For Immediate Release: March 24, 2016
Game 64 (Road Game 31)
Vs. Indy Fuel (29-33-3-0, 61 PTS)
Thursday, March 24, 2016 - 7:05pm ET
Indiana Farmers Coliseum - Indianapolis, IN
Overview: The Cyclones have played in three-straight overtime or shootout games, and have earned points in 11 of their last 13 games, after Sunday’s 6-5 shootout loss to the Evansville IceMen. The Cyclones currently hold down the second spot in the ECHL’s Midwest Division with 74 points, six points back of the Ft. Wayne Komets in first. Cincinnati is tied for fifth in the Western Conference playoff picture with the Utah Grizzlies who are in sixth, and are five points back of the Allen Americans in fourth.
Sunday Evening Recap: The Cincinnati Cyclones (33-22-4-4) fell to the Evansville IceMen, 6-5 in a shootout, on Sunday evening. Defenseman Brett Wysopal, and forwards Tommy Mele, Christiaan Minella, Colin Mulvey and Jack Downing scored the goals for the Cyclones, who have now gone to overtime or a shootout in three straight games. The Cyclones outshot Evansville, 41-34 on the night, while the power play converted on 50% of its chances.
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.
Previewing Indy: The Fuel snapped a two game losing streak with a 3-1 win over the Quad City Mallards on Sunday night, however they have dropped seven of their last nine games overall. They currently sit in 10th place in the ECHL’s Western Conference, seven points back of the Mallards who hold the eighth and final spot. They are led my forward Alex Lavoie who has accounted for 47 points (14g, 33a) through 64 games played this season. He is followed by forward Peter Schneider (14g, 19a), and defenseman Ben Marshall (10g, 22a), who round out the top three.
Inside the Series: Thursday marks the ninth of 11 meetings on the season between the Cyclones and Fuel, with Indy holding a 5-3-0-0 record through the first eight meetings. The two sides will meet twice more after Thursday night, with one of those contests coming at U.S. Bank Arena.
Next Game Preview: Cincinnati wraps up their two-game series with the Fuel on Friday night. Friday will be the second of a three-in-three for the Cyclones, as well as the third of a four-game road trip.
TOP STORYLINES
Piling up the Points: The Cyclones have been on of the ECHL’s hottest teams in the last two months, posting an 18-8-1-2 record in the last 29 games. Cincinnati has points in 11 of the last 13 games, and has outscored the opposition, 46-28 over the last 29 contests.
Playing Hero: Forward Branden Gracel scored the game-winner in Friday’s 3-2 overtime win over the Wheeling Nailers 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 33 points (13g, 20a), and Friday’s goal snapped an eight-game goal drought.
Downing Takes the Lead: With the lone goal in Friday night’s 2-1 overtime loss to the Wheeling Nailers, forward Jack Downing took over ECHL goal scoring lead with his 28th of the season. He then tacked on his 29th of the year in Sunday’s 6-5 shootout loss to the Evansville IceMen. Downing leads the Cyclones and ranks eighth in League scoring with 56 points through 62 games (29g, 27a). He has had a good first half of March, totaling a three goals and seven assists through the first eight games of the month.
Continued Production: Forward Tommy Mele has been one of Cincinnati’s top offensive producers over the last two months, accounting for 11 goals and nine assists since joining the Cyclones in mid-January. The Bronx, NY, native has points in 11 of his last 13 games, totaling 12 points (6g, 6a) in that span.
Timely Scoring: With a goal in the third period of Sunday’s 6-5 shootout loss to the Evansville IceMen, the Cyclones are tied for second in the ECHL with 74 goals in the third period, and are outscoring their opponents, 74-53, 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, 44-31, in that span.
Cyclones Announce Playoff Ticket Packages: The Cincinnati Cyclones have announced ticket packages for the upcoming 2016 ECHL Kelly Cup Playoffs. Cyclones playoff packages start at $256 per seat and include all 16 potential playoff games. Current 36-game full-season ticket holders already have games one and two of the 2016 playoffs included in their season ticket packages, therefore 14-game plans are available starting at $224 per seat. Single game tickets will be announced at a later date, once the Cyclones officially clinch a spot in the 2016 Kelly Cup Playoffs. The Cyclones currently hold down fifth place in the ECHL’s Western Conference. Under the current ECHL playoff format, the top eight teams from both the Eastern and Western Conference receive playoff berths, and all rounds are a best-of-seven format with a potential of four rounds in total.
The 2016 Kelly Cup Playoffs are right around the corner! 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 2016 Kelly Cup Playoff 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!