For Immediate Release: February 26, 2016
Game 54 (Home Game 28)
Vs. Tulsa Oilers (28-19-3-2, 61PTS)
Friday, February 26, 2016 - 7:35pm ET
U.S. Bank Arena - Cincinnati, OH
Overview: The Cyclones enter Friday’s contest winners of seven of the last eight games, and sit just two points back of the Division-leading Ft. Wayne Komets. Cincinnati is coming off of a 5-2 win over the Atlanta Gladiators on Wednesday night, and Friday marks the third of a four-game week for the Cyclones.
Wednesday Night Recap: The Cincinnati Cyclones (28-20-3-2) picked up a 5-2 win over the Atlanta Gladiators on Wednesday night. Forward Joe Pendenza potted a pair of goals, while forwards Branden Gracel, Christiaan Minella, and Jack Downing netted lone tallies for Cincinnati. The Cyclones were outshot, 27-23 on the evening, with goaltender Andy Iles stopping 25 to collect his tenth win as a Cyclone.
Tuesday 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.
Previewing Tulsa: The Oilers are tied with the Cyclones for sixth place in the Western Conference playoff picture, and have won three of their last four, and seven of their last 10 games. They are lead by rookie forward Dan DeSalvo, who is fourth in League rookie scoring with 47 points (16g, 31a) through 50 games played. He is followed by forward Adam Pleskach (18g, 20a), and defenseman Dennis Brown (5g, 26a),who round out the top three.
Inside the Series: This is the first all-time meeting between the Cyclones and Oilers, who came into the ECHL last season, when seven teams from the Central Hockey League (CHL) (Allen, Brampton, Missouri, Quad City, Rapid City, Tulsa, and Wichita) applied for, and were granted membership into the ECHL.
Next Game Preview: The Cyclones wrap up their four-game homestand on Saturday night against the Indy Fuel. Indy has taken the last two meetings of the 11-game season series, and holds a 3-2-0-0 lead overall.
TOP STORYLINES
Not Your Average Joe: Forward Joe Pendenza has been on a tear since being reassigned to the Cyclones from the Milwaukee Admirals last weekend, accounting for four goals and two assists over four games. He has tallied goals in three straight games, including a pair in Wednesday’s 5-2 win over the Atlanta Gladiators.
The Puck Stops Here: Goaltender Andy Iles has seen tremendous success since being claimed off of waivers in early January, posting 10 wins in his first 15 games with the Cyclones, along with a 2.57 goals-against average, and a .903 save percentage. The Ithaca, NY, native has had an exceptional month of February, posting a 7-3-0-0 record, and a 2.37 GAA along with a .920 SV%.
Noonan Recalled: Defenseman Garrett Noonan has been recalled by the Milwaukee Admirals; American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate of the Cyclones. Last week’s ECHL Player of the Week has been an offensive force from the blueline this season, accounting for 31 points (7g, 31a) in 40 games played. He has points in eight of his last 10 games played, totaling four goals and 10 assists in that span.
Blueline Contributions: The Cyclones’ defensive corps have been a staple on the scoresheet over the last eight games, accounting for five goals and 21 assists in that span. Garrett Noonan leads the way with 12 points (4g, 8a) in that time including a pair of goals in Tuesday night’s 5-2 win over the Evansville IceMen, and currently eighth in League defenseman scoring with 31 points (7g, 24a). Four other defenseman have tallied points over the last seven games including Brett Wysopal (7a), Riley Weselowski (3a), Andrew Blazek (1g, 2a), and Jonathan Diaby (1a).
Power Surge: The Cyclones’ power play has seen some good success over the last couple of weeks, with goals on 12 of their last 36 power play chances (33.3%), and is currently ninth in the ECHL with an 17.6 power play percentage (36/204).
Finishing Strong: With two goals in the third period of Wednesday night’s 5-2 win over the Atlanta Gladiators, the Cyclones are now tied for the ECHL lead with 64 third period tallies this season. Cincinnati is outscoring the opposition, 64-46, in the third period, including 38-25 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 eight 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 313 games between the ECHL and American Hockey League (AHL), having accounted for 101 goals and 82 assists, and is currently tied for the ECHL goal-scoring lead with 26.
And Down the Stretch They Come!: Wednesday’s 5-2 win over Atlanta marked the 22nd time this season that Cincinnati has won a game when leading after two periods. The Cyclones are 22-1-0-0 when leading heading into the third period, and are a perfect 17-0-0-0 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!