TULSA, Okla. – As the 2014-15 ECHL Kelly Cup Playoffs are set to begin this evening, the Tulsa Oilers are preparing to embrace the role of underdogs.
Appearing in back-to-back postseasons for the first time in 14 years, the fourth-seeded Oilers are set to take on the top-seeded Allen Americans in a best-of-seven Central Division semifinal series beginning tonight at the Allen Event Center.
The two squads are no strangers to each other, having played 17 times in the regular season. Tulsa (37-29-6) posted a record of 5-10-2 against Allen (48-14-10) in the season series, with six of the contests being decided by one goal. The Americans outscored the Oilers 77-51 in the series and won the final four contests between the two teams.
Tulsa will be hoping to keep former Oiler Chad Costello in check, after he netted 15 goals and 16 assists for the Americans against the Oilers this season on his way to claiming the ECHL scoring title. A key contributor to Tulsa’s run into the second round of the 2011 CHL playoffs; Costello took the ECHL by storm this season, finishing the year with 41 goals and 81 assists for a total of 125 points in 72 games.
While they have their work cut out for them taking on the ECHL’s highest scoring team, the Oilers do have plenty of their own firepower to rely on.
Adam Pleskach led the Oilers with 10 goals against the Americans this season
Forward Adam Pleskach, who finished the regular season tied for second with Costello in goals with 41, netted 10 goals in the season series with the Americans to lead Tulsa. Jon Booras dished out 12 assists and T.J. Caig added 18 points for the Oilers in the season series. Fourth-year forward Drew Fisher should also provide offense, as his team high 77 points placed him third in the ECHL scoring race. He also was second in the league with 59 assists. Rookie Jeff Jubenville was one of just two rookies in the league to finish the season with 30 goals and 30 assists.
On the defensive side, the Oilers will look to veteran blue liners Nathan Lutz and Dave Pszenyczny to lead the charge and provide support to rookie netminder Kevin Carr.
The defensive corps also received a shot in the arm last week, when Tulsa claimed Sean Erickson off waivers. Erickson, who spent four seasons in Tulsa from 2009-2013, returned to the Oilers after being released by the Rapid City Rush. Erickson was the third leading scorer on the Rush roster last season.
Add to the mix ECHL All-Star defenseman Scott Macaulay and his 46 points, and you have a defensive unit that has posted 178 points this season.
In net, the Oilers will rely heavily on ECHL rookie goaltending leader, Carr. On his way to becoming Tulsa’s first 30-game winner since Rod Branch in 2002-03, Carr set a new franchise record with a goals against average of 2.73. The 24 year-old has allowed one goal or fewer in nine of his last 12 outings.
In an attempt to provide some rest for Carr, who logged 70-percent of Tulsa’s minutes this season, the Oilers have added rookie Andy Iles. Iles spent time with Alaska and Florida this season. In 23 games with the Everblades, the Cornell University product posted a record of 15-6-2.
While it is clear that Tulsa is not the favorite in this series, it should be noted that the current roster with the recent additions, the Oilers should not be overlooked. If the Americans are caught looking past them, this is the type of team that could pull off an improbable upset. Anything is possible in the second season.
Game 1 – Tuesday, April 14 at 7:05 p.m. CT at Allen
Game 2 – Wednesday, April 15 at 7:05 p.m. CT at Allen
Game 3 – Friday, April 17 at 7:35 p.m. CT at Tulsa
Game 4 – Saturday, April 18 at 7:35 p.m. CT at Tulsa
Game 5 – Tuesday, April 21 at 7:05 p.m. CT at Allen (If Necessary)
Game 6 – Thursday, April 23 at 7:05 p.m. CT at Tulsa (If Necessary)
Game 7 – Sunday, April 26 at 4:05 p.m. CT at Allen (If Necessary)
Contact the writer: john.hall@prohockeynews.com
Contact the photographer: les.stockton@prohockeynews.com
You must be logged in to post a comment.