For Immediate Release: February 25, 2017
Game 56 (Home Game 30)
Vs. Indy Fuel (16-30-3-1, 36pts)
Saturday, February 25, 2017 - 7:35pm ET
U.S. Bank Arena - Cincinnati, OH
Overview: Cincinnati took down the Wichita Thunder on Friday night, and now sit just three points back of South Carolina for the fourth and final playoff spot in the ECHL’s South Division. Cincinnati has won nine of its last 12 games, and are a stretch of 6-of-7 at home.
Last Night Recap: The Cincinnati Cyclones (27-24-4-0) shutout the Wichita Thunder 2-0 on Friday night. Forward Shawn O’Donnell and defenseman Jaynen Rissling tallied the goals for the Cyclones, while goaltender Joel Rumpel was stellar in his first U.S. Bank Arena start, stopping all 27 shots he faced to collect the win.
Wednesday Night Recap: The Cincinnati Cyclones (26-24-4-0) fell to the Wichita Thunder, 5-1, on Wednesday night. Forward Shane Walsh scored the lone goal for the Cyclones as the Thunder snap their 13-game losing streak (0-11-2-0). The Cyclones were outshot, 23-20 on the night, with goaltender Michael Houser stopping 18 in the loss.
Monday Morning Recap: The Cincinnati Cyclones (26-23-4-0) earned a 3-2 win over the Kalamazoo Wings on Monday morning. Forwards Tommy Mele and Christiaan Minella, along with defenseman Jaynen Rissling recorded the goals for the Cyclones, who return the favor to the Wings after Kalamazoo beat Cincinnati in the Cyclones’ Field Trip game back in November. It was another busy night for Cyclones goaltender Michael Houser who turned aside 37 of the 39 shots he faced to collect his eighth win in the last nine starts.
Previewing Indy: The Fuel enter Saturday night having dropped 10 of their last 11 games, including a 5-1 decision to the Ft. Wayne Komets on Friday night. The Fuel have been out scored 55-29 over their last 11 games, with six of those contests having been decided by four or more goals. They are led offensively by former Cyclone Josh Shalla who has accounted for 44 points (24g, 20a) through 52 games this season. He is followed by forward Alex Wideman (17g, 24a) and forwards Cason Hohman and Kevin Lynch who have each totalled 11 goals and 13 assists. In goal, Jake Hildebrand has posted a record of 13-18-2 along with a 3.59 goals-against average and a ,901 save percentage.
Inside the Series: Saturday will be the 11th of 12 meetings between the two sides this season, and the last meeting at U.S. Bank Arena in 2016-17. Cincinnati holds a 6-4-0-0 edge in the first 10 meetings of the season.
Next Game Preview: The Cyclones wrap up their three-game weekend in Kalamazoo on Sunday afternoon. Cincinnati defeated the Wings back on Monday morning in their school day game, and Sunday’s contest marks the finale of the five-game season series (Cincinnati leads, 3-1-0-0)
HEADLINES
Climbing the Ladder: The Cyclones are 9-3-0-0 in their last 12 games and sit just three points back of the fourth and final playoff spot in the ECHL’s South Division. The offense has been on display for Cincinnati over the last 10 games, totaling 34 goals and outscoring the opposition 32-17 in their nine wins.
Thou Shalt Not Pass: Goaltender Joel Rumpel recorded his first shutout of the season on Friday night, stopping all 27 shots he faced in Cincinnati’s 2-0 win over the Wichita Thunder. Friday marked Rumpel’s third career shutout and first for the Cyclones.
Streaky Behavior: With an assist in last night’s 2-0 win over the Wichita Thunder, forward Shane Walsh is currently riding a four game point streak, accounting for a pair of goals and three assists in that time.
The Puck Stops Here: Goaltender Michael Houser has put together some stellar play as of late, posting a 8-2-0-0 record along with a 2.63 goals-against average and a .924 save-percentage in his last 11 games. He’s been busy in recent games as well, making 27 or more saves in eight of his last 10 starts. He recently had a five-game winning streak where he posted a 1.97 GAA and a .943 SV%.
In the Nick of Time: Forward Nick Huard scored the game winning goal with 1:24 left in regulations in last Friday’s 2-1 win over the Quad City Mallards. He followed up that performance with a two-assist performance in Sunday’s 5-4 shootout win over the Ft. Wayne Komets, and added one more helper in Monday’s 3-2 win over the Kalamazoo Wings. He has accounted for six goals and nine assists in his last 16 games overall.
Power Surge: The Cyclones power play has played a major role recently, having converted on 13 of their last 49 man-advantage opportunities over the last eight games (26.5%).
That’s Offensive!: Forward Jordan Sims has been a man on a mission in recent games, accounting for four goals and 11 assists in his last 13 games.
Putting Up the Points: Forward Brandon McNally has points in seven of his last 10 games, totaling four goals and three assists in that time.
It’s Good to be Home: After playing 11-of-12 games on the road in January, the Cyclones play 12-of-16 at home in February. The Cyclones are 17-8-4-0 at home this season, averaging 3.03 goals per game on in their first 29 home games. Cincinnati also boasts the League’s third- best penalty kill at home, having killed of 74/84 oppositional power plays (88.1%).
Defensive Front: The Cyclones currently boast one of the top defenses in the ECHL, as they currently rank seventh in goals allowed per game with 2.95 and fifth in shots allowed with 29.82 allowed per 60 minutes.
Stay Connected!: Follow the latest news on Twitter (@CincyCyclones), Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Snapchat, and more! Also, for all of the latest news and notes, head over to www.cycloneshockey.com.
The 2016-17 season is underway, and the Cincinnati Cyclones want you along for the ride as they march towards another Kelly Cup Championship! 2016-17 single game tickets and packages along with group and Season Ticket Packages are available NOW! Call (513) 421-PUCK to reserve your seats. Fans can also get the latest team updates on Facebook, Twitter (@CincyCyclones), and Instagram, along with our website, www.cycloneshockey.com!