GAME NOTES: 3/11 vs. Idaho

GAME NOTES: 3/11 vs. Idaho

 For Immediate Release: March 11, 2017

                                                    

Game 62 (Road Game 29)

Vs. Idaho Steelheads (33-19-5-2, 73pts)

Saturday, March 11, 2017 - 9:10pm ET

CenturyLink Arena - Boise, ID

Full Game Notes

 

Overview: The Cyclones got off to a good start on their five-game western trip, taking down the Idaho Steelheads, 5-2, on Friday night. The win marks the 14th in the last 18 games for Cincinnati,  as well as the ninth in their past 11. The Cyclones still holds down the fourth and final playoff spot in the ECHL’s South Division, just one point back of the Orlando Solar Bears in third. 

Last Night Recap: The Cincinnati Cyclones (32-25-4-0) picked up a 5-2 win over the Idaho Steelheads on Friday night. Forward Shawn O’Donnell tallied a pair of goals, while forwards Nick Huard, Brandon McNally, and Shane Walsh potted lone markers for the Cyclones, who have now won nine of their last 11 games. The Cyclones were outshot, 35-21 on the night, with goaltender Joel Rumpel stopping 33 to collect his fourth-straight win.

Saturday Night Recap: The Cincinnati Cyclones (31-25-4-0) earned a 3-2 win over the Adirondack Thunder on Saturday night. Forwards Jordan Sims and Seth Ambroz, along with defenseman Jonathan Diaby scored the goals for Cincinnati. It was another stellar performance for Cyclones goaltender Joel Rumpel, who turned aside 51 of the 53 shots he faced to collect the win.

Thursday Night Recap: The Cincinnati Cyclones (30-25-4-0) collected their 30th win of the season on Thursday night, taking down the Adirondack Thunder, 2-0. Forwards Jordan Sims and Tommy Mele scored the goals for the Cyclones, while goaltender Joel Rumpel was perfect on the night, stopping all 46 shots he faced to earn his second shutout of the season.

Previewing Idaho: The Steelheads had their four-game winning streak snapped in Friday’s 5-2 loss to Cincinnati. Despite the loss, Idaho remains in the thick of their playoff race, currently holding down the third playoff spot in the Mountain Division.  Special teams has been a large part to Idaho’s success this season as they rank in the to four in both power play percentage (22.4%) and penalty kill percentage (84.8%). They are led offensively by former Cyclones Anthony Luciani who has accounted for 25 goals and 29 assists in 58 games played this season. He is followed by forward Jefferson Dahl (16g, 37a) and forward Will Merchant (18g, 24a) who round out the top three. In goal, Landon Bow leads the way with a 15-5-2-0 record, and ranks second in the League with a 2.24 goals-againat average, and a .929 save percentage.

Inside the Series: Saturday marks the finale of Cincinnati’s and Idaho’s two-game season series. This weekend marks the first games between the two since the they met in the 2010 Kelly Cup Finals, when Cincinnati defeated the Steelheads, 4 games to 1, to claim their second Kelly Cup title. 

Next Game Preview: The Cyclones head to Alaska to take on the Aces in the first of a three-game series on Wednesday. Cincinnati took the lone meeting against the Aces last season in November. 

 

NEED-TO-KNOW

Climbing the Ladder: The Cyclones have won nine of their last 11 games, and are 14-4-0-0 in their last 18 games overall. Cincinnati currently holds fourth and final playoff spot in the ECHL’s South Division, and are only one point back of third. The offense has been on display for Cincinnati over the last 18 games, totaling 54 goals and outscoring the opposition 48-25 in their 14 wins. 

Rumpel Nabs League Honor:  The ECHL has announced that Cyclones goaltender Joel Rumpel has been named CCM ECHL Goaltender of the Week for the week of February 27-March 5. Rumpel had a stellar week for the Cyclones, posting a record of 2-0-0-0 and a 1.00 goals-against average, and he stopped 97 of the 99 shots he faced for a .979 save percentage in two games. His monster week began with a 46-save performance in Thursday’s 2-0 win over the Adirondack Thunder, marking his second-consecutive shutout (Feb. 24). He then turned aside 51-of-53 Thunder shots in Saturday’s 3-2 win.  Hailing from Swift Current, SK, Rumpel has appeared in seven games for the Cyclones this season posting a record of 3-3-0 with two shutouts along with a 2.74 GAA and a .925 SV%.

Backstop to Success: Goaltender Joel Rumpel has won four in a row for the Cyclones, turning out a 1.00 goals-against average and a .975 save percentage. He has recorded a pair of shutouts in that time, and has faced 35 or more shots in three straight starts.

Leading By Example: Forward Shawn O’Donnell netted a pair of goals and an assist in Friday’s 5-2 win over the Idaho Steelheads, and has tallied four goals and six assists over his last seven games. He is currently riding a four-game point streak where he has three goals three assists. 

Starting to Simmer!: Forward Jordan Sims has points in five of his last six games, totaling two goals and three assists in that time. Overall, Sims has six goals and 13 assists in his last 18 games. He is second on the team in scoring, accounting for 14 goals, and he is tied for the team-lead with 25 assists. 

Holding the Lead: The Cyclones enter the week with a 21-1-3-0 record when leading after one period, and a 24-1-2-0 mark when ahead after 40 minutes. 

Defensive Front: The Cyclones currently boast one of the top defenses in the ECHL, as they currently rank fourth in goals allowed per game with 2.89 and tenth in shots allowed with 30.51 allowed per 60 minutes. 

Power Surge: The Cyclones power play has played a major role recently, having converted on 16 of their last 64 man-advantage opportunities over the last 11 games (25%). 

Stay Connected!: Follow the latest news on Twitter (@CincyCyclones), Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Snapchat, and more! Also, for all of the latest news and notes, head over to www.cycloneshockey.com.

 

The 2016-17 season is underway, and the Cincinnati Cyclones want you along for the ride as they march towards another Kelly Cup Championship! 2016-17 single game tickets and packages along with group and Season Ticket Packages are available NOW! Call (513) 421-PUCK to reserve your seats. Fans can also get the latest team updates on Facebook, Twitter (@CincyCyclones), and Instagram, along with our website, www.cycloneshockey.com!