For Immediate Release: March 2, 2017
Game 59 (Home Game 32)
Vs. Adirondack Thunder (29-15-6-4, 68pts)
Thursday, March 2, 2017 - 7:35pm ET
U.S. Bank Arena - Cincinnati, OH
Overview: Cincinnati is 11-4-0-0 in the last 15 games and is coming off of a 3-2 win over the Toledo Walleye. The Cyclones have been climbing the standings as of late, and are just one point back of the fourth and final playoff spot in the ECHL’s South Division, and just five points back of the second seed.
Tuesday Night Recap: The Cincinnati Cyclones (29-25-4-0) took down the Toledo Walleye, 3-2, on Tuesday night. Forwards Dominic Zombo, Justin MacDonald, and Shawn O’Donnell tallied the goals for the Cyclones, who snapped Toledo’s seven-game winning streak. The Cyclones were outshot, 28-20 on the night, with goaltender Michael Houser stopping 26 in the win.
Sunday Afternoon Recap: The Cincinnati Cyclones (28-25-4-0) fell to the Kalamazoo Wings, 6-2, on Sunday afternoon. Forwards Brandon McNally and Dylan Nowakowski tallied the lone goals for the Cyclones. The Wings outshot Cincinnati, 34-23 on the afternoon, with goaltender Michael Houser stopping 28 in the loss.
Saturday Night Recap: The Cincinnati Cyclones (28-24-4-0) collected a 3-2 win over the Indy Fuel on Saturday night, in front of 9,098 at U.S. Bank Arena. Forwards Tommy Mele and Justin MacDonald, along with defenseman Frank Misuraca netted the goals for the Cyclones. Cincinnati outshot the Fuel 36-23 on the night, with goaltender Michael Houser stopping 21 to collect the win.
Previewing Adirondack: The Thunder have won three of the last four games however are coming off of a 3-0 loss to the Brampton Beast on Tuesday morning. The Thunder are in the thick of the North Division playoff race, holding down the third spot and sitting just three points back of Brampton for first place. The Thunder have seen success on the power play this season, currently ranking third in the League with a 23.2% conversion rate (52/224). They are led offensively by forward Peter MacArthur who has totaled 43 points (16g, 27a) through 49 games played. He is followed by forwards Greg Wolfe (14g, 23a) and forward James Henry (14g, 22a) who round out the top three. In goal, Mason McDonald leads the way with an 11-8-2-3 record along with a 2.78 goals-against average and an .894 save percentage.
Inside the Series: Thursday’s game will be just the second all-time meeting between the two teams with Cincinnati winning the first meeting last season in November.
Next Game Preview: The Cyclones and Thunder wrap up their two-game weekend and season series on Saturday night at 7:35pm ET inside U.S. Bank Arena.
NEED-TO-KNOW
Climbing the Ladder: The Cyclones have won five of their last seven games, and are 11-4-0-0 in their last 15 games overall. Cincinnati currently sits just one point back of the fourth and final playoff spot in the ECHL’s South Division, and only five points back of second. The offense has been on display for Cincinnati over the last 15 games, totaling 44 goals and outscoring the opposition 38-21 in their 11 wins.
Power Surge: The Cyclones power play has played a major role recently, having converted on 15 of their last 54 man-advantage opportunities over the last nine games (27.7%).
Return of the Mac: Forward Justin MacDonald has points in each of his last three games, accounting for a pair of goals and an assist in that time, along with a plus-2 on-ice rating.
In the Nick of Time: Forward Nick Huard has three assists in his last three games, and has accounted for six goals and 14 helpers in his last 19 games overall.
Thou Shalt Not Pass: Goaltender Joel Rumpel recorded his first shutout of the season on Friday night, stopping all 27 shots he faced in Cincinnati’s 2-0 win over the Wichita Thunder. Friday marked Rumpel’s third career shutout and first for the Cyclones.
That’s Offensive!: Forward Jordan Sims has been a man on a mission in recent games, accounting for four goals and 13 assists in his last 15 games.
It’s Good to be Home: The Cyclones are 19-8-4-0 at home this season, averaging 3.33 goals per game on in their first 31 home games. Cincinnati also boasts the League’s fourth-best penalty kill at home, having killed of 78/89 oppositional power plays (87.6%).
Defensive Front: The Cyclones currently boast one of the top defenses in the ECHL, as they currently rank seventh in goals allowed per game with 2.97 and fifth in shots allowed with 29.78 allowed per 60 minutes.
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!
