ECHL Cincinnati Cyclones

Cyclones Game Preview - Cincinnati Vs. Reading

Published on April 6, 2011 under ECHL (ECHL)
Cincinnati Cyclones News Release


DATE: Wednesday, April 6, 2011

TIME: 7:05pm

SITE: Sovereign Center - Reading, PA

RADIO: MAX-FM (99.5 FM)

WEBCAST: CyclonesHockey.com (America 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: Cincinnati came from behind for the 18th time in franchise postseason history, rallying back from a 2-0 hole to earn a 5-2 win last night and take a 1-0 series lead over the Reading Royals in this best-of-five opening round. Tonight, the 'Clones look to take a stranglehold on the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals with another win in Game 2 at the Sovereign Center. Cincinnati is now 9-6 all-time against the Royals in postseason play.

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 31-26 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).

The Guillotine: Reading's power play unit was third-best in the ECHL during the regular season. However, in five meetings (including last night) with the Cyclones, they have only been able to notch two power play goals on 25 chances. Their PK success against Reading has also carried over into the postseason; they have killed off more than 83 percent of the Royals' power plays during Kelly Cup Playoff action.

Starting Strong: Last night the Cyclones earned their fourth opening game win in the past five postseasons - outscoring their opponents 20-10. in those games. 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 '07 postseason when they won the first 5 games.

The Rule of Three: During the regular season, the Cyclones were a remarkable 30-5-6 when holding their opponents to three goals or less. In postseason play over the last four years, they have been just as successful; the 'Clones have accumulated a 41-11 mark in such situations during the Kelly Cup Playoffs.

PLAYOFF SERIES (Cyclones Lead Best of Five 1-0)

Game 1 Apr 5 Cincinnati 5 at Reading 2 Final

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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