Cincinnati Cyclones (21-20-0-4)
vs.
Indy Fuel (18-22-4-3)
Click here for tonight's game note packet
DATE: Friday, February 13, 2015
TIME: 7:30pm ET
SITE: U.S. Bank Arena - Cincinnati, OH
BROADCAST: Cyclones Radio Network, ECHL.TV
NHL AFFILIATES
Cincinnati Cyclones: Florida Panthers, Nashville Predators
Indy Fuel: Chicago Blackhawks
NEXT HOME GAME (After Tonight)
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 15 - 4:00pm vs. TOLEDO
MEIJER KIDS CLUB GAME
Tonight's Matchup: The North Division playoff race is as hot as ever, with the third through six place teams separated by just three points. Tonight, the Cyclones will open a crucial home-and-home series with one of the teams chasing them - the surging Indy Fuel. The Clones have taken four of the six get-togethers with their Hoosier State foes this season, including the last two.
Tonight's Promotion: Cyclones Blanket Giveaway / $1 Hot Dogs - The first 2,000 fans though the gates will receive a limited-edition Cyclones Blanket courtesy of U.C. Health. Plus, all fans can enjoy $1 John Morrell hot dogs!
Scouting the Fuel: Scott Hillman’s club has completely turned things around after a dismal first half. Having won four consecutive games and nine of their last ten, the Fuel have closed to within three points of the Cyclones heading into this big weekend. Veteran forward Garrett Bembridge leads the Fuel on offense, notching 34 points (17g, 17a) in 44 games this year. Kyle Stroh, who was acquired by Indy back in January, ranks second on the club with 31 tallies (16, 15a) in 48 contests. January’s ECHL Goaltender of the Month, Mac Carruth, has been a big reason for Indy’s surge. He went 7-2-0 with two shutouts, a 1.45 goals-against average and a save percentage of 95.1 in 10 appearances during the month. On the year overall, he’s 10-9-2-2 with a GAA of 2.48. Shane Owen has also seen time in the Indy net, going 9-13-1 with a 3.11 GAA between his time with the Fuel and Stockton Thunder.
Last Time Out: A two-point night from Sean Wiles and a 22-save performance from Connor Knapp led the Royals past the Cyclones by a 5-0 final score in front of 2,579 at U.S. Bank Arena. It was Reading’s club-record 12th consecutive victory.
The New Guy: This afternoon, the Cyclones added defenseman Nick Wheeler to the roster. The fourth-year pro appeared briefly for the Cyclones last year, skating in three games but did not register a point. This season, he had been playing in the SPHL with the Huntsville Havoc and Peoria Rivermen, where he had amassed 12 points (6g, 6a) in a combined 29 games.
Comeback Clones: While it’s not ideal to fall behind on the scoreboard, the Cyclones have done an excellent job in rallying for victory. They have earned 10 comeback wins this season and are on pace to surpass their totals from each of the last six years.
Milestone Achieved: Cincy defenseman Chris Reed will skated in his 200th professional game on Wednesday against Reading. The Solon, Ohio native is enjoying a career season with nine points (5g, 4a) and has tallied seven goals and 38 assists since coming out of Ohio State University in 2011.
Season Series at a Glance (9 games - 3 home, 6 away - 3 remaining):
Cincinnati's 2014-15 Record vs. Indy: 4-2-0-0
Nov 7 Indy 1 at Cincinnati 3 Final
Nov 28 Cincinnati 3 at Indy 2 Final
Nov 29 Cincinnati 3 at Indy 5 Final
Dec 26 Cincinnati 3 at Indy 4 Final
Dec 27 Cincinnati 2 at Indy 1 Final OT
Jan 9 Cincinnati 4 at Indy 1 Final
Feb 13 Indy at Cincinnati 7:30pm EST
Feb 14 Cincinnati at Indy 7:35pm EST
Apr 3 Indy at Cincinnati 7:30pm EDT
