Cincinnati Cyclones (28-28-2-7)
vs.
Wheeling Nailers (32-30-1-1)
Click here for today's game note packet
DATE: Sunday, March 29, 2015
TIME: 4:05pm ET
SITE: WesBanco Arena - Wheeling, WV
BROADCAST: Cyclones Radio Network, ECHL.TV
NHL AFFILIATES
Cincinnati Cyclones: Florida Panthers, Nashville Predators
Wheeling Nailers: Montreal Canadiens, Pittsburgh Penguins
NEXT HOME GAME
TUESDAY, MARCH 31 - 7:30pm vs. TOLEDO WALLEYE
BIG BEER TUESDAY / COUNTRY NIGHT / ADULT T-SHIRT NIGHT
Today's Matchup: This afternoon the Cyclones could very well be playing one of their most important games of the season as they face-off against the Wheeling Nailers for the final time as the North Division playoff race nears its conclusion. The Clones have taken two of the three regular season get-togethers with their West Virginian foes in 2014-15.
Scouting the Nailers: Clark Donatelli’s club rolled past the Reading Royals last and now sits just one point ahead of Cincinnati for the fourth-and-final postseason slot. Riley Brace has been atop the Nailers’ scoring ledger for most of the season and owns 60 points (18g, 42a) in 53 games this season. Fellow forward Riley Brace has impressed in his rookie season with 58 tallies (26g, 32a) in 64 contests this season. Eric Hartzell has been the go-to guy in Wheeling’s net this year, posting a 15-12-1-0 record with a 2.61 goals-against average. Recent addition Brandon Whitney has served as the back-up since turning pro from the QMJHL and has seen just three minutes of action so far.
Last Time Out: The Komets erased a late two-goal deficit to defeat the Cyclones in overtime by a 4-3 final score in front of 6,737 at U.S. Bank Arena. Joe Basaraba netted a pair of goals in the defeat, becoming the 13th Cincinnati player to post a two-goal game or better. It was the fourth straight game where the Cyclones earned at least a point.
High Octane Offense: New Cincinnati forward Jack Combs got off to an impressive start on Friday night. He registered a hat trick to lift the Cyclones to victory over Evansville. With those three tallies, and an assist last night, he now ranks tied for fourth in the ECHL with 73 points (30g, 43a) in just 44 games this year.
One MVP Passes Another: This past Saturday, Cyclones goaltender Rob Madore passed Cedrick Desjardins for third on the club’s all-time games played list when he appeared in his 68th game. Since joining the Cyclones, Madore has compiled a 30-29-9 record in 71 appearances. Brian Foster is the club’s all-time leader, who had 80 games under his belt.
Season Series at a Glance (4 games - 2 home, 2 away - 1 remaining):
Cincinnati's 2014-15 Record vs. Wheeling: 2-1-0-0
Nov 8 Wheeling 4 at Cincinnati 3 Final
Jan 3 Wheeling 2 at Cincinnati 3 Final
Feb 7 Cincinnati 4 at Wheeling 3 Final
Mar 29 Cincinnati at Wheeling 4:05pm EDT
