessard. In playoff game fours on the road Allen's record is 6-4.
- Here is how Allen and Missouri rank among the eight teams remaining in the playoffs.
Goals Against Average: Allen 6th (2.49) - Missouri 3rd (2.29)
Goals Scored Per Game: Allen 8th (2.50) - Missouri 4th (3.14)
Goals Allowed Per Game: Allen 5th (2.50) - Missouri 3rd (2.29)
Shots For Per Game: Allen 4th (30.70) - Missouri 7th (28.29)
Shots Against Per Game: Allen 3rd (28.00) - Missouri 5th (29.75)
Shooting Percentage: Allen 8th (8.1%) - Missouri 2nd (11.1%)
Power Play Percentage: Allen 1st (25.6%) - Missouri 3rd (20.0%)
Penalty Kill Percentage: Allen 7th (82.2%) - Missouri 4th (85.7%)
Plus/Minus: Allen 8th (-18) - Missouri 4th (+13)
- The totals for the three playoff games thus far have Allen leading in goals (9-6) and shots (86-80). Both teams have scored three power play goals with Allen going 3-18 (16.7%) and Missouri going 3-16 (18.8%). The difference in power play goals is the Americans have one in each game while the Mavericks scored three in one game and had none in the other two games.
- If you look at home versus road special teams play in all playoff games there is a striking difference on the power play. At home Allen is 6-21 (28.6%) while on the road Missouri is 2-15 (13.3%). It is a different story on the penalty kill as both teams have been outstanding. At home Allen at 92.9% on the penalty kill but Missouri is even better as their road penalty kill is at 93.8%.
- Allen has taken 21 penalties for 42 minutes in the first three games while Missouri has taken 23 penalties for 46 minutes. Missouri was one of the least penalized teams in the regular season and Allen was one of the most penalized teams. Allen had 61 major penalties (mostly for fighting) while Missouri had just 23.
- An early goal has proved to be very telling in the first three games of this series. The team that scored the early goal has won each game. A good start is imperative for both teams tonight.
- You might see a roster change for the game tonight especially if the physicality of the game is expected to be ramped up.
- The referees scheduled tonight are Stephen Reneau (#17) and Peter Tarnaris (#23). The linesmen will be Brian Bull (#49) and Alex Black (#63).
PLAYOFF UPDATE
- It was a heart breaker for the Reading Royals last night. They were playing at home with a chance to take a 3-1 series lead against Wheeling. The Royals scored a third period goal to tie the game 1-1 and send it to overtime. It took three overtimes before Wheeling rookie Cody Wydo scored the game winner. The series is now tied 2-2 with game five in Reading on Saturday.
- South Carolina fell behind 2-1 in their series with Adirondack and played in Adirondack last night. With their backs against the wall the Stingrays showed why they are considered the favorites to win the Eastern Conference. South Carolina scored their first goal just one minute into the game and never looked back shutting out Adirondack 6-0. With the series now tied 2-2 game five will be in Adirondack on Saturday.
- There are two playoff games tonight. In addition to Allen vs Missouri, the Fort Wayne Komets have a chance to become the first team to qualify for the conference finals. The Komets play Utah in Utah leading the series 3-0.
- Both road teams won last night so the home vs road playoff record is now 30-31. Playing at home has certainly not been an advantage thus far in the playoffs.
OTHER COMMENTS
- The Pensacola Ice Flyers won the Southern Professional Hockey League (SPHL) championship last night with a 5-4 victory over the Peoria Rivermen. It was the third SPHL championship for Pensacola in the last four years. It was quite a finish as the Ice Flyers scored the game winning goal as time expired.
- Have heard a lot of feedback about the penalties Missouri defenseman C.J. Ludwig took at the end of the game on Wednesday. As much as Allen fans love Tyler and Trevor Ludwig for all they have accomplished in hockey, the feeling is not the same for their younger brother. C.J. has been suspended numerous times this season by the ECHL and AHL. On Wednesday he was penalized at 18:56 of the third period for two infractions, tripping and slashing. If you look at the video it looks like Ludwig slows down so he won't get hit by Dyson Stevenson and then deliberately uses his stick to take out Stevenson's legs. Dyson falls awkwardly into the boards. Ludwig then puts his stick between Stevenson's legs and deliberately tries to injure him (see picture). In the boxscore it was just two minor penalties at the end of a blowout victory by Allen. To Americans fans it was two more attempts to deliberately injure. When added to the clipping penalties earlier in the season, one of which broke Aaron Gen's ankle, there are certainly some hard feelings lingering.
 |
| C.J Ludwig with stick between the legs of Dyson Stevenson |
DID YOU KNOW: This is the 12th playoff series since Steve Martinson became coach of the Allen Americans but the game tonight is just the second game four at home. The only other game four at home was in the 2014 championship final against Denver. Allen won that game 4-3 in overtime on a goal by Jonathan Lessard. In playoff game fours on the road Allen's record is 6-4.
Thursday, May 5, 2016
Allen Beats Missouri 5-1, Takes 2-1 Series Lead, Martinson's Post Game Comments & Playoff Update
The Allen Americans have a history of following up really bad games with really good games. It happened again last night as the Americans beat Missouri 5-1 after losing to the Mavericks 5-2 on Saturday. With the win, Allen takes a 2-1 lead in the series with home games on Friday and Sunday.
- Neither Allen or Missouri have lost during the playoffs when scoring first so when Eric Roy scored for the Americans just 31 seconds into the game it was a good sign. There were a lot of good signs in the first period. Allen had 11 shots before Missouri recorded their first shot, the Americans finished the period with a 2-0 lead, and they out shot the Mavericks 17-7.
- Goal scorers for Allen were Eric Roy (2), Vincent Arseneau (1), Greger Hanson (5) and Spencer Asuchak (1&2). Rather than describing all of the goals, see them for yourself on ECHL Rewind. Here is the link: http://www.echl.com/
- It was great to see Spencer Asuchak get a couple of goals in the game. Everyone from coaches to players to fans were pulling for Spencer who had not scored a goal in the playoffs. Hats off to Greger Hanson who made unselfish plays on both of the Asuchak goals. He took a couple of hits to spring Spencer on his first goal and on the second goal could have scored on the empty net himself but passed the puck to Asuchak to put it home.
- Allen took just five penalties in the game, had a power play goal and held Missouri scoreless on three power play opportunities. The Americans did allow a shorthanded goal which was their third of the playoffs.
- The teams have a break today before resuming the series on Friday. A chance for Allen to take a commanding 3-1 lead and for Missouri to tie the series 2-2.
STEVE MARTINSON'S POST GAME COMMENTS
- That was a good start to the homestand. The biggest thing you want from your team at this time of year is to be getting better. I have always felt our line up could be doing better on average than they did during the season. I think tonight we showed that if we play confident, play smart and don't shoot ourselves in the foot we are a good hockey team.
