PREVIEW #16: Steelheads vs. Americans

IDAHO STEELHEADS (9-6-0) VS. ALLEN AMERICANS (4-7-2)

FRIDAY, NOV. 26, 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 continue their three-game weekend against the Allen Americans from Idaho Central Arena on Black (Out) Friday.

Head-To-Head: The Steelheads took game one of their three-game weekend on Wednesday, and a win tonight will seal the home portion of the season set against the Americans. The two teams meet just eight times this year with this weekend being the lone set of games at Idaho Central Arena. 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 19-10-5 record all-time against the Americans while going 11-5-3 at Idaho Central Arena.

Last Game: The Steelheads scoring in the middle sector helped to a 4-2 win on Wednesday night at Idaho Central Arena. While the Americans struck first early in the game, the Steelheads gained control following that tally and turned up the possession and offensive pressure while converting on their first power play of the game thanks to a deflection from forward Colton Kehler (PP, 7:49 1st) to tie the game at 1-1. The Steelheads struck twice early in the second period starting with an odd-man rush finished by forward A.J. White (1:43 2nd) followed by a give-and-go one-time shot by forward Kyle Marino (6:44 2nd) to take a 3-1 advantage. That goal stood as the difference-maker despite a late second period tally by the Americans to draw within one. Steelheads forward Zach Walker (EN, 19:04 3rd) sealed off the game in the final minute for the 4-2 win.

Home Discount: The Steelheads have won the opening game of the weekend for the second-straight week and officially have at least a split of their six-game homestand with two games remaining this weekend. The Steelheads have won three of their first four games during this stretch while holding opponents to two goals or less in five-straight home games while outscoring them 26-16 in the process. This continues their strong form at home, winning five of seven games at Idaho Central Arena and out shooting visiting teams by an average of eight shots per game, one of the largest home shot disparities in the ECHL. The Steelheads have eight of their next 10 games at home before the holiday break.

Super Special Defense: Wednesday’s game was the first time since November 10 that the Steelheads have allowed more than two power play opportunities for their opponents, breaking a five-game streak. However, the Steelheads have held opponents to two power plays or less now in 11 of 15 games to start the season. The Steelheads are perfect in five-straight games on the penalty kill over 10 chances and have only allowed one power play goal at home in seven games (15-for-16, 93.8%).

Marin(o) Biology: Steelheads forward Kyle Marino picked up his first multi-point night of the season in just his third game with the team, providing the game-winning goal and an assist in the win. The Niagara Falls, Ont. native has made an immediate impact since joining the team from the Chicago Wolves (AHL), posting three points in three games in his second professional season. Marino has already halved his point total from last season with the Wheeling Nailers at six points (2-4–6) in 27 games. 

Kehler Instinct: Steelheads forward Colton Kehler jumped back into the lineup on Wednesday after missing the team’s previous game and picked up right where he left off. Thanks to his goal last game, the Port Coquitlam, B.C. native has the team’s opening goal with three of his four goals this season and also extended his point streak to four games, posting three goals and four points since November 13 in Rapid City. In his second professional season, Kehler owns eight points (4-4–8) in his first 12 games following a 38-point (17-21–38) performance in Germany last year.

Gould As Gold: Americans forward Gavin Gould continues his hot tear through the Mountain Division with another two-point night on Wednesday and the only player factoring in to both tallies for the road side. The North Vancouver, B.C. native is on a six-game point streak stretching from his time with the Greenville Swamp Rabbits through his acquisition by the Americans, boasting 11 points (5-6–11) since November 7 with nine of those points coming with Allen. He also has four goals in two games coming off his first-career hat-trick last Saturday in Rapid City. Gould sits third on the team in scoring with 12 points (5-7–12) in nine games this season.

2021-22 MOUNTAIN DIVISION STANDINGS:

Next Game: The Steelheads conclude their three-game weekend against the Allen Americans and six-game homestand on Saturday, Nov. 27 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.