Allen vs Kansas City Series Preview, Stats on Top Scoring ECHL Defensemen and More

 

It is game day as the Allen Americans begin another grueling four games in five days series tonight against the Kansas City Mavericks. This will be the third straight series an opponent arrives in Allen playing well. The Mavericks are on a three game win streak have beaten Tulsa by scores of 4-3, 5-0 and 7-1. Kansas City's rookie goalie, Matt Greenfield, won all three games, had a GAA of 0.40 and a save percentage of .988. For his effort Greenfield was named the ECHL Goalie of the Week.

 

- The Americans are coming off a three game series with Utah where they won twice and lost the third game in a shootout. In the last 10 games Allen has a record of 5-3-1-1 and Kansas City has a record of 6-3-1-0. 

 

- The game tonight will be the fifth between Allen and Kansas City this season but the first at the Allen Event Center. The teams split the previous four games.  In the four head to head match ups both teams have score nine goals but Kansas City has the edge in shots 126-104. The totals are deceiving since in one game Allen held the Mavericks to 16 shots in a 3-0 win and the very next night gave up 42 shots in a 4-2 loss.

 

- Kansas City has played much better on the road than at home this season with a record of 7-10-5-0 at at home and 12-6-1-2 on the road. Allen on the other hand has played much better at home with a home record of 11-3-2-1 compared to a road record of 13-10-0-0. 

 

- In the four head to head games Allen was 2-15 (13.3%) on the power play and Kansas City was 3-16 (18.8%). If you look at season averages Allen's power play percentage at home is 13.7% and the penalty kill percentage is 87.9%. Kansas City's road power play percentage is 17.3% and the penalty kill percentage is 87.8%.  

- The Mavericks and Americans have split the four games they have played this season. I am sure it doesn't come as a surprise that Allen scored first in the two games they won and Kansas City scored first in the two games they won. Both of these teams earn 78% of the points when they score first so it is a big key to get off to a quick start. 

 

- If any of the four games against Kansas City go extra time the advantage is with Allen. The Americans have gone extra time in 8 of 40 games (20%) and have a record of 2-2 in overtime and 3-1 in shootouts. Kansas City has gone extra time in 12 of 43 games (28%) and has a record of 3-6 in overtime 1-2 in shootouts.

 

- Jake Paterson is back from his injury and both goalies will see action in this series. Frank Marotte will get the start tonight. Zane Franklin is also expected to be back in the lineup after sitting out the game on Saturday with an injury.

 

- Player's to watch in this series include Les Lancaster who scored three goals in the four games against Kansas City. Conner Bleackley has been in a scoring slump but look for him to break out with a goal. Two of his four goals this season came in one game against the Mavericks. For Kansas City #18 Darik Angeli and #2 Brodie Reid led the way with two goals each against Allen. Another player to watch in this series is former Allen captain Jared VanWormer (#17) who has played 14 games for Kansas City since he was traded to the Mavericks about a month ago by Jacksonville. Jared has been playing on the top line and has seven goals in the 14 games since joining the Mavericks.

 

- Something to keep an eye on tonight and in the series is what you might call the game within the game. The last time Allen was in Kansas City (February 14) one of the Mavericks tough guys (#14 Loren Ulett) jumped Les Lancaster, a skill player that has never had a pro fight. Players have a long memory and what happened with Lancaster opens up Kansas City to have their skill players challenged. With Martinson having last change at home he certainly has the opportunity to make the night difficult for some opposing players. 

 

DID YOU KNOW: Matt Register and Les Lancaster are #1 and #2 in assists on the Allen Americans and are both in the top four in points among all ECHL defensemen. The duo has more points than any other duo in the ECHL. Here is the ECHL Stats post from today:

 

Top scoring duos (most points) among ECHL defensemen this season:

56 (13G,43A) - Les Lancaster & Matt Register, Allen

49 (6G,43A) - Samuel Jardine & Ben Finkelstein, Greenville

48 (14G,34A) - Willie Raskob & Mike Lee, Indy

42 (13G,29A) - Marcus Crawford & Zach Osborn, Kansas City

 

Top five individual scorers among defensemen:

32 points (2G,30A) - Samuel Jardine, Greenville

30 points (11G,19A) - Les Lancaster, Allen

28 points (5G,23A) - Mark Auk, Orlando

26 points (2G,24A) - Matt Register, Allen

25 points (9G,16A) - Willie Raskob, Indy

 

