Cyclones Game Preview - Cincinnati at Reading

Cyclones Game Preview - Cincinnati at Reading

CINCINNATI CYCLONES (8-5 PLAYOFFS)
vs.
READING ROYALS (9-4 PLAYOFFS)

READING LEADS BEST-OF-SEVEN SERIES 1-0


Click here for today's game note packet

DATE: Sunday, May 5, 2013
TIME: 4:05pm ET
SITE: Sovereign Center - Reading, PA
WEBCAST: CyclonesHockey.com (America One)
RADIO: FM 100 THE FAN (100.3 FM)

NHL AFFILIATES
Cincinnati Cyclones: Florida Panthers, Nashville Predators
Reading Royals: Washington Capitals

NEXT HOME GAME
Wednesday, May 8 vs. Reading Royals - 7:30pm
KELLY CUP EASTERN CONFERENCE FINALS - GAME 3 / WET WEDNESDAY


TODAY'S MATCHUP: Despite setting a club record for shots on goal this past Friday, the Cyclones dropped a double-overtime heartbreaker in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals. Tonight, they look for revenge against the Reading Royals as the teams resume their best-of-seven series at Sovereign Center. It’s the first time in the postseason that the Clones are trailing their opponent, and have now earned a 9-10 mark against Reading all time in playoff action.

SCOUTING THE ROYALS: Larry Courville’s club survived the barrage on Friday night to earn the series opening win. Their success came despite the fact that Royals captain Yannick Tifu was held to a single assist in the contest. He still leads the team in scoring and ranks fourth in the ECHL postseason with 15 points (8 goals, 7 assists) in 13 games. He posted 3 goals and 2 assists in the regular season series vs. Cincinnati. Nikita Kashirsky has also been a strong contributor this playoff year, notching 12 tallies (2 goals, 10 assists) in 13 contests; he, too, earned a helper in Game 1. Between the pipes, Riley Gill was the main reason his team was able to come out on top. The former Western Michigan Bronco made a career-high 50 saves to run his postseason record to 6-2 with a 1.96 goals-against average. Mark Owuya has also played well when called upon, earning a 3-2 mark with a 1.61 GAA.

Plenty of Bonus Hockey: With Friday night’s marathon game the Cyclones set a club record for overtime games in a single postseason. This year’s group has played in five contests that have extended beyond 60 minutes. The Clones are 3-2 in OT games, four of which have gone into double OT.

Sharing the Limelight: Much like the regular season, the Cyclones have spread the wealth on offense during these playoffs. All but two players on Cincinnati’s roster have registered a point. What’s equally impressive, five different players have earned game-winning goals. Mathieu Aubin, Mike Embach, and David Pacan each have a pair, leading the club.

About Game 1 in Reading: Rookie Bobby Shea’s first career playoff goal was the game winner at the 9:37 mark of double overtime, lifting the Royals to a 5-4 win over the Cyclones in front of 2,659 at Sovereign Center. The victory gave Reading a 1-0 series lead. The 54 shots on goal by Cincinnati set a club record.

PLAYOFF SERIES AT A GLANCE
Game 1 - at Reading - Cincinnati 4, READING 5 - Final 2OT
Game 2 - at Reading - Sunday, May 5 - 4:05pm
Game 3 - at Cincinnati - Wednesday, May 8 - 7:30pm
Game 4 - at Cincinnati - Friday, May 10 - 7:30pm
Game 5 - at Cincinnati - Saturday, May 11 - 7:30pm*
Game 6 - at Reading - Monday, May 13 - 7:05pm*
Game 7 - at Reading - Tuesday, May 14 - 7:05pm*
* if necessary

REGULAR SEASON SERIES (Final Record, 0-3)
Nov. 16 Reading 4 at Cincinnati 2 Final
Jan. 18 Cincinnati 1 at Reading 4 Final
Mar. 16 Cincinnati 2 at Reading 3 Final