IDAHO STEELHEADS (8-6-0) VS. ALLEN AMERICANS (4-6-2)

WEDNESDAY, NOV. 24, 2021 | 7:10 P.M. MTIDAHO CENTRAL ARENA | BOISE, IDTICKETS: CLICK HERETV: SPARKLIGHT CH. 72RADIO: 95.3FM & 1350AM KTIK | STREAM: FLOHOCKEYCLICK HERE FOR GAME NOTES

Tonight’s Game: The Steelheads open the back half of their six-game homestand with the first of three games against the Allen Americans from Idaho Central Arena.

Head-To-Head: The Steelheads and Americans will meet just eight times this year with this weekend being the lone set of games at Idaho Central Arena in the season series. The Steelheads met the Americans nine times during the 2019-20 season, earning a 4-3-2 record and heading into post-regulation play in four of their nine meetings. The Steelheads own a 18-10-5 record all-time against the Americans while going 10-5-3 at Idaho Central Arena.

Last Game: The Steelheads fell short of the comeback in a 2-1 loss to the Adirondack Thunder on Saturday night from Idaho Central Arena. After an early fight in the first minute of the game, the Thunder pounced first within the opening three minutes to take a 1-0 lead. The Steelheads and Thunder endured a physical game in the battle for the final victory of the weekend. A controversial sequence from the offensive end led to the defensive side, and the Thunder capitalized on a loose puck to double their advantage. The Steelheads struck on their final power play of the night thanks to a left circle shot by forward Colby McAuley (PP, 8:25 3rd) to cut the lead in half, 2-1. Despite a late effort, the comeback came short in the eventual result.

Home Cooking: The Steelheads have picked up where they left off in the first half of the six-game homestand, winning two of three games last week and earning as high as a three-game win streak at home. The Steelheads have held opponents to two goals or less in four-straight home games while also outscoring them 22-14. This follows their recent strong form, earning wins in five of their last seven games dating back to November 7 in Tulsa. The Steelheads have won four of their first six home games and will play nine of their next 11 games at Idaho Central Arena.

Great Stuffing: Special teams has been a constant conversation this year, but the Steelheads were consistent against last week, scoring power play goals in two of three games last week. This extends their stretch to goals in six of their last eight games, going 6-for-28 (21.4%) and improving to 12 power play goals on the season, now tied for the best in the ECHL. On the penalty kill, the Steelheads are perfect in four-straight games overall (7 chances) and four-straight at home (8 chances) while owning the best power play to penalty kill differential (plus-25) in the ECHL.

The Brady Bunch: Steelheads defenseman Darren Brady has proven consistent production on the offensive side of the puck as of late, earning a team-best four points (1-3–4) last week against Adirondack. His recent form extends his active point and assist streak to four games, tied for the longest for a Steelheads defenseman this season overall and for assists. He owns five points (1-4—5) in that time and now shares the points lead (9) among Steelheads defensemen with Michael Prapavessis.

McAul Over It: Steelheads forward Colby McAuley has enjoyed his time playing in Boise lately, earning two power play goals in three games last week with points in all three contests thanks to an assist on Friday night. This comes while the Sherwood Park, Alb. native has been playing on both sides of the puck, scoring his two power play goals as a forward and his assist as a defenseman. He is just three points away from hitting 100 career ECHL points, posting 97 points (46-51–97) in 151 games over five seasons. This year, McAuley has four goals and six points.

Bald Eagle’s Call: The Allen Americans are in the midst of a six-game road trip that started in Rapid City last week for a three-game weekend. After dropping four-straight contests heading into the trip, the Americans won two of three games against the Rush, all while playing short players and without Head Coach Steve Martinsson who was forced to miss last week due to COVID-19 protocols. The Americans are a peculiar case, owning the sixth-most goals scored per game (3.33) while sitting in the basement of the ECHL for shots for (27.08) and their average chance differential (-10.50). However, they’ve scored four or more goals in three of their last five games.

Spare No Ex-Spense: Americans forward Spenser Asuchak has been a large reason for their team’s successes this season with Asuchak currently on a seven-game point streak. In that time, he’s tallied 11 points (4 goals, 7 assists) thanks to a four-point game on Saturday in Rapid City and also has three-straight games with goals scored. In nine ECHL seasons, Asuchak owns 269 points over 362 games with all nine years coming with the Americans. Asuchak leads the Americans in scoring with 15 points (5 goals, 10 assists) and sits in the top-15 across the ECHL.

2021-22 MOUNTAIN DIVISION STANDINGS:

Next Game: The Steelheads continue their weekend against the Allen Americans on Friday, Nov. 26 at 7:10 p.m. from Idaho Central Arena. Tickets are available by calling 331-TIXS or going to idahosteelheads.com. Coverage begins at 6:50 p.m. on 1350AM & 95.3FM KTIK as well as 7:00 p.m. on Sparklight Ch. 72 & FloHockey.