 

  

Latest on Allen's Practice and Roster, Will Miles Liberati Return, Stats and More

 

Allen Americans practice yesterday was heavily concentrated on shooting practice and for good reason. Earlier in the season the Americans were averaging close to four goals per game and were at the top of the ECHL in scoring. In the last 11 games the Americans scored more than three goals just twice and scored fewer than three goals five times. In the just completed series against Utah the Americans had 95 shots and converted on just 7.3% and that doesn't include blocked shots and the many shots that missed the net. I have heard coach Martinson say many times if a forward has scored a lot in the past they can do it again. Allen has too many forwards that were goal scorers in the past that are not putting the puck in the net. The bottom line was a practice that concentrated on shooting which included a 3-on-3 cross ice scrimmage that is also fun for the players. 

 

- Today's practice will have more of a focus on the power play which has improved lately. Allen has scored a power play goal in four straight games and in those four games the power play percentage was 22.7% (5-22). Overall Allen's power play is now ranked #7 at 17.4% (28-161). The Americans had several 4-on-3 power plays in the Utah series so Martinson wants to work on that at practice today.

 

- Allen traded goalie Hayden Hawkey to Tulsa yesterday for the rights to former Allen defenseman Miles Liberati. The Americans had signed Hawkey because of injuries and with Jake Paterson returning this week, Martinson could no longer carry four goalies. Liberati finished last season ranked #2 in the ECHL in scoring by defensemen with 46 points (11G, 35A). Only Alex Breton with 55 points (11G, 55A) had more points than Liberati. Miles could not come to terms with Tulsa for the 2020-21 so has not played this season. The bad news is Liberati does not intend to play hockey this season. The good news is Allen has his rights if he changes his mind. 

 

- Martinson continues to work on adding an additional defenseman and/or other players to the roster. It could happen via a trade, an assignment from an AHL team or signing a college player. 

 

- Despite the recent scoring slump Allen is still ranked #3 in the ECHL in average goals scored at 3.33. Florida is #1 averaging 3.64 goals per game. Allen is ranked #6 in average goals allowed at 2.80. Florida is also ranked #1 in average goals allowed at 2.52.

 

- Allen has the longest road winning streak in the ECHL this season. Between January 8-30 the Americans won six straight road games.

 

- Colby McAuley leads the Americans in shooting percentage. Colby has scored five goals on 19 shots for a 26.3% shooting percentage. The team shooting percentage this season is 10.3%.

 

- Les Lancaster has 11 goals and continues to lead all ECHL defensemen in goals scored, two more than second place and four more than third place. 

 

DID YOU KNOW: This information from ECHL Stats shows how much Allen will miss Jesse Mychan who is done for the season. Jesse was one of the most productive goal scorers in the ECHL when he was in the lineup.

Just six ECHL players have averaged a half a goal per game this season. Here are the six players with the best goals per game average in 2020-21 (minimum 10 goals). Total goals scored is in parenthesis: 

 

.667 - Brandon Hawkins, Fort Wayne (14)

.640 - Austin Fyten, Wheeling (16)

.625 - Jesse Mychan, Allen (15)

.550 - Zach Pochiro, Fort Wayne (11)

.523 - Michael Huntebrinker, Florida (23)

.500 - Jake Coughler, Orlando (14)

     

Practice Update, Roster News, Team Stat Leaders and More

After a day off yesterday the Allen Americans will get in two practices before they start a four games in five days series against the Kansas City Mavericks on Wednesday night. When you consider five skaters and both goalies on the current roster have played five or fewer games with the Americans, the more practice time the better. 

 

- Roster news: 

- Had several questions about Zane Franklin not playing after he participated in warmups on Saturday. Zane suffered a pregame injury and decided after warmups it was best to sit out. The injury had nothing to do with his post game fight on Friday night. Franklin is listed as day to day. 

- Forward Josh Maser has been assigned to Allen by the Iowa Wild and will arrive later today. Maser played in six games for Iowa with one goal and seven penalty minutes. 

- Goalie Jake Paterson is back from injury and will be available for the series with Kansas City. 

- Injured players Dyson Stevenson and Justin Kapelmaster will not be available for the Kansas City series.

- As is almost always the case Steve Martinson is working on other transactions to improve the roster. 

