For Immediate Release: February 26, 2017
Game 57 (Road Game 27)
Vs. Kalamazoo Wings (26-24-1-3, 56pts)
Sunday, February 26, 2017 - 3:00pm ET
Wings Events Center - Kalamazoo, MI
Overview: Cincinnati collected their tenth win in their last 13 games on Saturday night with a 3-2 win over the Indy Fuel. The win keeps the Cyclones just three points back of the fourth and final playoff spot in the ECHL’s South Division.
Last Night Recap: The Cincinnati Cyclones (28-24-4-0) collected a 3-2 win over the Indy Fuel on Saturday night, in front of 9,098 at U.S. Bank Arena. Forwards Tommy Mele and Justin MacDonald, along with defenseman Frank Misuraca netted the goals for the Cyclones. Cincinnati outshot the Fuel 36-23 on the night, with goaltender Michael Houser stopping 21 to collect the win.
Friday 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.
Previewing Kalamazoo: The Wings head into Sunday afternoon’s contest winners of two in a row, following a two-game skid that included a loss to the Cyclones on Monday morning. They currently hold down the fourth and final playoff spot in the Central Division, one point ahead of the Tulsa Oilers. Kalamazoo is one of the League’s best teams when scoring the game’s first goal, having posted a 16-3-1-2 record in such situations. They are also undefeated in regulation when leading after 20 minutes (12-0-1-2). They are led offensively by forward Justin Taylor who has accounted for 48 points (26g, 22a) through 52 games played this season. He is followed by forwards Lane Scheidl (20g, 16a) and Tanner Sorenson (13g, 20a) who round out the top three. In goal, Joel Martin has posted a 14-15-1-2 record along with a 3.19 goals-against average and a .904 save percentage.
Inside the Series: Sunday marks the fifth and final meeting of the season between the Cyclones and Wings, with Cincinnati holding a 3-1-0-0 edge in the first four games of the season series. The Cyclones took last Monday’s meeting in Kalamazoo by a 3-2 decision.
Next Game Preview: The Cyclones return home to begin a three-game homestand on Tuesday night against the Toledo Walleye, in the finale of a four-game season series. The Cyclones have yet to beat the Walleye this season, as Toledo has posted a 3-0-0-0 record in the first three games.
HEADLINES
Climbing the Ladder: The Cyclones have won five of their last six games, and are 10-3-0-0 in their last 13 games overall. Cincinnati currently sits 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 13 games, totaling 39 goals and outscoring the opposition 35-19 in their 10 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.
Leading the Way: Forward Shane Walsh is currently the Cyclones’ scoring leader, totaling 38 points (15g, 23a) through 55 games this season. He has a pair of goals and three assists in his last five games.
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 dished out an assist in Saturday’s 3-2 win over the Indy Fuel, and has accounted for six goals and 10 assists in his last 17 games overall.
Power Surge: The Cyclones power play has played a major role recently, having converted on 13 of their last 52 man-advantage opportunities over the last eight games (25%%).
That’s Offensive!: Forward Jordan Sims has been a man on a mission in recent games, accounting for four goals and 12 assists in his last 14 games.
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 18-8-4-0 at home this season, averaging 3.03 goals per game on in their first 29 home games. Cincinnati also boasts the League’s second-best penalty kill at home, having killed of 76/86 oppositional power plays (88.4%).
Defensive Front: The Cyclones currently boast one of the top defenses in the ECHL, as they currently rank sixth in goals allowed per game with 2.93 and fifth in shots allowed with 29.70 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!