- I thought we played a strong defensive game. Our power play wasn't that good but we did get one goal.
- We were disciplined tonight and didn't take the retaliation penalties. I know we got a cross-checking penalty at the end but their guy cross-checked the goalie first. Missouri has some good players on the power play that are nifty so we have to be smart and stay out of the penalty box.
- I thought were were physical tonight and finished our checks.
- With Nikita Jevpalovs in the line up we have more speed on all three lines.
- It was good to see Asuchak get a couple of goals. I am a big believer in if you did something once you can do it again given the same circumstances. That is what I told Spencer, keep working hard and defending and the goals will come.
- Missouri is a good team and I expect them to play hard and give it everything they have on Friday. We have to be concerned with how we play and assume they will play hard because they are a good team with a lot of skill. We need to be more concerned with ourselves and what we are doing well and what we have to get better at.
- Barracuda coach Roy Sommer spent time with me before the game and he came down between periods. We talked about some power play and penalty kill stuff. We are going to meet tomorrow for a couple of hours before practice and go through some of the things that they do. Coach Sommer has a wealth of information and I will try and take in as much as I can. It is great that San Jose was all for him making the trip to Allen. It is good for our players to know that the guy who is in tune with who is playing in the AHL, and who he thinks can play at that level is watching them live.
- It is nice for me to have a day off between games as it allows me more time to break down video, look at things and have a few meetings. It is also good for some of the players to have a day of rest.
OTHER COMMENTS
- Chad Costello had two assists last night to extend his point scoring streak to 29 games (19 regular season 10 playoff). With the two assists Chad has taken over the scoring lead in the playoffs with 13 points (2 goals 11 assists).
- A trademark of Steve Martinson coached teams is having defensemen that can shoot the puck and jump into the play. That has really benefited the Americans in the playoffs. Allen has three defensemen in the top 12 in playoff scoring by defensemen. David Makowski is #2 with nine points, Eric Roy is #6 with seven points and Matt Register is #12 with five points.
- David Makowski leads all ECHL defensemen in power play goals (2), power play assists (4), power play points (6) and shots on goal (35).
- Riley Gill had another great outing last night stopping 25 of 26 shots. The one goal he allowed was a two on one where he made the initial save but Missouri scored on the rebound. Riley's playoff record is now 6-3. His GAA is 1.94 and save percentage is .934.
PLAYOFF UPDATE
- Fort Wayne beat Utah last night by a score of 3-1 to take a commanding 3-0 series lead. They play in Utah on Friday and Saturday with a chance to close out the series. Whoever comes out of the Allen vs Missouri series will have all they can handle with the Komets.
- Reading beat Wheeling last night 4-1 and leads the series 2-1. They play again tonight in Reading.
- The other series in action tonight is South Carolina at Adirondack. Many predicted South Carolina would win the Eastern Conference but they are trailing 2-1 in the series with the next two games taking place in Adirondack.
- The home teams were 2-1 last night and now have a slight lead in the overall home vs road record. The home team has the edge 30-29.
SHOTS OF THE GAME
The following photos courtesy of Lauren Lyssy:
The following photos courtesy of scenebykimberly.com
The following photos are courtesy of Dianne Webster;
DID YOU KNOW: Allen and Missouri are both undefeated in the playoffs when scoring first with a combined record of 7-0. It hasn't taken long to score the first goal in the first three games of this series. Allen won game one and scored the first goal 70 seconds into the game. Missouri won game two and scored the first goal 88 seconds into the game. Allen won game three and scored the first goal 31 seconds into the game. Beware the early first goal on Friday.
- Neither Allen or Missouri have lost during the playoffs when scoring first so when Eric Roy scored for the Americans just 31 seconds into the game it was a good sign. There were a lot of good signs in the first period. Allen had 11 shots before Missouri recorded their first shot, the Americans finished the period with a 2-0 lead, and they out shot the Mavericks 17-7.
- Goal scorers for Allen were Eric Roy (2), Vincent Arseneau (1), Greger Hanson (5) and Spencer Asuchak (1&2). Rather than describing all of the goals, see them for yourself on ECHL Rewind. Here is the link: http://www.echl.com/
- It was great to see Spencer Asuchak get a couple of goals in the game. Everyone from coaches to players to fans were pulling for Spencer who had not scored a goal in the playoffs. Hats off to Greger Hanson who made unselfish plays on both of the Asuchak goals. He took a couple of hits to spring Spencer on his first goal and on the second goal could have scored on the empty net himself but passed the puck to Asuchak to put it home.
- Allen took just five penalties in the game, had a power play goal and held Missouri scoreless on three power play opportunities. The Americans did allow a shorthanded goal which was their third of the playoffs.
- The teams have a break today before resuming the series on Friday. A chance for Allen to take a commanding 3-1 lead and for Missouri to tie the series 2-2.
STEVE MARTINSON'S POST GAME COMMENTS
- That was a good start to the homestand. The biggest thing you want from your team at this time of year is to be getting better. I have always felt our line up could be doing better on average than they did during the season. I think tonight we showed that if we play confident, play smart and don't shoot ourselves in the foot we are a good hockey team.
- I thought we played a strong defensive game. Our power play wasn't that good but we did get one goal.
- We were disciplined tonight and didn't take the retaliation penalties. I know we got a cross-checking penalty at the end but their guy cross-checked the goalie first. Missouri has some good players on the power play that are nifty so we have to be smart and stay out of the penalty box.
- I thought were were physical tonight and finished our checks.
- With Nikita Jevpalovs in the line up we have more speed on all three lines.
- It was good to see Asuchak get a couple of goals. I am a big believer in if you did something once you can do it again given the same circumstances. That is what I told Spencer, keep working hard and defending and the goals will come.
- Missouri is a good team and I expect them to play hard and give it everything they have on Friday. We have to be concerned with how we play and assume they will play hard because they are a good team with a lot of skill. We need to be more concerned with ourselves and what we are doing well and what we have to get better at.
- Barracuda coach Roy Sommer spent time with me before the game and he came down between periods. We talked about some power play and penalty kill stuff. We are going to meet tomorrow for a couple of hours before practice and go through some of the things that they do. Coach Sommer has a wealth of information and I will try and take in as much as I can. It is great that San Jose was all for him making the trip to Allen. It is good for our players to know that the guy who is in tune with who is playing in the AHL, and who he thinks can play at that level is watching them live.
- It is nice for me to have a day off between games as it allows me more time to break down video, look at things and have a few meetings. It is also good for some of the players to have a day of rest.
OTHER COMMENTS
- Chad Costello had two assists last night to extend his point scoring streak to 29 games (19 regular season 10 playoff). With the two assists Chad has taken over the scoring lead in the playoffs with 13 points (2 goals 11 assists).
