Today's matinee at the Veterans Memorial Arena will be unique. It marks the only time this season that the Jacksonville Icemen (17-26-3-3, 40 pts) take on a Western Conference opponent in the 2017-18 season, presented by Community First Credit Union. The Allen Americans (24-20-4-2, 54 pts) are in town as they're finishing off a four-game swing against the South Division today.
This is a tough game to dissect, as neither team has played the other before. Allen is coming into this game limping, losing their past three games, all against South Division opponents. Making that worse, this is the third consecutive day that the Americans are playing a game. There are sure to be some tired legs on the Allen bench today.
Jacksonville is starting to play better hockey, winning their last two games. Not only are the Icemen winning, but they're finding ways to win close games. All season long, the third period has been difficult for Jacksonville, but the tide seems to be changing. In the last two games, they entered the third period tied, but the Icemen found a way to score two goals in the final frame to win those games. With both teams having a game last night, a full 60-minute effort will be the key to winning today's game.
Despite only having two power plays last night, Jacksonville was moving the puck well and creating quality scoring chances. If they can replicate that today, the odds are good they'll find the back of the net on the man advantage. Allen enters this afternoon's game with the worst penalty kill on the road, posting a dismal 74.5%.
Click here to get your tickets for today's showdown as the puck drops at 3:00 p.m.!
Matchup Breakdown
Records:
Jacksonville Icemen: 17-26-3-3 (7th in South division)
Allen Americans: 24-20-4-2 (4th in Mountain division)
Power Play:
Icemen: 19/200 – 9.5% (27th in ECHL)
Americans: 40/219 – 18.3% (9th in ECHL)
Penalty Kill:
Icemen: 174/212 – 82.1% (16th in ECHL)
Americans: 177/221 – 80.1% (23rd in ECHL)
Players to Watch:
#10 D Dajon Mingo (JAX)
3G, 15A – 18 Pts, +3 Rating
Mingo’s speed and athleticism makes him a threatening two-way defenseman. Watch for him to have an impact in today’s game.
#17 F Casey Pierro-Zabotel (ALN)
13G, 40A – 53 Pts, +21 Rating
Pierro-Zabotel leads the team in points this season, but hasn’t scored in five games. He’ll look to change that today against Jacksonville.
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