CYCLONES GAME PREVIEW

Cincinnati Cyclones (14-12-0-4)
vs.
Indy Fuel (6-19-3-3)

Click here for tonight's game note packet

DATE: Friday, January 9, 2015
TIME: 7:35pm ET
SITE: Indiana Farmers Coliseum - Indianapolis, IN
BROADCAST: Cyclones Radio Network, ECHL.TV

NHL AFFILIATES
Cincinnati Cyclones: Florida Panthers, Nashville Predators
Indy Fuel: Chicago Blackhawks

NEXT HOME GAME
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 14 - 7:30pm vs. EVANSVILLE
$1 BEERS / ADULT T-SHIRT NIGHT

Tonight's Matchup: After a full week of practice, the Cyclones are back on the ice tonight as their lengthy stretch through the North Division continues against the Indy Fuel. The Clones have taken three of the five meetings against their Circle City foes with all but two being decided by a single goal.

Scouting the Fuel: Scott Hillman’s club has dropped four consecutive games and eight of their last ten to remain in the basement of the division, sitting 14 points behind the Clones. Although he’s been pointless in his last two games, Robert Czarnik is atop the Fuel scoring leaderboard with 29 points (17g, 12a) in 30 games while veteran Garett Bembridge is close on his heels with 22 tallies (11g, 11a) in 28 contests. Both of those players have had some success against Cincy, notching five points in their match-ups this season. Mac Carruth, who has started in seven of Indy’s last eight games, is 1-8-2-2 this year with a 3.30 goals-against average while recently-acquired Shane Owen is 6-11-0 with a 3.54 GAA.

Tempo Setting: One of Cincinnati’s main keys this season has been setting the tempo and of late, they’ve been accomplishing that feat. They’ve collected the game’s first goal in three consecutive contests and 13 times this season. They are 9-4 in such situations and are a perfect 10-0 when scoring the game’s first two goals.

Not So Secret Weapon: The Cyclones have seen a surge of offense from defenseman Chris Reed. He’s already set career highs in goals (4) and game-winning goals (2) - ranking tied for the team lead and second among ECHL defensemen in the latter category. Overall this season, the former Ohio State Buckeye has collected eight points (4g, 4a) with a +15 plus/minus rating.

Season Series at a Glance (9 games - 3 home, 6 away - 4 remaining):
Cincinnati's 2014-15 Record vs. Indy: 3-2-0-0
Nov 7 Indy 1 at Cincinnati 3 Final
Nov 28 Cincinnati 3 at Indy 2 Final
Nov 29 Cincinnati 3 at Indy 5 Final
Dec 26 Cincinnati 3 at Indy 4 Final
Dec 27 Cincinnati 2 at Indy 1 Final OT
Jan 9 Cincinnati at Indy 7:35pm EST
Feb 13 Indy at Cincinnati 7:30pm EST
Feb 14 Cincinnati at Indy 7:35pm EST
Apr 3 Indy at Cincinnati 7:30pm EDT