- A trademark of Steve Martinson coached teams is having defensemen that can shoot the puck and jump into the play. That has really benefited the Americans in the playoffs. Allen has three defensemen in the top 12 in playoff scoring by defensemen. David Makowski is #2 with nine points, Eric Roy is #6 with seven points and Matt Register is #12 with five points.
- David Makowski leads all ECHL defensemen in power play goals (2), power play assists (4), power play points (6) and shots on goal (35).
- Riley Gill had another great outing last night stopping 25 of 26 shots. The one goal he allowed was a two on one where he made the initial save but Missouri scored on the rebound. Riley's playoff record is now 6-3. His GAA is 1.94 and save percentage is .934.
PLAYOFF UPDATE
- Fort Wayne beat Utah last night by a score of 3-1 to take a commanding 3-0 series lead. They play in Utah on Friday and Saturday with a chance to close out the series. Whoever comes out of the Allen vs Missouri series will have all they can handle with the Komets.
- Reading beat Wheeling last night 4-1 and leads the series 2-1. They play again tonight in Reading.
- The other series in action tonight is South Carolina at Adirondack. Many predicted South Carolina would win the Eastern Conference but they are trailing 2-1 in the series with the next two games taking place in Adirondack.
- The home teams were 2-1 last night and now have a slight lead in the overall home vs road record. The home team has the edge 30-29.
SHOTS OF THE GAME
The following photos courtesy of Lauren Lyssy:
The following photos courtesy of scenebykimberly.com
The following photos are courtesy of Dianne Webster;
DID YOU KNOW: Allen and Missouri are both undefeated in the playoffs when scoring first with a combined record of 7-0. It hasn't taken long to score the first goal in the first three games of this series. Allen won game one and scored the first goal 70 seconds into the game. Missouri won game two and scored the first goal 88 seconds into the game. Allen won game three and scored the first goal 31 seconds into the game. Beware the early first goal on Friday.
Wednesday, May 4, 2016
Allen vs Missouri Game Three Preview, Playoff Update and Home Ice Advantage Stats
It is game day in Allen as the Americans take on the Missouri Mavericks in game three of their seven game series. Every game is important in the playoffs but when a series is tied 1-1 like this series, game three takes on outsized proportions. After all, the team that loses tonight will have to win three out of the remaining four games, which almost sound insurmountable.
- Looking at all kinds of studies and probabilities over all major sports, the reality is the team that wins game three will win the series about two thirds of the time and the loser of game three will win the series one third of the time.
- What the game tonight might answer is how these teams match up with the final roster in place and both teams on equal rest. Everyone that can be added to the roster, who was in the AHL, has been added.
- Did Allen win game one because they carried momentum from their game seven overtime win in round one or did Missouri lose because they hadn't played in eight days? Did Missouri win game two because they had knocked off the rust from not playing for eight days in game one or did Allen lose because they had played four games in five days and ran out of gas? This is one of those "where you sit is where you stand" things. However, none of that is relevant in game three tonight with both teams well rested and well prepared.
- In yesterday's blog I compared all eight teams remaining in the playoffs across nine different statistical categories and it showed some stark difference between teams. Some of this can be attributed to the fact that the baseline is not a lot of playoff games (6-9 per team). With that caveat it is interesting to note Missouri has outperformed Allen in all nine statistical categories. Allen is ranked last of the eight teams remaining in the playoffs in goals scored, penalty kill, shooting percentage and plus/minus. Allen is #1 on the power play and #3 on shots for. Meanwhile Missouri is in the top four in every category except shots for, where they are #6. The Mavericks are #1 in goals allowed and GAA, #2 in power play and shooting percentage, and #3 in plus/minus, and shots against.
- Special teams is always a key factor in any hockey game but it will be even more important tonight. For Allen it starts with staying out of the penalty box. At every practice this week it has been a point of emphasis. Allen has taken 16 penalties in the first two games and the majority of them have been stick penalties and retaliation penalties. The Americans penalty kill has struggled in the playoffs and is the lowest of all teams still playing (81.0%) so staying out of the penalty box is critical. The good news for Allen is their power play is ranked #1 at 27.8%. However, Missouri is ranked #2 at 21.9%.
- Allen has had the best power play in the ECHL in the regular season and the playoffs but if you look at the 13 head to head games (11 regular season & 2 playoff) against Missouri the Mavericks have the advantage. Allen is 10-53 (18.8%) and Missouri is 13-62 (20.1%) on the power play. If you look at the two playoff games Allen is 2-11 (22%) and Missouri is 3-13 (23.1%).
- Still no word from coach Martinson on the lineup for tonight in terms of who will be sitting out. He did say on his coaches show yesterday that Riley Gill will be in goal but that was expected. Based on my observations in practice you could see Danny Federico back in the line up tonight. With Nikita Jevpalovs definitely playing that means two forwards will be healthy scratches. The tenth forward will be either J.P. LaFontaine, Justin Courtnall or Kyle Neuber.
- Allen has a history of playing great in games after lopsided defeats. You would certainly put the 5-2 loss to Missouri in game two in that category. In round one against Idaho the Americans lost 7-1 and won the next game 4-2. Last year on the way to the Kelly Cup, Tulsa beat Allen 5-1, Allen won the next game 3-1. Rapid City beat Allen 7-4, Allen won the next game 4-2. Ontario beat Allen 5-0, Allen won the next game 6-2. In the Kelly Cup final South Carolina beat Allen 4-1, Allen won the next game 3-2. The bottom line is Allen is no stranger to getting beat soundly in the playoffs but they always bounce back.
- The referees scheduled tonight are Stephen Reneau (#17) and Mike Sheehan (#11). Linesmen will be Mitch Macpherson (#48) and Erik Contino (#92).
PLAYOFF UPDATE
- There was just one ECHL playoff game last night with Adirondack beating South Carolina 3-1. Adirondack leads the series 2-1 with the next two games being played in Adirondack on Thursday and Saturday.
- There are three games scheduled tonight. In addition to Allen vs Missouri the Reading Royals are at home to take on the Wheeling Nailers. Reading has been the surprise of the playoffs as the #8 seed won their first round match up with #1 seed Toledo. Reading is tied with Wheeling 1-1 with the next three games at home.
- Fort Wayne had a difficult time in the opening round before dispatching Cincinnati in seven games. They seem to be on a roll now as they lead Utah 2-0 with a chance to take a commanding lead in the series tonight in Utah. Statistically, Fort Wayne is the best team remaining in the playoffs.
- If it seems like the playoffs are moving along quickly it is because they are moving quickly. The four teams moving to the conference finals will all be decided by a week from today.
DID YOU KNOW: Playing at home has not been much of an advantage thus far in the ECHL playoffs. There have been 56 games played and the home teams have a record of 28-28. However, in game sevens the home teams are 2-1.