- I mentioned yesterday the Americans are one player away from the all time record of 46 for the most players used in a single season. This morning I calculated the scoring from players that are no longer with the team because of trades, releases, loans/recall to the AHL and season ending injuries. Here is the breakdown:

30% of Allen's total points this season are gone (106 of 354)

32% of Allen's total goals this season are gone (42 of 130)

29% of Allen's total assists this season are gone (64 of 224)

 

- The impact on the goalies is even greater. Zach Sawchenko and C.J. Motte are in the AHL. Jake Paterson and Justin Kapelmaster have been out with injuries. These four goalies account for 88% of Allen wins (21 of 24) this season. Paterson last played on March 13 and is expected to play in the upcoming series. Kapelmaster last played on March 24. 

 

- Here are the stats leaders looking at the players currently on the active roster. The ECHL rank is in parenthesis:

Points:
 33 - Corey Mackin (12th)
 30 - Les Lancaster (22nd)
 26 - Matt Register & Samuel Laberge (36th)


Goals:
 16 - Corey Mackin (7th)
 12 - Samuel Laberge (30th)
 11 - Les Lancaster (34th) 


Assists:
 24 - Matt Register (7th)
 19 - Les Lancaster (19th)
 17 - Corey Mackin (29th)


Plus/Minus:
 +14 - Phil Beaulieu (10th)
 +11 - Josh Lammon (16th)
 +7 - Conner Bleackley & Kameron Kielly (40th) 

 

 Penalty Minutes:
 70 - Zane Franklin (7th)
 42 - Samuel Laberge (30th)
 42 - Les Lancaster (30th)
 

Shots On Goal:
 118 - Corey Mackin (9th)
 90 - Samuel Laberge (36th) 
 89 - Les Lancaster (37th) 


Points by Defensemen:
 30 - Les Lancaster (2nd)
 26 - Matt Register (4th)
 14 - Phil Beaulieu (23rd)
 

Goals by Defensemen:
 11 - Les Lancaster (1st)
 3 - Phil Beaulieu (23rd) 
 2 - Matt Register, (35th)


Assists by Defensemen
 24 - Matt Register (2nd)
 19 - Les Lancaster (4th)
 11 - Phil Beaulieu, (24th)

- The most obvious conclusion from the stats above is the offensive contribution of the defensemen. The best example is the fact that the top two players on the Americans in assists are defensemen. Allen is the only team in the ECHL that the top two in assists are defensemen. 

- Allen's top three defensemen in assists have a total of 54 assists, more than the top three on any other ECHL team.

 

 

DID YOU KNOW: Allen's top scoring defenseman for each season since joining the ECHL:

2020-21: Les Lancaster, 30 points (11G, 19A)

2019-20: Alex Breton, 55 points (11G, 44A)

2018-19: Alex Breton, 39 points, (14G, 25A)

2017-18: David Makowski, 54 points (11G, 43A)

2016-17: David Makowski, 50 points, (16G, 34A)

2015-16: David Makowski, 38 points (17G, 21A)

2014-15: Aaron Gens, 56 points (8G, 48A)

 

A Shootout Loss but Series Win, Game Recap, Video Highlights, Upcoming Kansas City Series, ECHL Overtime Stats and More

 

The Allen Americans closed out their three games series against the Utah Grizzlies last night with a 3-2 shootout loss before a COVID restricted sellout crowd of 2392 at the Allen Event Center (AEC). The Americans earned five of six points in the three games against Utah, a points percentage of .833, so while the loss was disappointing the week was successful. 

 

- The odd stat of the day has to be the fact Allen has gone extra time in eight games this season with five of them being against Utah. Prior to last night's shootout loss the Americans were 1-0 in overtime and 3-0 in shootouts against the Grizzlies. 

 

- The series against Utah can be characterized as good defense with struggling offense. Allen allowed just four regulation time goals in the three games but only scored seven themselves. The Americans averaged 2.33 goals per game in the series, a full goal per game below their season average. Even more concerning is that fact that only two of the seven goals Allen scored in the Utah series were scored even strength. Technically the second Allen goal last night was even strength but it was scored two seconds after a penalty expired so the player was not back in the play.

 

- The game last night was one of lost opportunity. Allen fell behind in the first period giving up the first goal at the 6:53 mark and that is never a good sign when you consider the Americans points percentage in games they score first is .780 (19-5-1-0) compared to .400 (5-8-1-1) when they give up the first goal. To the Americans credit they came roaring back with two goals in the first period to take a 2-1 lead at the first intermission. Utah scored the only goal of the second period to tie the score 2-2 and neither team scored in the third period. Lost opportunity was had by both teams as they each had seven power play opportunities but managed to convert on just one.

