For Immediate Release: February 27, 2016
Game 55 (Home Game 29)
Vs. Indy Fuel (26-27-2-0, 54PTS)
Saturday, February 27, 2016 - 7:35pm ET
U.S. Bank Arena - Cincinnati, OH
Overview: The Cyclones wrap up their four-game homestand on Saturday night against the Indy Fuel. They Cyclones are coming off of a 3-0 shutout win over the Tulsa Oilers on Friday night, and have won four straight, and eight of their last nine games. Cincinnati sits just two points back of the Ft. Wayne Komets for first place in the Midwest Division, and are in fifth place in the Western Conference playoff standings.
Last Night Recap: The Cincinnati Cyclones (29-20-3-2) extended their winning streak to four games, with a 3-0 shutout win over the Tulsa Oilers on Friday night. Forwards Zach Budish, Colin Mulvey, and Andrew Yogan scored the goals for the Cyclones, while goaltender Andy Iles stopped all 27 shots he faced for his second shutout as a Cyclone.
Wednesday Night Recap: The Cincinnati Cyclones (28-20-3-2) picked up a 5-2 win over the Atlanta Gladiators on Wednesday night. Forward Joe Pendenza potted a pair of goals, while forwards Branden Gracel, Christiaan Minella, and Jack Downing netted lone tallies for Cincinnati. The Cyclones were outshot, 27-23 on the evening, with goaltender Andy Iles stopping 25 to collect his tenth win as a Cyclone.
Tuesday Night Recap: The Cincinnati Cyclones (27-20-3-2) collected a 5-2 win over the Evansville IceMen on Tuesday night. Defenseman Garrett Noonan notched a pair of goals, while forwards Joe Pendenza, Branden Gracel, and Tommy Mele chipped in lone tallies for the Cyclones, who earn their tenth home win in a row over the Evansville IceMen. Cincinnati outshot the IceMen, 25-28 on the night, with goaltender Andy Iles turning aside 16 to earn the win.
Previewing Indy: The Fuel fell to the League-leading Missouri Mavericks, 5-3, on Tuesday night, and have dropped five of their last seven overall. They currently sit nine back of the Cyclones for second in the Midwest Division, and four back of the eight and final playoff spot in the Western Conference. They are led by forward Alex Lavoie, who has accounted for 43 points (13g, 30a) through 55 games played. Team goals-leader Rhett Bly is second with 28 points (14g 14a), and forward Peter Schneider (13g, 14a) rounds out the top three.
Inside the Series: This the sixth of 11 meetings on the season between Cincinnati and Indy, with the Fuel holding a 3-2-0-0 edge through the first five games. The Cyclones will meet the Fuel three times in their next six games, and just two of the final six games in the season series will be played at U.S. Bank Arena.
Next Game Preview: Cincinnati heads back on the road next Friday, when they battle the Quad City Mallards. The two teams split a two-game series last weekend in Quad City, and will meet five more times this season.
TOP STORYLINES
The Puck Stops Here: Goaltender Andy Iles earned his second shutout as a Cyclone last night, stopping all 27 shots he faced in Cincinnati’s 3-0 win over the Tulsa Oilers. He has seen tremendous success since being claimed off of waivers in early January, posting 11 wins in his first 16 games with the Cyclones, along with a 2.41 goals-against average, and a .915 save percentage. The Ithaca, NY, native has had an exceptional month of February, posting a 8-3-0-0 record, and a 2.15 GAA along with a .927 SV%.
Not Your Average Joe: Forward Joe Pendenza has been on a tear since being reassigned to the Cyclones from the Milwaukee Admirals last weekend, accounting for four goals and two assists over five games. He has tallied goals in three of his last four contests, including a pair in Wednesday’s 5-2 win over the Atlanta Gladiators.
Noonan Recalled: Defenseman Garrett Noonan has been recalled by the Milwaukee Admirals; American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate of the Cyclones. Last week’s ECHL Player of the Week has been an offensive force from the blueline this season, accounting for 31 points (7g, 31a) in 40 games played. He has points in eight of his last 10 games played, totaling four goals and 10 assists in that span.
Blueline Contributions: The Cyclones’ defensive corps have been a staple on the scoresheet over the last nine games, accounting for five goals and 22 assists in that span. Garrett Noonan leads the way with 12 points (4g, 8a) in that time including a pair of goals in Tuesday night’s 5-2 win over the Evansville IceMen, and currently eighth in League defenseman scoring with 31 points (7g, 24a). Four other defenseman have tallied points over the last seven games including Brett Wysopal (7a), Riley Weselowski (4a), Andrew Blazek (1g, 2a), and Jonathan Diaby (1a).
Power Surge: The Cyclones’ power play has seen some good success over the last couple of weeks, with goals on 12 of their last 41 power play chances (29.2%), and is currently 14th in the ECHL with an 17.2 power play percentage (36/209).
Finishing Strong: With a third period goal in last night’s 3-0 win over the Tulsa Oilers the Cyclones are tied for the ECHL lead with 65 third period tallies this season. Cincinnati is outscoring the opposition, 65-46, in the third period, including 39-25 in the last 10 minutes of regulation.
Downing Hits 100: Forward Jack Downing scored twice in the first period of Saturday’s 5-3 win over the Quad City Mallards, marking the 99th and 100th goals of his pro hockey career. The fifth year pro has skated in 313 games between the ECHL and American Hockey League (AHL), having accounted for 101 goals and 82 assists, and is currently tied for the ECHL goal-scoring lead with 26.
And Down the Stretch They Come!: Last night’s 3-0 win over Tulsa marked the 23rd time this season that Cincinnati has won a game when leading after two periods. The Cyclones are 23-1-0-0 when leading heading into the third period, and are a perfect 18-0-0-0 at home when leading through 40 minutes.
The 2015-2016 season is underway! Your Cyclones are on the march towards another Kelly Cup Championship, and want you along for the ride! Be sure to check out one of our 2015-16 Ticket Packages, available NOW! Call 513.421.PUCK to reserve your seats. Fans can also get the latest team updates on Facebook, Twitter (@CincyCyclones), Instagram, and our website, www.cycloneshockey.com!