- Looking at all kinds of studies and probabilities over all major sports, the reality is the team that wins game three will win the series about two thirds of the time and the loser of game three will win the series one third of the time.
- What the game tonight might answer is how these teams match up with the final roster in place and both teams on equal rest. Everyone that can be added to the roster, who was in the AHL, has been added.
- Did Allen win game one because they carried momentum from their game seven overtime win in round one or did Missouri lose because they hadn't played in eight days? Did Missouri win game two because they had knocked off the rust from not playing for eight days in game one or did Allen lose because they had played four games in five days and ran out of gas? This is one of those "where you sit is where you stand" things. However, none of that is relevant in game three tonight with both teams well rested and well prepared.
- In yesterday's blog I compared all eight teams remaining in the playoffs across nine different statistical categories and it showed some stark difference between teams. Some of this can be attributed to the fact that the baseline is not a lot of playoff games (6-9 per team). With that caveat it is interesting to note Missouri has outperformed Allen in all nine statistical categories. Allen is ranked last of the eight teams remaining in the playoffs in goals scored, penalty kill, shooting percentage and plus/minus. Allen is #1 on the power play and #3 on shots for. Meanwhile Missouri is in the top four in every category except shots for, where they are #6. The Mavericks are #1 in goals allowed and GAA, #2 in power play and shooting percentage, and #3 in plus/minus, and shots against.
- Special teams is always a key factor in any hockey game but it will be even more important tonight. For Allen it starts with staying out of the penalty box. At every practice this week it has been a point of emphasis. Allen has taken 16 penalties in the first two games and the majority of them have been stick penalties and retaliation penalties. The Americans penalty kill has struggled in the playoffs and is the lowest of all teams still playing (81.0%) so staying out of the penalty box is critical. The good news for Allen is their power play is ranked #1 at 27.8%. However, Missouri is ranked #2 at 21.9%.
- Allen has had the best power play in the ECHL in the regular season and the playoffs but if you look at the 13 head to head games (11 regular season & 2 playoff) against Missouri the Mavericks have the advantage. Allen is 10-53 (18.8%) and Missouri is 13-62 (20.1%) on the power play. If you look at the two playoff games Allen is 2-11 (22%) and Missouri is 3-13 (23.1%).
- Still no word from coach Martinson on the lineup for tonight in terms of who will be sitting out. He did say on his coaches show yesterday that Riley Gill will be in goal but that was expected. Based on my observations in practice you could see Danny Federico back in the line up tonight. With Nikita Jevpalovs definitely playing that means two forwards will be healthy scratches. The tenth forward will be either J.P. LaFontaine, Justin Courtnall or Kyle Neuber.
- Allen has a history of playing great in games after lopsided defeats. You would certainly put the 5-2 loss to Missouri in game two in that category. In round one against Idaho the Americans lost 7-1 and won the next game 4-2. Last year on the way to the Kelly Cup, Tulsa beat Allen 5-1, Allen won the next game 3-1. Rapid City beat Allen 7-4, Allen won the next game 4-2. Ontario beat Allen 5-0, Allen won the next game 6-2. In the Kelly Cup final South Carolina beat Allen 4-1, Allen won the next game 3-2. The bottom line is Allen is no stranger to getting beat soundly in the playoffs but they always bounce back.
- The referees scheduled tonight are Stephen Reneau (#17) and Mike Sheehan (#11). Linesmen will be Mitch Macpherson (#48) and Erik Contino (#92).
PLAYOFF UPDATE
- There was just one ECHL playoff game last night with Adirondack beating South Carolina 3-1. Adirondack leads the series 2-1 with the next two games being played in Adirondack on Thursday and Saturday.
- There are three games scheduled tonight. In addition to Allen vs Missouri the Reading Royals are at home to take on the Wheeling Nailers. Reading has been the surprise of the playoffs as the #8 seed won their first round match up with #1 seed Toledo. Reading is tied with Wheeling 1-1 with the next three games at home.
- Fort Wayne had a difficult time in the opening round before dispatching Cincinnati in seven games. They seem to be on a roll now as they lead Utah 2-0 with a chance to take a commanding lead in the series tonight in Utah. Statistically, Fort Wayne is the best team remaining in the playoffs.
- If it seems like the playoffs are moving along quickly it is because they are moving quickly. The four teams moving to the conference finals will all be decided by a week from today.
DID YOU KNOW: Playing at home has not been much of an advantage thus far in the ECHL playoffs. There have been 56 games played and the home teams have a record of 28-28. However, in game sevens the home teams are 2-1.
Tuesday, May 3, 2016
Practice Update, Barracuda Coach Sommer Visits Allen, Can Playoff Stats Predict Winners
I had the chance to attend practice yesterday and spend a few minutes with coach Martinson afterwards. From my untrained eye the guys had a great practice and you could sense the team was in good spirits but also focused on the task at hand. The coaches were emphasizing a lot of basic hockey 101 principles such as practicing with speed just as you play in the game, get in position to win puck battles and the importance of staying out of the penalty box and avoiding stick penalties.
- Nikita Jevpalovs, who has been assigned to Allen by San Jose, was not at practice. He was scheduled to arrive last night and should be at practice today. Nikita will most likely be on a line with Arseneau and Costello.
- Aaron Gens was a full participant in practice though he was dressed in the no contact yellow jersey.
- As to roster changes for the game on Wednesday, it is too early to make those decisions except Jevpalovs will be in the lineup. There are a couple of players dealing with bumps and bruises so final decisions on who plays and who sits out will not be made until Wednesday. What is known is two forwards, two defenesmen (including Gens) and one goalie will not dress on Wednesday.
- Several readers have asked about Chad Costello being moved to reserve yesterday when the ECHL transactions came out. Chad is fine and will be in the lineup on Wednesday just as he has in every
Allen game for the last two years.
- Coach Martinson did share with me that San Jose Barracuda head coach, Roy Sommer, will be in Allen this week to watch the Americans play Missouri. Martinson has said many times the relationship he has with the San Jose organization is the best he has had in his 20 years of coaching. To have coach Sommer come to Allen provides a great opportunity for all of the players, not just those contracted by San Jose, to show what they can do.
- Roy Sommer just finished his 18th season as an AHL head coach, a tenure spent entirely with the San Jose Sharks organization. This past February 10, Sommer became the winningest coach in American Hockey League (AHL) history when he reached 637 wins. He has coached over 120 players that have gone on to play in the NHL. Sommer knows what it is like to play minor pro hockey. He did have a three game stint in the NHL with the Edmonton Oilers in 1980-81 and had one goal and a fight. However, the majority of his ten year professional career was spent in the International Hockey League (IHL) and Central Hockey League (CHL). It will be great to welcome coach Sommer to the Allen Event Center.
