Cyclones Game Preview - Cincinnati at Greenville

Cyclones Game Preview - Cincinnati at Greenville

CYCLONES GAME PREVIEW

Cincinnati Cyclones (27-26-1-5)
vs.
Greenville Road Warriors (31-27-1-3)


Click here for tonight's game note packet

DATE: Thursday, March 19, 2015
TIME: 7:00pm ET
SITE: Bon Secours Wellness Arena - Greenville, SC
BROADCAST: Cyclones Radio Network, ECHL.TV

NHL AFFILIATES
Cincinnati Cyclones: Florida Panthers, Nashville Predators
Greenville Road Warriors: New York Rangers

NEXT HOME GAME
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25 - 7:30pm vs. SOUTH CAROLINA
WET WEDNESDAY / GAME SHOW NIGHT

Tonight's Matchup: The Cyclones embark on their final lengthy road swing of the season tonight as they play the first of back-to-back games against the Greenville Road Warriors. The Road Warriors earned a pair of victories when the team’s met earlier this season. All-time as ECHL rivals, the Cyclones own a 7-8-0-2 record against their Palmetto State foes.

Scouting the Road Warriors: Dean Stork’s club is in the midst of a major struggle, having lost 16 of their last 22 games including six straight. As a result of the dip, they come into the night three points out of the fourth and final playoff spot in the East Division. Recently-acquired Anthony Luciani is tied for Greenville’s active lead in scoring, notching 59 points (22g, 37a) in 55 games but has only scored one goal in his three appearances with the Road Warriors. Former Cyclone Vinny Saponari has 59 tallies as well, ranking among the league’s best with 41 assists. Jason Missian has been the go-to-guy between the pipes, going 12-14-0-3 this season with a 3.27 goals-against average. Rookie Braely Torris has seen some action as well for the Road Warriors, going 3-3 with a 3.09 GAA.

Last Time Out: A pair of quick third period lamplighters proved to be the difference as the Komets narrowly beat the Cyclones by a 3-2 final score in front of 6,188 at Memorial Coliseum on Sunday night. Jack Downing struck for the fourth time in two games despite the defeat.

Tempo Setters: The Cyclones have found their best success when pulling out in front early in games. They are a stellar 20-9-1-1 when striking the game's opening goal and a perfect 19-0 when pulling out in front 2-0.

Hat's Off: Cyclones forward Jack Downing has started off his Cincinnati career in impressive fashion. He became the first Cyclones player this season to earn a hat trick this past Saturday. Interestingly, the last Cyclones player to net a three-goal game or better was Brian Nugent (March 21, 2014) - one of the pieces moved at this year's trading deadline to acquire Downing.

Season Series at a Glance (4 games - 1 home, 3 away - 2 remaining):
Cincinnati's 2014-15 Record vs. Greenville: 0-2-0-0

Dec 11 Cincinnati 2 at Greenville 3 Final
Dec 17 Greenville 3 at Cincinnati 0 Final
Mar 19 Cincinnati at Greenville 7:00pm EDT
Mar 20 Cincinnati at Greenville 7:00pm EDT