 

- Overtime was exciting with both teams having excellent opportunities to end the game. There were a total of nine shots on goal in the overtime. Shootouts by most statistical measures conclude they are best referred to as crapshoots or coin flips. Last night Allen went first in the shootout and missed in round one (Mackin), round three (Laberge) and round four (Lammon). Only Chad Butcher in round two was successful. Utah was successful in rounds one and four to earn the extra point and win the game 3-2. Close doesn't count but Laberge got the puck past the goalie and it slid just wide of the post and Lammon just missed as his shot hit the cross bar. 

 

- Goal scorers for Allen were Samuel Laberge (12) and Steven Owre (1). Here are the video highlights from the Allen Americans YouTube channel: 

       

 

- Here is the game recap issued by the Utah Grizzlies:  https://www.utahgrizzlies.com/en/grizzlies-news/grizz-win-3-2-in-shootout-at-allen

 

- After a day off today the Americans will start preparing for their next series which starts Wednesday against Kansas City as the homestand continues. It will be four games in five days against the Mavericks. Allen won the series against Utah earning five of six points. Next goal is to win the series against Kansas City and earn at least six points.

 

OTHER COMMENTS

- ECHL, AHL and NHL teams have been busy signing players just finishing their college careers. Allen has recently added Tim Doherty, Chad Butcher and Steve Owre. Another recruiting resource for Martinson and other ECHL general managers is depth players on AHL teams who may be available for assignment to the ECHL because of the signing of college players. Martinson expects a player from Iowa being assigned as early as Monday. He is also talking to several other organizations about assigning players to Allen. 

 

- Allen added two more players (Butcher & Owre) to the players used list this season and now total 45 which is just one short of the all time record of 46 players used in 2015-16. FYI the fewest number of players Allen ever used in a full season was 41.

 

- Defenseman Phil Beaulieu had the primary assist on both Allen goals last night and had also had a  goal Friday night. Beaulieu has been moving up the list of points by rookie defenseman. He is currently ranked #6 with 14 points (3G, 11A) and is just three points from second place. When you are on a team with Matt Register (26 points) and Les Lancaster (30 points), two of the top four scoring defensemen in the ECHL it is easy to be overlooked but Beaulieu is coming on strong.  

 

- The Western Conference standings continue to be very competitive with all teams at .500 or above. While Allen is playing Kansas City at home four times this week, Wichita will visit Utah for three games. Fort Wayne continues to do what they always do, play either Wheeling or Indy. The Komets have played 23 games this season and 19 were against these two teams. Fort Wayne's record against Wheeling is 7-1-1-1 and against Indy is 6-2-1-0. It all continues as the next six weeks the Komets play Wheeling nine times, Indy seven times and Florida once. 

 

- Allen's penalty kill unit gave up a goal last night for the first time since March 21. In their last two series the penalty kill has killed 27 of 28 opportunities for a penalty kill percentage of 96.4% and have scored two shorthanded goals. The penalty killers have out scored the opponents power play units 2-1 over the last six games. Can't ask for more than that.

 

 DID YOU KNOW: Despite the shootout loss last night Allen still has one of the best records in the ECHL for games that go to overtime and shootouts. Here are the details:

 

ECHL teams with best record in games that go extra time (overtime + shootouts). Points percentage is in parenthesis:

 

Overall

11-3: Indy (.786)

6-2: Florida (.750)

7-4: Rapid City (.636)

5-3: Allen (.625)

6-4: Orlando (.600)

 

Best Overtime Record

10-3: Indy

3-0: Florida

5-3: Jacksonville

5-3: Rapid City

 

Best Shootout Record

1-0: Indy

1-0: Wheeling

3-1: Allen

   

 

A Shutout Win for Allen, Game Recap, Video Highlights, Game Three Preview and More

 

Hayden Hawkey led Allen with a 25 save shutout

 

Anyway you measure it the Allen Americans played a great game in shutting out the Utah Grizzlies 3-0 last night before a crowd of 1954 at the Allen Event Center. Here are some stats that show how well the Americans played.

- Most shots on goal (37) of any of the 10 games against Utah this season.

