For Immediate Release: February 22, 2016
CYCLONES WEEKLY RELEASE- WEEK 19
Week 19: February 22 - February 28
LAST WEEK RECAP:
Friday Night Recap: The Cincinnati Cyclones (25-20-3-2) fell to the Quad City Mallards, 6-2, on Saturday night. Forwards Nick Huard and Branden Gracel scored the goals for the Cyclones, who see their four-game winning streak snapped. The Cyclones were outshot on the night, 35-27, with goaltender Andy Iles stopping 25 to take the loss. Netminder Brandon Whitney came in in relief to start the third, and he stopped four of the six shots he saw.
Saturday Night Recap: The Cincinnati Cyclones (26-20-3-2) picked up a 5-3 win over the Quad City Mallards on Saturday night. Forward Jack Downing recorded a pair of goals, while forwards Joe Pendenza, Zach Budish, and Tommy Mele scored lone tallies for the Cyclones. The Cyclones were outshot, 29-26 on the night, with goaltender Andy Iles stopping 26 to collect the win. Cincinnati’s power play was a deciding factor in the game, converting on two-of-three chances.
Where the Cyclones Stand:
Cincinnati currently sits in second place in the ECHL’s Midwest Division, with a record of 26-20-2-3. At 57 points, the Cyclones are just six points back of the Division-leading Ft. Wayne Komets (63), and are three points ahead of the Indy Fuel in third (54). Cincinnati holds down the seventh playoff spot in the Western Conference, three points ahead of Indy and the Colorado Eagles who are tied for eighth, and four points back of the Tulsa Oilers, who are in sixth.
Upcoming Schedule:
Tuesday, February 23: vs. Evansville- 7:35pm ET
Wednesday, February 24: vs. Atlanta- 7:35pm ET
Friday, February 26: vs. Tulsa- 7:35pm ET
Saturday, February 27: vs. Indy- 7:35pm ET
News and Notes:
Downing Hits 100: Forward Jack Downing scored twice in the first period of Saturday’s 5-3 win over the Quad City Mallards, marking the 99th and 100th goals of his pro hockey career. The fifth year pro has skated in 311 games between the ECHL and American Hockey League (AHL), having accounted for 100 goals and 80 assists, and is currently tied for the ECHL goal-scoring lead with 25.
Finishing Strong: With two goals in the third period of Saturday’s 5-3 win over the Quad City Mallards, the Cyclones are now third in the ECHL with 60 third period tallies this season. Cincinnati is outscoring the opposition, 60-46, in the third period, including 34-25 in the last 10 minutes of regulation.
Power Surge: The Cyclones’ power play continued its recent strong play over the weekend, converting on three-of-seven chances over two games. Cincinnati has goals on 11 of their last 25 power play chances (44%), and is currently ninth in the ECHL with an 18.1 power play percentage (35/193).
Blueline Contributions: The Cyclones’ defensive corps have been a staple on the scoresheet over the last six games, accounting for three goals and 18 assists in that span. Garrett Noonan leads the way with nine points (2g, 7a) in that time, and currently 12th in League defenseman scoring with 28 points (5g, 23a). Four other defenseman have tallied points over the last six games including Brett Wysopal (6a), Riley Weselowski (3a), Andrew Blazek (1g, 1a), and Jonathan Diaby (1a).
Hot Hand Huard: Forward Nick Huard extended his point streak to six games, with a goal in Friday’s 6-2 loss to Quad City, followed by a pair of assists in Saturday’s 5-3 win over the Mallards. He is currently seventh in ECHL rookie scoring, accounting for 39 points (16g, 23a).
And Down the Stretch They Come!: Saturday night’s 5-3 win over the Quad City Mallards marked the 20th time this season that Cincinnati has won a game when leading after two periods. The Cyclones are 20-1-0-0 when leading heading into the third period, and are a perfect 15-0-0-0 at home when leading through 40 minutes.
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!