- If you google "Roy Sommer hockey coach" you can find many articles that will give you more background about the coach but this story about his son, Marley from 2014 is very insightful and touching: http://www.thehockeynews.com/blog/roy-sommer-is-a-record-setting-ahl-coach-but-his-team-would-be-lost-without-son-marley/
PLAYOFF STATS
After posting the plus/minus stats for all teams remaining in the playoffs thought is would be interesting to look at some of the other stats to see how the teams stack up.
Goals Scored (average per game)
4.13 - Utah
3.78 - Fort Wayne
3.57 - South Carolina
3.40 - Missouri
3.38 - Wheeling
3.00 - Reading
2.86 - Adirondack
2.22 - Allen
Goals Allowed (average per game)
1.83 - Missouri
2.00 - Adirondack
2.29 - South Carolina
2.33 - Fort Wayne
2.67 - Allen
2.78 - Reading
3.25 - Wheeling
3.63 - Utah
Shots For (average per game)
37.78 - Fort Wayne
35.14 - South Carolina
30.11 - Allen
30.00 - Wheeling
29.75 - Utah
28.67 - Missouri
28.22 - Reading
24.29 - Adirondack
Shots Against (average per game)
22.43 - South Carolina
27.78 - Fort Wayne
28.17 - Missouri
28.22 - Allen
28.89 - Reading
30.14 - Adirondack
31.38 - Utah
31.50 - Wheeling
Shooting Percentage (goals as a percent of total shots)
13.9% - Utah
12.2% - Missouri
11.8% - Adirondack
11.3% - Wheeling
10.6% - Reading
10.2% - South Carolina
10.0% - Fort Wayne
7.4% - Allen
Power Play Percentage
27.8% - Allen
21.9% - Missouri
21.3% - Fort Wayne
19.4% - Reading
16.7% - Utah
15.6% - Adirondack
15.0% - Wheeling
13.8% - South Carolina
Penalty Kill Percentage
91.5% - Fort Wayne
91.2% - Adirondack
87.1% - South Carolina
85.7% - Missouri
84.3% - Wheeling
82.5% - Reading
81.1% - Utah
81.0% - Allen
Plus/Minus
+45 - South Carolina
+33 - Fort Wayne
+29 - Missouri
+19 - Adirondack
+14 - Wheeling
+11 - Utah
+11 - Reading
-32 - Allen
Goals Against Average (GAA)
1.83 - Missouri
1.96 - Adirondack
2.06 - Fort Wayne
2.29 - South Carolina
2.65 - Allen
2.78 - Reading
3.25 - Wheeling
3.33 - Utah
- Finally, I tallied up the rank for each team in every category to get a overall score. The lower the score the better. If you finished first in every category you would get a final score of nine. Here are the results:
25 - Fort Wayne
26 - Missouri
31 - South Carolina
37 - Adirondack
48 - Utah
50 - Allen
52 - Wheeling
52 - Reading
- What distinguishes the top three teams from the rest is they tend to be above average in almost every category. Fort Wayne has only one score below #4 and that is in shooting percentage which they make up for by being #1 in shots taken per game. Missouri also has just one category where they are in the bottom half and that is "shots for" per game but they make up for that by being #1 in goals allowed. South Carolina is #8 in power play percentage and #6 shooting percentage but rank no lower than third in the other seven categories. Series match ups could certainly create different outcomes but based on the nine categories above you would conclude Fort Wayne, Missouri and South Carolina are big favorites to advance to the conference finals.
DID YOU KNOW: When Allen won the Central Hockey League (CHL) championship in 2014 they scored no power play goals in the championship final against Denver. It was the only time that had happened in the CHL. The Americans were 0-26 in the series but won the championship in five games.
- Nikita Jevpalovs, who has been assigned to Allen by San Jose, was not at practice. He was scheduled to arrive last night and should be at practice today. Nikita will most likely be on a line with Arseneau and Costello.
- Aaron Gens was a full participant in practice though he was dressed in the no contact yellow jersey.
- As to roster changes for the game on Wednesday, it is too early to make those decisions except Jevpalovs will be in the lineup. There are a couple of players dealing with bumps and bruises so final decisions on who plays and who sits out will not be made until Wednesday. What is known is two forwards, two defenesmen (including Gens) and one goalie will not dress on Wednesday.
- Several readers have asked about Chad Costello being moved to reserve yesterday when the ECHL transactions came out. Chad is fine and will be in the lineup on Wednesday just as he has in every
Allen game for the last two years.
- Coach Martinson did share with me that San Jose Barracuda head coach, Roy Sommer, will be in Allen this week to watch the Americans play Missouri. Martinson has said many times the relationship he has with the San Jose organization is the best he has had in his 20 years of coaching. To have coach Sommer come to Allen provides a great opportunity for all of the players, not just those contracted by San Jose, to show what they can do.
- Roy Sommer just finished his 18th season as an AHL head coach, a tenure spent entirely with the San Jose Sharks organization. This past February 10, Sommer became the winningest coach in American Hockey League (AHL) history when he reached 637 wins. He has coached over 120 players that have gone on to play in the NHL. Sommer knows what it is like to play minor pro hockey. He did have a three game stint in the NHL with the Edmonton Oilers in 1980-81 and had one goal and a fight. However, the majority of his ten year professional career was spent in the International Hockey League (IHL) and Central Hockey League (CHL). It will be great to welcome coach Sommer to the Allen Event Center.
- If you google "Roy Sommer hockey coach" you can find many articles that will give you more background about the coach but this story about his son, Marley from 2014 is very insightful and touching: http://www.thehockeynews.com/blog/roy-sommer-is-a-record-setting-ahl-coach-but-his-team-would-be-lost-without-son-marley/
 |
| San Jose Barracuda coach Roy Sommer |
PLAYOFF STATS
After posting the plus/minus stats for all teams remaining in the playoffs thought is would be interesting to look at some of the other stats to see how the teams stack up.