- Fewest shots allowed to Utah (25) in any of the 10 games played this season.

- Two power play goals (2-6) for only the fourth time all season.

- Perfect penalty kill (0-4) including 31 seconds of 5-on-3.

- Shorthanded goal by Corey Mackin.

- Hayden Hawkey, starting his first game for the Americans, with a great  25 save shutout.

- Allen had a good start scoring at the 2:59 mark of the first period.

- Allen has won every game against Utah this season when scoring first. 

- Allen led 1-0 after the first period and improved its record to 14-0-2-0 with a first period lead.

- Allen's record against Utah this season is now 8-2.

- After the game ended there were six penalties called including four for roughing and two for fighting. It was clear the rough stuff was started by Utah after being shutout 3-0. If there are any suspensions I assume they will go to Utah but most likely no suspensions will be handed out. 

- Goal scorers for Allen were Philip Beaulieu (3), Samuel Laberge (11) and Corey Mackin (16). Here are the video highlights from the Allen Americans YouTube channel. 

 

- Here is the game recap from the Allen Americans: https://allenamericans.com/news/general/americans-shutdown-utah-3-0-for-second-straight-win/

 

- The game recap from the Utah Grizzlies:  https://www.utahgrizzlies.com/en/grizzlies-news/allen-blanks-utah-3-0

 

- Coach Martinson will start Frank Marotte in goal tonight. He typically will play a goalie back to back after a shutout but Hawkey has had limited game action having just three complete games since February 14. Coming back with a rested Marotte was the decision Martinson made in this situation.

 

- Tim Doherty, who sat out the first two Utah games, will be back in the lineup tonight. 

- The key to a win tonight for the Americans is real simple, more of the same. Allen is not the type of team to back down but they need to avoid what could be a rough third game of this series. If Allen is going to the penalty box they need to make sure to take someone from Utah along. The Americans have had a clear special teams advantage in the first two games scoring three power play goals (3-11) while holding Utah scoreless (0-8). Allen also had a shorthanded goal. A good start like last night and winning the special teams battle will secure a sweep of Utah.

- The referee scheduled tonight is #25 Andrew Bruggeman who was the referee in the first two games of the series. An experienced referee, Bruggemen will likely have a quick whistle if the rough stuff start early.

 

OTHER COMMENTS

- The Corey Mackin unassisted shorthand goal in the third period to give Allen a 3-0 lead was a thing of beauty. Corey leads Allen with three shorthanded goals which is also tied for the ECHL lead. Allen has scored six shorthanded goals. In addition to Mackin, Josh Lammon has two shorthanded goals and Samuel Laberge has one. 

- Hayden Hawkey's shutout was the fifth by the Americans this season. Justin Kapelmaster and Jake Paterson both have two shutouts.  

 

- Tonight, for the first time in team history, the Americans will be wearing a different jersey in each period to honor police, fire and health care workers.  

 

 

DID YOU KNOW: Allen has already had five shutouts this season with 46% of the season remaining. The Americans goalies could set the team record if they keep up this pace. Here are total shutouts for each season since the Americans joined the ECHL:

 

5 - 2020-21 (thru 39 games)

6 - 2019-20 (shortened season)

4 - 2018-19

0 - 2017-18

9 - 2016-17 (Riley Gill had a record seven shutouts)

4 - 2015-16 

2 - 2014-15  

Allen Earns Third Shootout Win Against Utah, Game Recap, Video Highlights, Martinson's Comments, Rematch Preview and More

 

It wasn't easy but the Allen Americans kicked off their three game series against the Utah Grizzlies with a 3-2 shootout victory last night before a crowd of 1488 at the Allen Event Center. The stars were Colby McAuley who scored both of Allen's regulation goals, Samuel Laberge who scored the only shootout goal in the fourth round of the shootout and goalie Frank Marotte who stopped all four Utah shootout attempts.

 

- It wasn't a good start for the Americans as they gave up the first goal of the game just 61 seconds after puck drop. Allen's record prior to last night when they give up the first goal was 4-8-1-0. The Americans came back from the 1-0 early deficit as Colby McAuley scored his first of game on the power play at the 12:18 mark of the first period.

 

- Allen was forced to come from behind a second time when goalie Frank Marotte misplayed the puck behind the net and Utah's leading scorer and ECHL Rookie of the Month, Matthew Boucher, put the puck into an open net just 11 seconds into the second period. Once again Colby McAuley brought Allen back, this time at the 11:48 mark of the period. After a scoreless third period the game headed to overtime.

