Another great result for the Americans tonight. After giving up the first goal a minute thirty into the game they scored four unanswered goals for a 4-1 victory. Coach Martinson's statement at the beginning of the season that we are going to be tough to play against seemed to be evident as the Americans wore down the Oilers as the game progressed. Other random thoughts:
- Oiler coach Bruce Ramsay was really giving it to the referee at the end of the game drawing a 10 minute "Abuse of Officials Penalty." You know he will have his team fired up for tomorrow nights game. It should be a good one to watch or listen to.
- The stars of the game were: 1st Star Ryley Grantham, 2nd Star Aaron Dell, 3rd Star Jarret Lukin. For my money Lukin was the number one star with the shorthanded goal, three points, and a plus 4 on the night.
- Scotty Howes is on the 7 day IR but skated with the team this morning. Nothing serious with his ankle, just sore.
- Kip Brennan was moved from the 7 day to the 14 day IR.
- I keep seeing Andrew Howes dressed in a suit sitting with the injured players. Maybe the Americans are still trying to find a spot on the team for him. Stay tuned.
- The power play is now 0 -12 against Tulsa in the last two games. Seems like we get good puck movement but can't get the puck on the net.
- The penalty kill seemed to solve the 1-3-1 power play the Oilers use. After giving up three goals in five Tulsa power plays on Wednesday Tulsa was 0-5 tonight.
- The pink jerseys benefiting the Mary Kay foundation were auctioned off after the game. Lot's of money was raised with jerseys selling for $250 to $1100. The players jersey that had the highest bid was Kip Brennan at $1050. The $1100 bid was for a signed Mike Modano pink jersey.
- Here is some info from the Americans press release on the game:
Americans Anecdotes
• Skinner has scored in each of the Americans’ games this season (1 goal, 7 assists). He leads the league in scoring for defensemen.
• Bootland also has points in each game this season (3 goals, 7 assists). He is tied for the league lead in points.
• The Americans have won two games in a row and lead the league in points with 10.
• Allen outshot the Oilers, 25-19.
• Martinson on Scotty Howes: “He’s basically day-to-day; he’s on the
I.R. I expect him back next week. He’s not playing tomorrow.”
Nicely done, Barry. I'm really enjoying the articles on this new blog.
ReplyDeleteI think I agree with you about Lukin as the 1st star. He was everywhere, last night - most notably filling in at the blue line when Montgomery or another D-man was otherwise occupied digging the puck out from behind the net, or whatever. I'm seeing more of that sort of blurring of roles this season, and I think it's just what we've been needing.
Foo, thanks for the kind words, they are really appreciated. The blog has been a lot of work this first month mostly because of my lack of experience with the technology. It is hard to build viewers from scratch. The Americans (Tommy Daniels, Rob Scichili, Brian McMillin & Jarret Lukin) have been helpful in that regard.
DeleteAs for the first star last night, Tommy Daniels had Lukin number one and then dropped him the third after Grantham got in the fight and scored the empty netter. I would have had it Lukin, Grantham, Dell.
By the way my next, "Where Are They Now" feature is going to be with Tobias Whelan. Hope to get it done next week along with some player profiles.