Goals Scored (average per game)
4.13 - Utah
3.78 - Fort Wayne
3.57 - South Carolina
3.40 - Missouri
3.38 - Wheeling
3.00 - Reading
2.86 - Adirondack
2.22 - Allen
Goals Allowed (average per game)
1.83 - Missouri
2.00 - Adirondack
2.29 - South Carolina
2.33 - Fort Wayne
2.67 - Allen
2.78 - Reading
3.25 - Wheeling
3.63 - Utah
Shots For (average per game)
37.78 - Fort Wayne
35.14 - South Carolina
30.11 - Allen
30.00 - Wheeling
29.75 - Utah
28.67 - Missouri
28.22 - Reading
24.29 - Adirondack
Shots Against (average per game)
22.43 - South Carolina
27.78 - Fort Wayne
28.17 - Missouri
28.22 - Allen
28.89 - Reading
30.14 - Adirondack
31.38 - Utah
31.50 - Wheeling
Shooting Percentage (goals as a percent of total shots)
13.9% - Utah
12.2% - Missouri
11.8% - Adirondack
11.3% - Wheeling
10.6% - Reading
10.2% - South Carolina
10.0% - Fort Wayne
7.4% - Allen
Power Play Percentage
27.8% - Allen
21.9% - Missouri
21.3% - Fort Wayne
19.4% - Reading
16.7% - Utah
15.6% - Adirondack
15.0% - Wheeling
13.8% - South Carolina
Penalty Kill Percentage
91.5% - Fort Wayne
91.2% - Adirondack
87.1% - South Carolina
85.7% - Missouri
84.3% - Wheeling
82.5% - Reading
81.1% - Utah
81.0% - Allen
Plus/Minus
+45 - South Carolina
+33 - Fort Wayne
+29 - Missouri
+19 - Adirondack
+14 - Wheeling
+11 - Utah
+11 - Reading
-32 - Allen
Goals Against Average (GAA)
1.83 - Missouri
1.96 - Adirondack
2.06 - Fort Wayne
2.29 - South Carolina
2.65 - Allen
2.78 - Reading
3.25 - Wheeling
3.33 - Utah
- Finally, I tallied up the rank for each team in every category to get a overall score. The lower the score the better. If you finished first in every category you would get a final score of nine. Here are the results:
25 - Fort Wayne
26 - Missouri
31 - South Carolina
37 - Adirondack
48 - Utah
50 - Allen
52 - Wheeling
52 - Reading
- What distinguishes the top three teams from the rest is they tend to be above average in almost every category. Fort Wayne has only one score below #4 and that is in shooting percentage which they make up for by being #1 in shots taken per game. Missouri also has just one category where they are in the bottom half and that is "shots for" per game but they make up for that by being #1 in goals allowed. South Carolina is #8 in power play percentage and #6 shooting percentage but rank no lower than third in the other seven categories. Series match ups could certainly create different outcomes but based on the nine categories above you would conclude Fort Wayne, Missouri and South Carolina are big favorites to advance to the conference finals.
DID YOU KNOW: When Allen won the Central Hockey League (CHL) championship in 2014 they scored no power play goals in the championship final against Denver. It was the only time that had happened in the CHL. The Americans were 0-26 in the series but won the championship in five games.
Monday, May 2, 2016
Practice Day, Series Win Probabilities, Playoff Statistics, Team Leaders and Playoff Brackets
After playing four games in five nights along with a 1000 miles of bus time, the Allen Americans will have a slower pace this week with home games on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. If you are wondering about the game days it is all about the Allen Event Center (AEC) availability. Thursday night is "The Fab Four - The Ultimate Tribute" and Saturday night is Texas Revolution arena football.
- I will attend practice today to get an update on injuries, roster changes, line changes and any other news of interest. Will have a full report tomorrow.
- Many fans say the third game of a 2-3-2 series is the most important and an excellent predictor of the eventual winner. There was one stretch in the NBA where the winner of game three in a series tied 1-1 went on to win the series ten times in a row. And in seven of those ten times, the road team won game three, which makes sense because in a 2-3-2 format the road team would be the team with the better record.
- I saw another study that tracked every seven game series in the quarterfinals (second round in the ECHL) of MLB, NBA, and NHL playoffs. In a total of 380 series, the team that started on the road won the series just 28.4% of the time.
- Allen's record in game threes since Steve Martinson has been the coach is 6-4. The Americans have only played two game threes at home and are 1-1. In game threes on the road their record is 5-3.
- Here are the ECHL playoff brackets as they currently stand. There is just one game scheduled tonight (Reading at Wheeling) and one game scheduled on Tuesday (South Carolina at Adirondack).
PLAYOFF STATS
- Allen has now played nine games in the 2016 playoffs. Here are the team leaders after nine games:
Points - Costello (11)*
Goals - Hanson & Pierro-Zabotel (4)
Assists - Costello (9)*
Power Play Goals - Pierro-Zabotel (3)*
Power Play Assists - Costello (7)*
Power Play Points - Costello (8)*
Penalty Minutes - Arseneau (29)
Plus/Minus - Arseneau, King & Steffes (+1)
Shots On Goal - Makowski (30)
Shooting Percentage - Hanson (14.8%)
Points By Defenseman - Makowski & Roy (6)
*Leads the ECHL
- Of the five teams at the top of the list for average number of penalty minutes per game in the playoffs, only #1 (Wheeling at 22.14 minutes per game) made it to the second round. Likewise, only one of the five teams at the bottom of the average penalty minutes per game list made it to the second round (South Carolina at 12.43 minutes per game).
- Of the top five teams with the best playoff power play percentage just one (Colorado) did not make it to the second round.
- Only one of the bottom seven teams in playoff penalty kill percentage made it to the second round and that was Allen.
- The top five in average goals per game are all still in the playoffs. Only one in the bottom five is still alive (Allen).
- Adirondak, Allen, Missouri and Reading are all undefeated in the playoffs when scoring first.
DID YOU KNOW: Mentioned yesterday that Allen is the only team in the second round of the playoffs that has a negative plus/minus for the entire playoffs. Had someone ask what the plus/minus numbers are for all of the teams still in the playoffs. Here they are:
+45 - South Carolina
+33 - Fort Wayne
+29 - Missouri
+24 - Wheeling
+19 - Adirondack
+11 - Utah
+1 - Reading
-32 - Allen
- I will attend practice today to get an update on injuries, roster changes, line changes and any other news of interest. Will have a full report tomorrow.
- Many fans say the third game of a 2-3-2 series is the most important and an excellent predictor of the eventual winner. There was one stretch in the NBA where the winner of game three in a series tied 1-1 went on to win the series ten times in a row. And in seven of those ten times, the road team won game three, which makes sense because in a 2-3-2 format the road team would be the team with the better record.
- I saw another study that tracked every seven game series in the quarterfinals (second round in the ECHL) of MLB, NBA, and NHL playoffs. In a total of 380 series, the team that started on the road won the series just 28.4% of the time.
- Allen's record in game threes since Steve Martinson has been the coach is 6-4. The Americans have only played two game threes at home and are 1-1. In game threes on the road their record is 5-3.
- Here are the ECHL playoff brackets as they currently stand. There is just one game scheduled tonight (Reading at Wheeling) and one game scheduled on Tuesday (South Carolina at Adirondack).
