ECHL Cincinnati Cyclones

Cyclones Game Preview - Cincinnati vs. Reading

Published on April 5, 2011 under ECHL (ECHL)
Cincinnati Cyclones News Release


CINCINNATI CYCLONES (33-29-6-4, 0-0 playoffs) vs. READING ROYALS (44-23-2-3, 0-0 playoffs)

DATE: Tuesday, April 5, 2011

TIME: 7:05pm

SITE: Sovereign Center - Reading, PA

RADIO: MAX-FM (99.5 FM)

WEBCAST: CyclonesHockey.com (American One)

NHL AFFILIATES

Cincinnati Cyclones: Florida Panthers, Nashville Predators

Reading Royals: Boston Bruins, Toronto Maple Leafs

NEXT HOME GAME

Game 3 - Eastern Conference Quarterfinals vs. Reading - April 8, 2011 - 7:30pm

$1 Donatos Pizza Slices

TONIGHT'S MATCHUP:

Tonight, Cincinnati kicks off its quest for a third Kelly Cup Championship, and it will begin against a team that they've become very familiar with over the past few seasons - the Reading Royals. 2011 marks the third time in four years that the ‘Clones and Royals have met in the postseason, however, it is the first time they have battled in the opening round. If the history of this playoff rivalry holds true, the teams could be in for a marathon as each of the previous two series' have been decided in seven games. Cincinnati has claimed victory in both of those battles (8-6 playoff record) In 2010-11, the Cyclones mark against the Royals stands at 1-0-2-1...with all four games being decided by a single goal.

SCOUTING THE ROYALS:

Reading enters this year's postseason as the number two seed - its highest ranking in team history. All-time in the playoffs, the Royals are 31-25 but have never advanced to the Kelly Cup Finals. This year's Atlantic Division Champion earned the second-highest win total in the Eastern Conference (44) and the third-most points in the entire ECHL (93). Their offense was also the league's best, as they averaged 3.57 goals-per-game while their special teams were also extremely sold; Reading's power play unit was the third best (20.8%) while their penalty kill unit was ninth-best (82.4%). Andrew Sarauer was the Royals' top scorer during the regular season, posting 67 points (25 goals, 42 assists) in just 60 games. Goaltender Matt Dalton earned the ninth lowest goals-against average in the ECHL (2.86) and the sixth-most wins (20).

It's Just a Little History Repeating:

The Cyclones have faced the Royals in the postseason in two of the past three seasons. Cincinnati has taken both of the meetings. In fact, the last two years the teams have met, the Cyclones have gone on to win the Kelly Cup. Last year, the ‘Clones became the sixth team in pro hockey history (and the first ECHL club) to rally from a 3-0 series deficit to advance.

Starting Strong:

Over the last four years, the Cyclones have won three of the four playoff openers - outscoring their opponents 15-8. The only time they've lost a playoff opener was in 2009 against the Wheeling Nailers (1-4). Their best playoff start took place in the 2007 postseason when they won the first five games (3 vs. Toledo then 2 vs. Dayton).

Speaking of Good Months:

Cincy netminder Brian Foster finished off a historically impressive month - which helped Cincinnati clinch a playoff berth. He posted an 9-5-0-1 record in March with a 2.32 goals-against average - which is the most March wins by a Cyclones goaltender since the team resumed ECHL play in 06-07.

PLAYOFF SERIES (Best of Five Tied 0-0)

Game 1 Apr 5 Cincinnati at Reading 7:05 PM EDT

Game 2 Apr 6 Cincinnati at Reading 7:05 PM EDT

Game 3 Apr 8 Reading at Cincinnati 7:35 PM EDT

Game 4 Apr 9 Reading at Cincinnati 7:35 PM EDT (if necessary)

Game 5 Apr 11 Cincinnati at Reading 7:05 PM EDT (if necessary)

SEASON SERIES (4 Meetings)

Nov. 24 Cincinnati 3 at Reading 4 Final OT

Nov. 26 Cincinnati 3 at Reading 4 Final OT

Dec. 15 Reading 2 at Cincinnati 1 Final SOL OT

Mar. 2 Reading 2 at Cincinnati 3 Final

Check out the Cincinnati Cyclones Statistics

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The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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