Click here for tonight's game note packet

DATE: Saturday, February 18, 2012
TIME: 8:30pm ET
SITE: Sears Centre - Hoffman Estates, IL
RADIO: Cyclones Radio Network (1050-AM)
WEBCAST: CyclonesHockey.com (America One)

NHL AFFILIATES
Cincinnati Cyclones: Florida Panthers, Nashville Predators
Chicago Express: Columbus Blue Jackets

NEXT HOME GAME
Monday, February 20 - 2:00pm vs. Gwinnett Gladiators
CYCLONES KIDS CLUB MATINEE - Members of the Cyclones Kids Club will receive a FREE game ticket!!

TONIGHT'S MATCHUP: After mounting another improbable comeback last night, the Cyclones have pulled into a second place tie in the North Division standings with the Chicago Express. Tonight, sole possession of that spot is on the line as the two teams battle for the second to last time at Sears Centre this season. In 2011-12, the Cyclones have posted a 4-4-0-3 record against the Express but have only managed one regulation win against them in their home barn.

SCOUTING THE EXPRESS: Steve Martinson’s club continues to struggle in the second half, going winless in its last four games (0-3-1-0). Their biggest Achilles heel has been their lack of discipline; in 2011-12, they have been whistled for 1037 penalty minutes, which is the most of any team in the Eastern Conference. Still, they have some offensive firepower thanks to Tyler Donati. In 42 games this season, Donati ranks fifth among all ECHL players with 54 points (13 goals, 41 assists). Pierre-Luc Faubert has also been a go-to guy on offense, ranking third on the team with 33 points (15 goals, 18 assists) in 50 games. Both players have been tough against Cincinnati as well, notching 12 points and 8 points respectively in the 11 regular season meetings. Between the pipes, Peter Mannino has taken full control of the reins. This year, he is 6-6-2-1 with a 2.97 goals against average - three of those wins coming against the Cyclones.

About Last Night vs. Kalamazoo: The Cyclones rallied from a 4-1 third period deficit to force overtime but ultimately fell in a shootout to the Wings by a 5-4 final score in front of 4,262 at U.S. Bank Arena. Mike Pelech, Justin Vaive, and Taylor Aronson all had multi-point efforts in the defeat.

Bonus Hockey: This year, the Cyclones have had 14 games decided in overtime or a shootout - which is tied for third-most among any ECHL team. While they have a 6-8 record collectively in the extra session, the Clones are an impressive 4-1 in overtime (which is the second most OT wins of any team in the league). They are 2-7 in shootouts.

Just Call Him Automatic: Cyclones forward Dan Eves has been one of Cincinnati’s hottest players of late. He has notched a goal in eight of his last ten games. His seven game goal-streak from February 1-12, was the longest any ECHL player has had this season. He is also the Cyclones leader in shorthanded goals as well, with a total of three.

Keeping it Close: Cincinnati has played in 10 consecutive games that have been decided by a single goal. In fact, 72.9 percent of their games (35 out of 48) have been decided by two goals or less. They are 14-13-1-7 in such situations.

SEASON SERIES (16 Meetings - 5 Remaining)
Nov. 4 Cincinnati 3 at Chicago 4 Final SO
Nov. 5 Chicago 2 at Cincinnati 3 Final SO
Nov. 11 Cincinnati 3 at Chicago 5 Final
Nov. 19 Cincinnati 1 at Chicago 2 Final
Dec. 17 Chicago 0 at Cincinnati 3 Final
Dec. 22 Chicago 3 at Cincinnati 4 Final
Jan. 20 Chicago 4 at Cincinnati 3 Final
Jan. 21 Chicago 1 at Cincinnati 4 Final
Jan. 25 Cincinnati 3 at Chicago 2 Final OT
Jan. 28 Cincinnati 0 at Chicago 3 Final
Jan. 29 Cincinnati 2 at Chicago 3 Final SO
Feb. 18 Cincinnati at Chicago 7:30 pm CST
Mar. 1 Chicago at Cincinnati 7:35 pm EST
Mar. 21 Chicago at Cincinnati 7:35 pm EDT
Mar. 28 Cincinnati at Chicago 7:00 pm CDT
Mar. 31 Chicago at Cincinnati 7:35 pm EDT