PLAYOFF STATS
- Allen has now played nine games in the 2016 playoffs. Here are the team leaders after nine games:
Points - Costello (11)*
Goals - Hanson & Pierro-Zabotel (4)
Assists - Costello (9)*
Power Play Goals - Pierro-Zabotel (3)*
Power Play Assists - Costello (7)*
Power Play Points - Costello (8)*
Penalty Minutes - Arseneau (29)
Plus/Minus - Arseneau, King & Steffes (+1)
Shots On Goal - Makowski (30)
Shooting Percentage - Hanson (14.8%)
Points By Defenseman - Makowski & Roy (6)
*Leads the ECHL
- Of the five teams at the top of the list for average number of penalty minutes per game in the playoffs, only #1 (Wheeling at 22.14 minutes per game) made it to the second round. Likewise, only one of the five teams at the bottom of the average penalty minutes per game list made it to the second round (South Carolina at 12.43 minutes per game).
- Of the top five teams with the best playoff power play percentage just one (Colorado) did not make it to the second round.
- Only one of the bottom seven teams in playoff penalty kill percentage made it to the second round and that was Allen.
- The top five in average goals per game are all still in the playoffs. Only one in the bottom five is still alive (Allen).
- Adirondak, Allen, Missouri and Reading are all undefeated in the playoffs when scoring first.
DID YOU KNOW: Mentioned yesterday that Allen is the only team in the second round of the playoffs that has a negative plus/minus for the entire playoffs. Had someone ask what the plus/minus numbers are for all of the teams still in the playoffs. Here they are:
+45 - South Carolina
+33 - Fort Wayne
+29 - Missouri
+24 - Wheeling
+19 - Adirondack
+11 - Utah
+1 - Reading
-32 - Allen
Sunday, May 1, 2016
Mavericks Stomp Allen 5-2, Game Recap, Martinson's Comments, Roster Update, Playoff Update
The bad news is the Allen Americans lost to the Missouri Mavericks 5-2 last night before a sold out crowd of 5800 at the Silverstein Eye Centers Arena. The worse news is the game was not as close as the score. The Mavericks scored early (88 seconds) and often (three first period goals) and built a 5-0 lead before the Americans managed to avoid the shutout. There was less than five minutes left in the game when Allen got on the scoreboard with goals by Casey-Pierro Zabotel (4) and Chad Costello (2).
- Not to make excuses, but one factor in the loss was the fact Allen was playing their fourth game in five days against a Missouri team who was playing just their second game in eight days. The Americans got off to a poor start (three shots in the first period), lost the puck battles, took too many penalties, and had trouble on special teams. Just the opposite of how the game unfolded on Friday when Allen won 2-0.
- How bad was the game? Allen only had nine shots on goal after two periods which was almost matched by penalties after two periods (seven). Allen took nine penalties in the game which was the most they took in any of the 11 games against Missouri this season. The Americans lost the special teams battle going 1-7 on the power play but giving up 3-8 on the penalty kill. In the first period alone, Allen gave up three goals on just eight shots including two power play goals.
- If you can find a positive in the 5-2 loss, it would be how Allen played in the third period after the game was already decided. The Americans outscored Missouri 2-1 in the third period and out shot the Mavericks 14-2.
- The good news is Allen gained a split in Missouri and now has home ice advantage with the series tied 1-1 and the next three games at home. Earning a split in Missouri against the best team in the ECHL is a job well done by the Americans.
- The Americans headed back to Allen immediately after the game last night on "Big Red" and if all went well, the 473 mile trip got them home early this morning. They will have a few days to rest up and prepare for game three on Wednesday (7:05 pm).
STEVE MARTINSON'S POST GAME COMMENTS
- Playing four games in five nights was definitely a factor in this game. We didn't have much jump in the first period.
- Missouri played well but also had some bounces go their way early in the game.
- One of the things I said after game one was we needed to stay out of the penalty box. Penalties cost us tonight especially in the first period when they had two power play goals.
- We won the third period which I thought showed a lot of character from the guys.
- Playing four games in five days is always tough, especially when two of them were elimination games and one went to overtime. But we came to Missouri and earned a split and now have home ice advantage. That is a good result for us.
OTHER COMMENTS
- The power play has been the best weapon for Allen in the playoffs as half of their goals (10 of 20) have come on the power play. The Americans are ranked #1 (27.8%) and have converted on 10 of 36 power play opportunities. All you have to do is look at the playoff leader board to see the advantage the power play has had for Allen. Check out this list of power play categories where Allen players are ranked #1.
Most power play goals (overall) - Casey Pierro-Zabotel (3)
Most power play assists (overall) - Chad Costello (7)
Most power play points (overall) - Chad Costello (8)
Most power play assists (rookie) - Eric Roy (3)
Most power play points (rookie) - Eric Roy (4)
Most power play goals (defensemen) - Davis Makowski (2)
Most power play points (defensemen) - David Makowski (5)
- The best indication of how potent the Allen power play has been in the playoffs is the top three ranked players in power play points are all from Allen. Chad Costello is #1 with eight points. David Makowski and Casey Pierro-Zabotel are tied for #2 with five points.
- Chad Costello had a power play goal in a losing cause last night to continue his amazing point scoring streak which is now at 28 games. Chad is tied for the playoff lead in points with 11.
- Allen is the only team left in the playoffs that has a negative plus/minus number. The Americans are at -32. More proof of the impact of the power play (plus/minus doesn't apply) but also a reflection of Allen struggling when at even strength.
ROSTER UPDATE
- Missouri has filled the three roster spots they had reserved for playoff eligible players that were in the AHL. These three players will certainly strengthen the Missouri lineup. Here is a brief description:
Kellen Jones - The 25 year old forward was drafted in the seventh round of the 2010 NHL draft by Edmonton. He has played in 23 games this season for Missouri and has 25 points (6 goals 19 assists). In addition he played in 33 AHL games split between Bakersfield and Utica.
Patrick Cullity - Cullity is a 29 year old veteran defenseman who has played in 109 AHL games dating back to the 2009-10 season. This season he has played in 33 games for Missouri and 31 games for the Mavericks AHL affiliate, the Bridgeport Sound Tigers.
Ross Johnston - Johnston is a 6' 4" forward, weighs 225 pounds and will add grit and toughness for Missouri. He is one of a very few players who have played in all three levels of pro hockey in one season. Johnston has played 13 games in Missouri, 39 games in Bridgeport (AHL) and had a one game callup to the New York Islanders. That had to be a big thrill. Johnston was on the ice for 16 minutes, delivered six hits, and had four penalty minutes in his first and only NHL game.
- In addition to the three players above, goalie Parker Milner, who was loaned to Bridgeport after the playoffs began has returned to Missouri. Milner was in goal last night for the Mavericks. He has played in two playoff games and allow just three goals and has a save percentage of .942.
- The Americans will also be getting help from their AHL affiliate. The San Jose Barracuda will assign forward Nikita Jevpalovs to Allen and he will play on Wednesday. Nikita is a 21 year old rookie professional who is a native of Latvia. He played in 60 games for San Jose and had 14 points (5 goals 9 assists). Jevpalovs played five games for Allen and had six points (1 goal 5 assists).
