For Immediate Release: March 20, 2016
Vs. Evansville IceMen (25-29-6-2, 58 PTS)
Sunday, March 20, 2016 - 6:15pm ET
Ford Center - Evansville, IN
Overview: The Cyclones snapped their three-game losing streak with a 3-2 overtime win over the Wheeling Nailers on Friday night. Cincinnati remains in second place in the ECHL’s Midwest Division, five points back of the Ft. Wayne Komets, and they are tied with the Utah Grizzlies for the fifth spot in the Western Conference playoff picture.
Friday Night Recap: The Cincinnati Cyclones (33-22-4-3) picked up a 3-2 overtime win over the Wheeling Nailers on Friday night. Forwards Peter Quenneville and Joe Wilson scored the lone goals in regulation, while forward Branden Gracel netted the game-winner in overtime. The Cyclones outshot the Nailers, 33-30 on the night, with goaltender Brad Thiessen stopping 29 to collect the win.
Thursday Night Recap: The Cincinnati Cyclones (32-22-4-3) fell to the Wheeling Nailers, 2-1 in overtime, on Thursday night. Forward Jack Downing scored the lone goal for the Cyclones. The Cyclones were outshot, 31-22 on the night, with goaltender Brad Thiessen turning stopping 29 in the loss.
Sunday Afternoon Recap: The Cincinnati Cyclones (32-22-3-3) dropped a 2-1 decision to the Indy Fuel on Sunday afternoon. Forward Peter Quenneville scored the lone goal for the Cyclones. Cincinnati outshot the Fuel, 36-31 on the afternoon, with goaltender Andy Iles stopping 29 to take the loss.
Previewing Evansville: The IceMen snapped a two game losing a two-game losing streak with 3-1 win over the Toledo Walleye on Saturday night. The IceMen have won six of their last 11 games and have made up some ground in the Western Conference, currently sitting 10 points back of the eighth and final playoff spot. They are led by forward Nathan Moon who has accounted for 43 points (15g, 28a) through 60 games. Forward Jordan Sims is right behind him with 41 points (15g, 26a), and forward Tyson Fawcett round out the top three with 37 (20g 17a).
Inside the Series: This is the eighth of nine meeting this season between the Cyclones and IceMen, with Cincinnati holding a 5-2-0-0 record in the first seven games. The two sides will meet once more this season, on April 4 in Evansville.
Next Game Preview: Cincinnati continues their four-game road trip on Thursday night in Indy against the Fuel. Cincinnati has won two of the last three meetings with the Fuel, and Thursday’s game marks the first of a two-game series in Indy.
Playing Hero: Forward Branden Gracel scored the game-winner in Friday’s 3-2 overtime win over the Evansville IceMen on Friday night. He is now tied with forward Nick Huard for the team-lead in game-winning goals at five. He currently ranks eighth on the Cyclones in scoring with 32 points (13g, 19a), and Friday’s goal snapped an eight-game goal drought.
Slump Buster: After being held off of the scoresheet in four consecutive games, forward Peter Quenneville has a goal in three of his last four games, including on in Friday’s 3-2 overtime win over the Wheeling. The rookie forward has accounted for 25 points (10g, 15a) in his first pro season.
Downing Takes the Lead: With the lone goal in Friday night’s 2-1 overtime loss to the Wheeling Nailers, forward Jack Downing now leads the ECHL with 28 goals. Downing leads the Cyclones with 55 points through 61 games (28g, 27a). He has had a good first half of March, totaling a pair of goals and seven assists through seven games.
Budish Hits 200: Last Sunday’s 2-1 loss against the Indy Fuel marked the 200th pro game for forward Zach Budish. A native of Edina, MN, Budish has totaled 44 goals and 69 assists between the Cyclones and American Hockey League’s (AHL) Milwaukee Admirals since turning pro in 2013, after a successful collegiate career at the University of Minnesota. He is enjoying a career-year in terms of scoring, enjoying career highs in goals (23), assists (29), and points (52). The 24-year-old was drafted by the Nashville Predators in the second round of the 2009 NHL Entry Draft.
Dynamic Duo: Forwards Tommy Mele and Colin Mulvey have combined for seven points (3g, 4a) over the last four games, and have been offensive leaders for Cincinnati since being acquired in trades earlier this season. Mele has points in 10 of his last 12 games, having accounted for five goals and six assists in that span. Overall, he has totaled 10 goals and nine assists in his first 25 games with the Cyclones. Mulvey has appeared in 14 games for the Cyclones, scoring five goals and dishing out five assists in that time. Overall, the Cyclones are a combined 20-2-0-2 when Mele or Mulvey register at least one point.
Timely Scoring: With a goal in the third period of Sunday’s 2-1 loss to Indy Fuel, the Cyclones are second in the ECHL with 73 goals in the third period, and are outscoring their opponents, 73-51, in the final frame, which is the largest margin in the ECHL. Cincinnati’s third period offensive production has especially been showcased in the final 10 minutes of regulation, as the Cyclones are outscoring the opposition, 44-29, in that span.
And Down the Stretch They Come!: Friday’s 3-2 overtime win over the Wheeling Nailers marked the 27th time this season that Cincinnati has won a game when leading after two periods. The Cyclones are 27-1-0-0 when leading heading into the third period, and are a perfect 20-0-0-0 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!