 

- Allen started the overtime on the penalty kill (25 seconds) on a penalty carried over from regulation time but Utah was called for a penalty four second into the overtime and the Americans ended up with the advantage. Both teams had chances in overtime but could not convert.

 

- If you believe past is prologue getting to a shootout was good for Allen. Prior to last night the  Americans had only been involved in two shootouts, both against Utah, and they won both games. Allen chose to go first in the shootout and sent out Connor Bleackley in the first round, Corey Mackin in the second round and Colby McAuley in the third round who all missed. Marotte also stopped Utah's first three shooters. Samuel Laberge finally broke the ice in the top of round four on a great deke going forehand to backhand. Marotte made a super save in the bottom of the fourth round and the victory was Allen's. 

 

- Here are the video highlights from the Allen Americans YouTube channel. 

 

- Here is the game recap from the Allen Americans: https://allenamericans.com/news/general/americans-open-three-game-series-with-utah-with-a-3-2-shootout-win/

 

 - Here is the game recap from the Utah Grizzlies:  https://www.utahgrizzlies.com/en/grizzlies-news/pare-boucher-score-goals-in-utah-s-shootout-loss 

 

- Colby McAuley has only played seven games since signing with Allen and has already moved into the top ten in goals. Since returning from an injury after being out for almost two months, Colby has eight points (4G, 4A) in three games. He is now averaging 1.43 points per game.

 

- Steve Owre, playing his first pro game and first game of any kind in a year had an immediate impact getting the primary assist on both Allen goals. Maybe difficult for him to go all three games this weekend but his speed and skill stood out last night.  

 

- Coach Martinson had not reviewed the game video when I talked to him this morning but he was pleased with the overall team defense despite the breakdowns on the two Utah goals. He noted the team gave up fewer opportunities than in recent games. Martinson is still looking for some of the players that have a history of scoring to pick up their game to help generate more offense.

 

- Hayden Hawkey will get his first start in goal for the Americans tonight. Hayden played in relief of Justin Kaplemaster after he was injured in the recent Rapid City series. Martinson was not sure which skaters will be in or out until he reviews the video and checks in with players that are dinged up to see if they can go. With three games in three days it pays to rest some players. Chad Butcher is expected to see his first action for the Americans tonight.

 

- The keys to the game tonight include getting off to a better start. The two goals allowed last night were 61 seconds into the first period and 11 seconds into the second period. 

 

- Special teams were the difference in the game last night as the Americans scored a power play goal for the second straight game. The penalty kill was perfect (0-4) last night which included some 5-on-3 time. Allen hasn't allowed a power play goal in its last four games (0-17). If you win the special teams battle you likely win the game. 

 

- The other key tonight will be generating more offense even strength. As coach Martinson mentioned he is looking for some of the players that have a history of scoring in the past to generate more offense. In five of Allen's last nine games the Americans have scored either one or two goals. For the season Allen is ranked #2 in average goals scored per game (3.37) so they need more scoring. 

 

OTHER COMMENTS

- There is a full slate of seven games in the ECHL tonight. One game of interest to Allen fans is Wichita at Rapid City. If Allen wins and Wichita loses in regulation the Americans will move past Wichita into second place in the Western Conference standings. Here is a preview of all seven games tonight. https://www.echl.com/en/news/2021/4/echl-today-april-2

 

- Allen's record against Utah this season now stands at 7-2-0-0. Four of the seven wins came in games that went extra time The Americans have been involved in seven extra time games this season with four being against Utah. Allen has the best shootout record in the league at 3-0 with all three wins coming against Utah. Utah has the worst shootout record in the league at 1-6. In Allen's three shootout wins they have not allowed a single goal (0-9). Jake Paterson, Justin Kapelmaster and Frank Marotte have each had a shootout win. 

 

DID YOU KNOW: The ECHL season is now over 50% completed and still only three penalty shots have been successful. Two of the three successful penalty shots were by Allen Americans, Spencer Asuchak and Les Lancaster. 

