For Immediate Release: February 24, 2016
Game 53 (Home Game 27)
Vs. Atlanta Gladiators (28-18-4-2, 62PTS)
Wednesday, February 24, 2016 - 7:35pm ET
U.S. Bank Arena - Cincinnati, OH
Overview: The Cyclones continue their four-game homestand on Wednesday night against the Atlanta Gladiators. Cincinnati is coming off of a 5-2 win over the Evansville IceMen on Tuesday night, marking their sixth win in the last seven games. The win also pulls the Cyclones to within four points of the Midwest Division-leading Ft. Wayne Komets, and two points of the Tulsa Oilers for sixth place in the Western Conference playoff standings.
Last Night Recap: The Cincinnati Cyclones (27-20-3-2) collected a 5-2 win over the Evansville IceMen on Tuesday night. Defenseman Garrett Noonan notched a pair of goals, while forwards Joe Pendenza, Branden Gracel, and Tommy Mele chipped in lone tallies for the Cyclones, who earn their tenth home win in a row over the Evansville IceMen. Cincinnati outshot the IceMen, 25-28 on the night, with goaltender Andy Iles turning aside 16 to earn the win.
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.
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.
Previewing Atlanta: The Gladiators are riding a two-game winning streak, having taken two-of-three from the Utah Grizzlies this past weekend. Atlanta is currently third in the ECHL’s South Division, and sixth in the Eastern Conference playoff picture. They are led by forward Derek Nesbitt, who ranks third in the League with 24 goals, and 11th in points with 47. He is followed by forwards Garry Nunn (10g, 32a) and Thomas Frazee (10g, 26a), who round out the top three.
Inside the Series: This is the second and final meeting of the season between the Cyclones and Gladiators, with Atlanta earning a 5-2 win in the first contest on January 6. Cincinnati won the lone meeting between the two sides last season, and hold an 8-7-0-0 edge in the all-time series.
Next Game Preview: The Cyclones return to the ice on Friday night when they welcome in the Tulsa Oilers into U.S. Bank Arena. Friday will mark the first all-time meeting between the Cyclones and Oilers, who came into the ECHL last season as a part of the ECHL/CHL merger.
TOP STORYLINES
Blueline Contributions: The Cyclones’ defensive corps have been a staple on the scoresheet over the last seven games, accounting for five goals and 19 assists in that span. Garrett Noonan leads the way with 11 points (4g, 7a) in that time including a pair of goals in last night’s 5-2 win over the Evansville IceMen, and currently ninth in League defenseman scoring with 30 points (7g, 23a). Four other defenseman have tallied points over the last seven games including Brett Wysopal (6a), Riley Weselowski (3a), Andrew Blazek (1g, 2a), and Jonathan Diaby (1a).
Power Surge: The Cyclones’ power play continued its recent strong play last night, converting on one-of-five chances. Cincinnati has goals on 12 of their last 30 power play chances (40%), and is currently ninth in the ECHL with an 18.2 power play percentage (36/198).
Finishing Strong: With two goals in the third period of last night’s 5-2 win over the Evansville IceMen, the Cyclones are now tied for second in the ECHL with 62 third period tallies this season. Cincinnati is outscoring the opposition, 62-46, in the third period, including 36-25 in the last 10 minutes of regulation.
Hot Hand Huard: Despite having his six-game point streak snapped in last night’s 5-2 win over Evansville, forward Nick Huard has been on a tear in recent weeks, totaling nine points (5g, 4a) over his last seven games played. He is currently seventh in ECHL rookie scoring, accounting for 39 points (16g, 23a).
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.
And Down the Stretch They Come!: Last night’s 5-2 win over Evansville marked the 21st time this season that Cincinnati has won a game when leading after two periods. The Cyclones are 21-1-0-0 when leading heading into the third period, and are a perfect 16-0-0-0 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!