- Missouri captain and former Allen player Trevor Ludwig was not in the line up last night. Have heard he is injured but have not seen anything official from the team.
PLAYOFF UPDATE
- Fort Wayne won at home again last night beating Utah 5-3. The teams now head to Utah for the next three games. Fort Wayne leads the series 2-0 and scored a total of 11 goals in the first two games.
- South Carolina came back from their opening game defeat to beat Adirondack last night 1-0. That series is tied 1-1 with the next three games taking place at Adirondack.
- There are no playoff games on the schedule today. Wheeling vs Reading is the only game on the schedule on Monday. Wheeling (the higher seed) is leading the series 1-0.
DID YOU KNOW: The last time Allen gave up three power goals in a playoff game (like last night) was also against Missouri. On April 22, 2013 in game six of the CHL semi-finals, Missouri beat Allen 6-2 in Allen and went 3-8 on the power play. The next night Allen beat Missouri 7-3 in game seven and went on to win the CHL championship, beating Wichita in the final.
- Not to make excuses, but one factor in the loss was the fact Allen was playing their fourth game in five days against a Missouri team who was playing just their second game in eight days. The Americans got off to a poor start (three shots in the first period), lost the puck battles, took too many penalties, and had trouble on special teams. Just the opposite of how the game unfolded on Friday when Allen won 2-0.
- How bad was the game? Allen only had nine shots on goal after two periods which was almost matched by penalties after two periods (seven). Allen took nine penalties in the game which was the most they took in any of the 11 games against Missouri this season. The Americans lost the special teams battle going 1-7 on the power play but giving up 3-8 on the penalty kill. In the first period alone, Allen gave up three goals on just eight shots including two power play goals.
- If you can find a positive in the 5-2 loss, it would be how Allen played in the third period after the game was already decided. The Americans outscored Missouri 2-1 in the third period and out shot the Mavericks 14-2.
- The good news is Allen gained a split in Missouri and now has home ice advantage with the series tied 1-1 and the next three games at home. Earning a split in Missouri against the best team in the ECHL is a job well done by the Americans.
- The Americans headed back to Allen immediately after the game last night on "Big Red" and if all went well, the 473 mile trip got them home early this morning. They will have a few days to rest up and prepare for game three on Wednesday (7:05 pm).
STEVE MARTINSON'S POST GAME COMMENTS
- Playing four games in five nights was definitely a factor in this game. We didn't have much jump in the first period.
- Missouri played well but also had some bounces go their way early in the game.
- One of the things I said after game one was we needed to stay out of the penalty box. Penalties cost us tonight especially in the first period when they had two power play goals.
- We won the third period which I thought showed a lot of character from the guys.
- Playing four games in five days is always tough, especially when two of them were elimination games and one went to overtime. But we came to Missouri and earned a split and now have home ice advantage. That is a good result for us.
OTHER COMMENTS
- The power play has been the best weapon for Allen in the playoffs as half of their goals (10 of 20) have come on the power play. The Americans are ranked #1 (27.8%) and have converted on 10 of 36 power play opportunities. All you have to do is look at the playoff leader board to see the advantage the power play has had for Allen. Check out this list of power play categories where Allen players are ranked #1.
Most power play goals (overall) - Casey Pierro-Zabotel (3)
Most power play assists (overall) - Chad Costello (7)
Most power play points (overall) - Chad Costello (8)
Most power play assists (rookie) - Eric Roy (3)
Most power play points (rookie) - Eric Roy (4)
Most power play goals (defensemen) - Davis Makowski (2)
Most power play points (defensemen) - David Makowski (5)
- The best indication of how potent the Allen power play has been in the playoffs is the top three ranked players in power play points are all from Allen. Chad Costello is #1 with eight points. David Makowski and Casey Pierro-Zabotel are tied for #2 with five points.
- Chad Costello had a power play goal in a losing cause last night to continue his amazing point scoring streak which is now at 28 games. Chad is tied for the playoff lead in points with 11.
- Allen is the only team left in the playoffs that has a negative plus/minus number. The Americans are at -32. More proof of the impact of the power play (plus/minus doesn't apply) but also a reflection of Allen struggling when at even strength.
ROSTER UPDATE
- Missouri has filled the three roster spots they had reserved for playoff eligible players that were in the AHL. These three players will certainly strengthen the Missouri lineup. Here is a brief description:
Kellen Jones - The 25 year old forward was drafted in the seventh round of the 2010 NHL draft by Edmonton. He has played in 23 games this season for Missouri and has 25 points (6 goals 19 assists). In addition he played in 33 AHL games split between Bakersfield and Utica.
Patrick Cullity - Cullity is a 29 year old veteran defenseman who has played in 109 AHL games dating back to the 2009-10 season. This season he has played in 33 games for Missouri and 31 games for the Mavericks AHL affiliate, the Bridgeport Sound Tigers.
Ross Johnston - Johnston is a 6' 4" forward, weighs 225 pounds and will add grit and toughness for Missouri. He is one of a very few players who have played in all three levels of pro hockey in one season. Johnston has played 13 games in Missouri, 39 games in Bridgeport (AHL) and had a one game callup to the New York Islanders. That had to be a big thrill. Johnston was on the ice for 16 minutes, delivered six hits, and had four penalty minutes in his first and only NHL game.
- In addition to the three players above, goalie Parker Milner, who was loaned to Bridgeport after the playoffs began has returned to Missouri. Milner was in goal last night for the Mavericks. He has played in two playoff games and allow just three goals and has a save percentage of .942.
- The Americans will also be getting help from their AHL affiliate. The San Jose Barracuda will assign forward Nikita Jevpalovs to Allen and he will play on Wednesday. Nikita is a 21 year old rookie professional who is a native of Latvia. He played in 60 games for San Jose and had 14 points (5 goals 9 assists). Jevpalovs played five games for Allen and had six points (1 goal 5 assists).
- Missouri captain and former Allen player Trevor Ludwig was not in the line up last night. Have heard he is injured but have not seen anything official from the team.
PLAYOFF UPDATE
- Fort Wayne won at home again last night beating Utah 5-3. The teams now head to Utah for the next three games. Fort Wayne leads the series 2-0 and scored a total of 11 goals in the first two games.
- South Carolina came back from their opening game defeat to beat Adirondack last night 1-0. That series is tied 1-1 with the next three games taking place at Adirondack.
- There are no playoff games on the schedule today. Wheeling vs Reading is the only game on the schedule on Monday. Wheeling (the higher seed) is leading the series 1-0.
DID YOU KNOW: The last time Allen gave up three power goals in a playoff game (like last night) was also against Missouri. On April 22, 2013 in game six of the CHL semi-finals, Missouri beat Allen 6-2 in Allen and went 3-8 on the power play. The next night Allen beat Missouri 7-3 in game seven and went on to win the CHL championship, beating Wichita in the final.
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