Allen vs Utah Series Preview, Roster Update, ECHL Winning Streaks and More

 

The Allen Americans play the Utah Grizzlies 18 times this season, more than any other team on the schedule. Games nine, 10 and 11 of the 18 games will be played in Allen tonight, Friday and Saturday. This three game series is key for both teams who are currently in third (Allen) and fourth (Utah) place in the Western Conference. Allen has a points percentage of .622 and wants to catch Wichita (.655) for second place and home ice advantage in the first round of the playoffs. Utah (.563) wants to catch Allen but also has to worry about Tulsa (.524) and Rapid City (.512) pushing the Grizzlies out of the final playoff position. 

- In the first eight games between Allen and Utah the Americans have a record of 6-2-0-0. The record is a bit misleading when you consider one of Allen's wins came in overtime and two came in shootouts. Incidentally, the two shootout wins against Utah are the only shootouts Allen has been involved in this season. 

 

- Head to head stats in the previous eight games show Allen with the advanatge in goals (29-23) and shots (276-232). Over the previous eight games Allen's power play was 4-31 for a power play percentage of 12.9%. Utah's power play was 1-29 for a power play percentage of just 3.4%. 

 

- Special teams as always will play a key role in this series. It is notable the Americans have not allowed a power play goal to Utah in the last seven games. The Grizzlies lone power play goal against the Americans came in the first game they played on December 18. It is well documented how much the Allen power play has struggled at home ranking dead last in the ECHL at 10.9% (6-55). The Americans did manage a power play goal in their last game and the two recent additions (Chad Butcher and Steve Owre) will see power play time in the series. The power play could be a difference maker in this series.

 

- While head to head stats favor Allen if you compare overall home and road special teams stats Utah is better. Allen's home penalty kill is ranked #6 (86.3%) while Utah's road penalty kill is ranked #5 (83.9%). Allen's home power play is ranked #14 (10.9%) while Utah's road power play is ranked #5  (18.8%).  

- Allen wins 77.1% of the points when they score first and Utah wins 70.6% so scoring first will be important. In the previous eight games between the Americans and Grizzlies the team that scored first won seven times. Allen won once when they didn't score first.

 

- Here is the latest roster update from Steve Martinson:

- Frank Marotte will get the start in goal tonight

- Chad Butcher will play in two of the three games against Utah and it is still undecided which game Chad sits out.

- Martinson is expecting to sign a defenseman today and the player could arrive as soon as Sunday. Another Western Hockey League alum coming from the college ranks.

- Minnesota Wild has signed its first round draft choice (#12 overall) from 2019. Forward Matt Boldy just completed his hockey season with Boston College. The Hobey Baker Award finalist will report to the Iowa Wild. When Boldy reports which is scheduled for next week, an Iowa forward could be assigned to Allen.

- Jesse Mychan will be undergoing suregery and will miss the rest of the season.

- Nolan Kneen is out indefinitely with a chance he could be ready for playoffs but that will not be determined for some time.

 

-  Both teams will be missing top scorers from the head to head games this season. Jesse Mychan had 11 points (6G, 5A) in eight games against the Grizzlies. Utah's rookie defenseman Hunter Skinner had seven points (3G, 4A) but is currently in the AHL. 

 

- Players to keep an eye on tonight include Utah's rookie (#10) Matthew Boucher who is leading all ECHL rookies in points and is the current ECHL Rookie of the Month. Last week in four games against Tulsa Boucher had four goals and four assists. 

 

- For Allen, players to watch in this series are Les Lancaster who has averaged a point a game (1G,7A) and Corey Mackin who has four goals against Utah. The series will also be the first action for #19 Chad Butcher and #8 Steve Owre.

 

- The referee tonight will be #25 Andrew Bruggeman who is the current recipient of the top award voted on by his peers, an annual award given to an on ice official for contributions and dedication to the league officiating staff. Bruggeman began officiating  when he was 12 years old.

 

OTHER COMMENTS

 - There are two other games in the ECHL tonight as Florida visits Orlando and Jacksonville is at Wheeling. Friday night all 14 ECHL teams will be in action. 

 

- Florida leads all ECHL teams with 17 home wins followed by Indy with 13. Allen and Wichita lead the league with 13 road wins. 

 

- Here is a stat that tells you how close the ECHL is right now. There is only one team that has won more than two straight games. Greenville has won three straight. 

 

DID YOU KNOW: Longest ECHL winning streaks the last five season:

9 - Florida (2020-21)

11 - Newfoundland (2019-21)

10 - Toledo (2018-19)

10 - Florida (2017-18)

17 - Colorado (2016-17)