Cyclones Game Preview - Cincinnati at Wheeling

Cyclones Game Preview - Cincinnati at Wheeling

CINCINNATI CYCLONES (9-4-2-0)
vs.
WHEELING NAILERS (4-7-2-1)


Click here for tonight's game note packet

DATE: Saturday, November 24, 2012
TIME: 7:00pm ET
SITE: WesBanco Arena - Wheeling, West Virginia
WEBCAST: CyclonesHockey.com (America One)

NHL AFFILIATES
Cincinnati Cyclones: Florida Panthers, Nashville Predators
Wheeling Nailers: Montreal Canadiens, Pittsburgh Penguins

NEXT HOME GAME
Wednesday, November 28 vs. Evansville IceMen - 7:30pm
WET WEDNESDAY / MOVEMBER NIGHT


TONIGHT'S MATCHUP: After regaining the top spot in the North Division last night with a win over Toledo, tonight Cincinnati visits the Wheeling Nailers for the first time this season. Jarrod Skalde’s team has won the first two meetings between the clubs in 2012-13, both of which were decided in the extra session. The Clones have owned the Nailers since they joined the Atlantic Division in 2010 - going 6-1-0-1 since then.

SCOUTING THE NAILERS: Clark Donatelli’s team snapped its six game winless skid on Wednesday by shutting out the Evansville IceMen by a 4-0 final score. Despite the win, Wheeling still sits in the basement of the Atlantic Division standings with a record of 4-7-0-1. Over the past seven games, they have been out-scored by a combined total of 26-17. Paul Crowder and Cody Wild are tied for the team lead in scoring with 11 points (3 goals, 8 assists) apiece. Wild’s numbers are eighth-best among all ECHL defensemen. Stephan Chaput has also been a regular offensive contributor, posting nine points (3 goals, 6 assists) in 14 games. Although Scott Darling earned the shutout win this past Wednesday, Patrick Killeen has been Wheeling’s go-to guy in net. This season, he has played in 12 games and earned a 3-5-2 record with a 3.20 goals-against average.

A Reunion of Sorts: Tonight will be the first time Cyclones defenseman Andrew Hotham will skate at WesBanco Arena as a visitor. He posted 44 points a year ago with the Nailers.

Closing in On #2: Cincinnati captain Mathieu Aubin potted his second goal of the season this past weekend and now sits just six lamp-lighters away from passing Barrett Ehgoetz for second on the club’s All-Time Goal Scoring List. He enjoyed his second multi-point game last night

The Rule of Threes: Cincinnati has been nearly perfect when holding its opponent to three goals or less in a game. In such situations this year, they are 7-0-2.

Goin’ Streakin’: Cyclones rookie David Pacan has been one of the team’s most consistent players at both ends of the ice. He had a pair of points last night and now ranks third among ECHL first-year players with 13 points (3g, 10a).

SEASON SERIES (5 TOTAL, 3 REMAINING)
Oct. 13 Wheeling 2 at Cincinnati 3 Final SOL OT
Nov. 3 Wheeling 1 at Cincinnati 2 Final OT
Nov. 24 Cincinnati at Wheeling 7:00 pm EST
Jan. 27 Cincinnati at Wheeling 4:00 pm EST
Feb. 23 Wheeling at Cincinnati 7:35 pm EST