For Immediate Release: December 1, 2015
Game 18 (Home Game 12)
vs Quad City Mallards (11-7-1-2)
Tuesday, December 1, 2015 - 7:30 pm ET
U.S. Bank Arena- Cincinnati, OH
Overview: The Cyclones look for redemption against the Quad City Mallards on Tuesday night, after a 2-1 defeat in Quad City on Saturday night. It’s a brief, one game homestand for Cincinnati, who head right back on the road for Thursday and Friday matchups in Greenville with the Swamp Rabbits.
Saturday Recap: The Cincinnati Cyclones (10-4-2-1) dropped a 2-1 decision to the Quad City Mallards on Saturday night. Forward Zach Budish scored the lone goal for the Cyclones, who fall into a two-way tie with the Mallards for the lead in the Midwest Division. The Cyclones out shot Quad City, 31-29, in the contest, while the power play was held scoreless on all three chances. Goaltender Brad Thiessen stopped 27 shots in the loss.
Thursday Recap: The Cincinnati Cyclones (10-3-2-1) collected a 5-1 win over the Fort Wayne Komets on Thursday night. Forwards Jack Downing, Christiaan Minella, Zach Budish, Peter Quenneville, and Nick Huard netted the goals for the Cyclones, who avenged their 3-2 overtime loss to the Komets from Wednesday. The Cyclones were outshot, 34-21, on the night, while the power play converted on one of its three chances. Cyclones goaltender Brandon Whitney was big in net for Cincinnati, stopping 33 of the 34 shots he faced to collect the win.
Wednesday Recap: The Cincinnati Cyclones (9-3-2-1) fell to the Ft. Wayne Komets, 3-2, in overtime on Wednesday night. Forwards Jack Downing and Joe Pendenza scored the goals for the Cyclones. The Cyclones outshot Ft. Wayne, 29-27, while the power play converted on one of its four chances.
Previewing Quad City: The Mallards are currently riding a three-game winning streak, and currently sit atop the Midwest Division, two points ahead of the Cyclones. Quad City has won six of their last eight games overall, outscoring their opponents 17-8 in their six wins. They are led by Oliver Archambault, who has accounted for six goals and 13 assists this season. He is followed by Matt Neal (9g, 8a), and defenseman Mike Monfredo (2g, 12a).
Inside the Series: This is the third of 11 meetings between the two sides, with each side winning once on their home ice. The Cyclones and Mallards have met just four times all-time, with Cincinnati having won all three of those meetings.
Next Game Preview: The Cyclones head back out on the road for Thursday and Friday meetings with the Greenville Swamp Rabbits. The two teams met four times last season, with Greenville winning each matchup.
TOP STORYLINES
Hitting the Road: After playing 11 of the first 18 games at home, the Cyclones will play 17 of the next 24 games on the road, skating just seven times at home between December 1 and January 30. So far this season, the Cyclones have compiled a 2-3-1-0 mark on the road, and are averaging 2.57 goals per game in those contests.
Spread it On: Nine different players recorded points in Thursday’s 5-1 win over the Ft. Wayne Komets, including forwards Zach Budish, Nick Huard and Christiaan Minella (1g, 1a), and Branden Gracel (2a) who each had multi-point efforts.
Youngbloods: Rookie forwards Peter Quenneville and Joe Wilson have been making some big offensive contributions as of late. Quenneville had his five game point streak snapped in Saturday’s 2-1 loss to the Quad City Mallards, totaling a pair of goals and three assists in that time. He now has nine points through the first 16 games of his pro career (2g, 7a). Wilson has accounted for a pair of goals and two assists over his last five games, and has a positive or even on-ice rating in seven straight games.
Moving on Up: Forward Joe Pendenza and goaltender Brandon Whitney were recalled to the Milwaukee Admirals prior to Saturday’s game against Quad City. Pendenza is tied for third in team scoring, accounting for six goals and seven assists in 15 games played. After dropping his first game of the season, Whitney has won his last three starts, and has posted a 1.99 goals-against average, and a .930 save percentage.
Well, Aren’t You Special: The Cyclones’ special teams play has been a large part to the team’s early season success. Cincinnati netted their first shorthanded marker of the season in Thursday’s 5-1 win over the Ft. Wayne Komets, and the power play also converted, giving Cincinnati power play goals in seven of the team’s last 10 games. Cincinnati is third in the ECHL, converting on 22.8% (13-of-57) of man-advantage opportunities, and have accounted for 39 points on the power play this season (13g, 26a). Forward Nick Huard (3g, 3a) leads the way with six power play points, while Jack Downing (3g, 2a), Joe Pendenza (2g, 3a) and Zach Budish (5a) are tied for second with five points each.
Playing Stingy: The Cyclones are currently third in the ECHL with 2.00 goals allowed per game. Cincinnati has let in 34 goals this season, which is tied for second fewest in the League.
The 2015-2016 season is underway! Your Cyclones are on the march towards another Kelly Cup Championship, and want you along for the ride! Be sure to check out one of our 2015-16 Ticket Packages, available NOW! Call 513.421.PUCK to reserve your seats. Fans can also get the latest team updates on Facebook, Twitter (@CincyCyclones), Instagram, and our website, www.cycloneshockey.com!
