vs.
TOLEDO WALLEYE (9-11-0-0)
Click here for tonight's game note packet
DATE: Saturday, December 10, 2011
TIME: 7:30pm ET
SITE: U.S. Bank Arena - Cincinnati, OH
RADIO: None
WEBCAST: CyclonesHockey.com (America One)
NHL AFFILIATES
Cincinnati Cyclones: Florida Panthers, Nashville Predators
Toledo Walleye: Detroit Red Wings, Chicago Blackhawks
NEXT HOME GAME
Tuesday, December 13 - 7:30pm vs. Kalamazoo Wings
BIG BEER TUESDAY - Fans 21+ can enjoy $2 24-ounce beers!
TONIGHT'S MATCHUP: As tempers flared last night in Toledo, the Cyclones were able to rally past the Walleye to pull within one point of third place in the North Division standings. Tonight, the same two teams will do battle at U.S. Bank Arena with Cincinnati looking to leapfrog their I-75 rivals with another “W.”
TONIGHT'S PROMOTION: Throwback Night / Teddy Bear Toss - The Cyclones will wear jerseys from the mid-1990's that will be auctioned off after the game with proceeds going to Most Valuable Kids. Tickets are just $8 with $1 John Morrell Hot Dogs, Donatos Pizza, Beer, and Soda. Plus, after the Cyclones score their first goal, fans are encouraged to throw a new or gently-loved teddy bear onto the ice which will be collected and donated to the Cincinnati Police Department.
SCOUTING THE WALLEYE: Nick Vitucci’s club had its brief winning streak snapped with last night’s loss, but has still won six of its last 10 games. However, they have struggled mightily when venturing out of their home barn, going just 2-5-0 while scoring an ECHL low 17 road goals this season. Although defenseman Bryan Rufenach was held off the score sheet last night, he still remains the Walleye’s top active point getter with 7 goals and 5 assists. His 12 points are also good for a sixth-place tie among all league-defensemen. Forward Joey Martin, meanwhile, is close on Rufenach’s heels with 11 points (5 goals, 6 assists) in 16 games. Goaltender Thomas McCollum has gone 1-4-0 for the “Fish” this year, posting a 2.86 goals-against average. Last night was the first time the Cyclones has ever handed McCollum a loss.
About Last Night in Toledo: Cyclones rookie Garrett Wilson broke a 3-3 tie with a power play goal 13:01 into the third period as the Cyclones rallied to defeat the Walleye by a 4-3 final score in front of 5,063 at Huntington Center. The win, which was the Cyclones third come-from-behind, was also Jarrod Skalde’s 100th professional victory.
Trupp’s Tallies: Cyclones rookie forward Evan Trupp has really hit his stride of late. He now has points in five straight games and leads Cincinnati with two game-winning goals. The Clones are 5-1-0-1 when #18 finds the score sheet.
Aubin’s Record Breaker: This past Saturday, Cyclones mainstay Mathieu Aubin played in his 300th professional game. He has amassed 221 points in his career, 164 of them coming in a Cincinnati jersey. With a two-assist night last night, he has now taken sole possession of second-place on the All-Time Franchise Assist Leaderboard, passing Sheldon Gorksi. Aubin now has 95 career helpers for the Cyclones.
Unfriendly Hosts: In addition to a tremendous home record, the Cyclones have put together a strong penalty kill at U.S. Bank Arena this season. Through 7 home games, Cincy has killed off 85.2% of their opponents power play chances (23-for-27) which ranks third best in the ECHL.
Nice, Not Naughty: Jarrod Skalde’s bunch continues to rank among the league’s least-penalized teams. Coming into tonight, Cincinnati has the second-lowest PIM average in the league (14.11 per game) and has the fewest overall penalty minutes (240) among all 20 ECHL clubs.
Luciani Lighting the Lamp: Cincy rookie Anthony Luciani has continued to solidify himself as one of the Cyclones best offensive players. He has registered an assist in four-straight home games and leads the team with 15 points, multi-goal games (2), and multi-point games (4). He ranks tied in sixth-place among all ECHL first-year players in overall scoring. His numbers have caught the eye of the San Antonio Rampage, who have called him up today.
SEASON SERIES (13 Meetings - 9 Remaining)
Nov. 15 Toledo 2 at Cincinnati 4 Final
Nov. 20 Cincinnati 3 at Toledo 6 Final
Nov. 25 Cincinnati 2 at Toledo 3 Final
Dec. 9 Cincinnati 4 at Toledo 3 Final
Dec. 10 Toledo at Cincinnati 7:35 pm EST
Dec. 30 Cincinnati at Toledo 7:00 pm EST
Feb. 1 Toledo at Cincinnati 7:35 pm EST
Feb. 8 Toledo at Cincinnati 7:35 pm EST
Feb. 11 Cincinnati at Toledo 7:00 pm EST
Feb. 12 Cincinnati at Toledo 4:00 pm EST
Feb. 26 Cincinnati at Toledo 4:00 pm EST
Mar. 4 Cincinnati at Toledo 5:30 pm EST
Mar. 30 Toledo at Cincinnati 7:35 pm EDT
