CINCINNATI CYCLONES (11-9-5-2) vs. WHEELING NAILERS (14-11-0-0)

DATE: Saturday, December 18, 2010
TIME: 7:30p.m.
SITE: U.S. Bank Arena - Cincinnati, OH
RADIO: None
WEBCAST: CyclonesHockey.com (American One)

NHL AFFILIATES
Cincinnati Cyclones: Florida Panthers, Nashville Predators
Wheeling Nailers: Pittsburgh Penguins, Montreal Canadiens

NEXT HOME GAME
Tuesday, December 28 – vs. Toledo, 7:30pm
Big Beer Tuesday - $2 24-ounce Molson and Labatt Blue

TONIGHT'S MATCHUP:  The Cyclones reclaimed first place in the North Division from the Wheeling Nailers last night by winning 2-1.  Tonight, the division lead is once again on the line again as the same two teams meet again for the second time in as many nights at U.S. Bank Arena.

TONIGHT'S PROMOTION: Teddy Bear Toss Night presented by Local 12:  Bring a new or gently-loved teddy bear to throw on the ice when the Cyclones score their first goal.  All bears will be donated to Lighthouse Youth Services.  2011 Cyclones Calendar to the first 2,500 fans through the gates.  $1 Donatos Pizza Slices.

SCOUTING THE NAILERS:  Wheeling had its five-game winning streak snapped last night by Cincinnati and find themselves one point back in the North Division Standings.  Rookie Nick Petersen is the Nailers’ active leader in points, collecting 19 (8 goals, 11 assists) this season.  Although he didn’t register a point last night, he still ranks 5th in rookie scoring.  Wheeling goalie Patrick Killeen, meanwhile, leads the ECHL with 11 wins.

CRUISING WITH CHRISTIAAN: Cyclones rookie Christiaan Minella has become a force for Cincinnati of late.  The former Notre Dame Fighting Irish has registered points in three of his last four games and 7 of his last 11 - including back-to-back multi point games last week against Bakersfield and Toledo.  He is one of three Cyclones rookies to have a multi-point game (Sam D’Agostino and Chris Clackson are the others).

HE’S DONE IT:  With Scott Reynolds’ assist last night, he has passed former Cyclones great David Desharnais for sole possession of fourth place on the All-Time Assists leaderboard.  Reynolds now has 78 helpers as a Cyclone.

HOLD ‘EM TO THREE:  The ‘Clones have been deadly when they hold their opponents to 3 goals or less.  Cincinnati is 10-2-3 this season in such situations.

SEASON SERIES (11 Meetings - 8 Remaining)
Oct. 30 Wheeling 7 at Cincinnati 3 Final
Nov. 6 Cincinnati 2 at Wheeling 0 Final
Dec. 17 Wheeling 1 at Cincinnati 2 Final
Dec. 18 Wheeling at Cincinnati 7:30 pm EST
Dec. 26 Cincinnati at Wheeling 5:05 pm EST
Jan. 14 Wheeling at Cincinnati 7:30 pm EST
Jan. 15 Cincinnati at Wheeling 7:35 pm EST
Jan. 18 Wheeling at Cincinnati 7:30 pm EST
Feb. 4 Wheeling at Cincinnati 7:30 pm EST
Feb. 5 Cincinnati at Wheeling 8:05 pm EST
Mar. 4 Cincinnati at Wheeling 7:35 pm EST