For Immediate Release: February 6, 2016
Vs. Indy Fuel (23-22-2-0, 48 PTS)
Saturday, February 6, 2016 - 7:35pm ET
Indiana Farmers Coliseum - Indianapolis, IN
Overview: The Cyclones withstood a potent Indy Fuel attack on Friday night, coming away with a 4-3 win. The Cyclones now sit just one point back of the Fuel, heading into Saturday’s game in Indy. The Cyclones have won four of their last six games, and currently sit in a tie for the eighth and final playoff spot in the Western Conference.
Last Night Recap: The Cincinnati Cyclones (21-18-3-2) defeated the Indy Fuel, 4-3, on Friday night. Forward Andrew Yogan tallied a pair of goals, while forwards Jack Downing and Peter Quenneville each added lone markers. Cincinnati was outshot, 35-17 on the night, with goaltender Andy Iles stopping 32 to collect the win.
Wednesday Recap: The Cincinnati Cyclones (20-18-3-2) fell to the Wheeling Nailers, 3-1, on Wednesday night. Forward Peter Quenneville scored the lone goal of the night for the Cyclones. The Cyclones were outshot, 28-25 on the night, with Cyclones netminder Andy Iles stopping 25 in the loss.
Saturday Night Recap: The Cincinnati Cyclones (20-17-3-2) earned their 20th win of the season, taking down the Quad City Mallards, 3-2 in overtime on Saturday night, in front of 8,391 fans at U.S. Bank Arena. Forwards Zach Budish and Tommy Mele scored the goals in regulation for Cincinnati, while forward Jack Downing collected the overtime winner. The Cyclones peppered Mallards netminder Brody Hoffman with shots all night long, outshooting the Mallards, 42-14. Cincinnati netminder Brandon Whitney turned aside 12 of the 14 shots he faced to earn the win.
Previewing Indy: The Fuel have been racking up the points in recent weeks, winning six of their last eight games, with their only two losses coming to the Cyclones. They are outscoring their opposition, 25-15, over their last eight games. They are led by forward Alex Lavoie, who has accounted for 33 points (9g, 24a) through 46 games this season. He is followed by defenseman Ben Marshall (5g, 18a), and a pair of 23-point scorers in forwards Rhett Bly (13g, 10a), and Peter Schneider (12g, 11a).
Inside the Series: Saturday will be the fifth of 11 meetings on the season between the Cyclones and Fuel, as well as the first of five games this season in Indy. The Cyclones are 2-2-0-0 against the Fuel this season.
Next Game Preview: The Cyclones return to home ice on Wednesday night to battle the Kalamazoo Wings. Wednesday is the fourth and final meeting of the season between the Cyclones and Wings, with Cincinnati posting a 1-1-1-0 record through the first three meetings.
TOP STORYLINES
Taking the Lead: With a goal in last night’s 4-3 win over the Indy Fuel, forward Jack Downing is now tied for the League-lead with 22 goals. Downing been amongst the top scorers on the Cyclones all season long, tallying points in five of his last six games (4g, 1a), including the game-winner in last Saturday’s 3-2 overtime win over the Quad City Mallards. Downing’s goal last night also marked his 150th point of his pro hockey career.
Finding his Stride: Rookie forward Peter Quenneville scored the game winner in last night’s 4-3 win over the Indy Fuel, marking his second straight game with a goal. The Columbus Blue Jackets prospect has points in three straight, accounting for a pair of goals and an assist in that span.
Making an Impression: Cyclones forward Tommy Mele has made his impact felt since joining the Cyclones in a trade with the Norfolk Admirals on January 17. In nine games with Cincinnati, Mele has accounted for three goals and an assist, along with a pair of fights.
Back With a Vengeance: Defenseman Brett Wysopal has been on a tear since returning to the lineup on January 13, accounting for points in eight of his 10 games (2g, 7a), including an assist in last night’s 4-3 win over the Indy Fuel Wysopal had been out of the lineup since November 4 with an injury.
Home Sweet Home: After starting 2016 off with eight of their first nine games on the road, the Cyclones will play three of their next four, and eight of the next 12 games at home. Cincinnati has posted a 14-5-1-2 record on home ice this season, and is averaging 2.86 goals per game in home contests.
Familiar Foes: With 28 games remaining on the regular season schedule, Cincinnati will be playing 20 of those against Midwest Division foes (Evansville, Ft. Wayne, Indy, Quad City). The Cyclones have compiled an 10-8-1-1 record against divisional opponents this season.
Downing, Whitney named to Fantasy Team: The ECHL League Office has announced the winner from each team on the 2015-16 ECHL Fantasy Team, presented by The MeiGray Group, as well as the goaltenders who will be participating for each of the League’s 28 teams in the Golden Goalie Program. Amongst the participants are Cyclones forward Jack Downing, and goaltender Brandon Whitney. Fans had the opportunity to vote for one player on each team, and that player will wear a special Fantasy Team jersey at an upcoming home game. A goaltender from each team was also selected, and he too will wear a specially-designed jersey at an upcoming home game.
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
