Mayhem Game Notes: Mayhem vs. Knoxville Ice Bears
March 1, 2018 - SPHL (SPHL)
Macon Mayhem News Release
Latest Mayhem Transactions
2/28 Ian Ecklund (C) signed contract with Mayhem 2/28 Craig Skudalski (D) placed on waivers 2/27 Jarrett Kup (D) signed amateur tryout with Mayhem
2/22 Jeff Sanders (D) placed on 21-Day Injured Reserve
2/21 Dakota Klecha (RW) acquired in trade from Fayetteville Marksmen
LAST GAME PLAYED:
The Mayhem fell 6-4 in a close matchup on Tuesday against the Mississippi RiverKings. They trailed 5-1 in the second period before cutting the lead to 5-4. Mississippi then added an empty-net goal to seal the victory. Knoxville's last game was Saturday against the Mayhem, when they won 5-4 at home.
SCOUTING THE ICE BEARS:
This matchup is between two teams that rank near each other in both goals for per game and goals against per game. The Mayhem rank second in goals for at 3.88 per game, while Knoxville ranks third at 3.64 goals per game. Knoxville has the edge in goals against, as they rank fifth at 3.26 per game - compared to the Mayhem ranking sixth at 3.31 against per game. Berkley Scott has been one of the hottest players in the league over the last two months, as he has 16 goals, 16 goals and 32 points over his past 20 games.
STRUGGLING SPECIAL TEAMS:
The Mayhem have had one of the best power plays in the league this season, but it has really struggled as of late. They have converted on just five of their last 51 power play chances (9.8%) and have fallen below 20% for the first time since mid-January. They get a tough matchup to try and get back on track, as Knoxville sports the league's best penalty kill at 88.8%. On the contrary, the Mayhem's penalty kill has been near the bottom of the league for most of the season and continues to struggle. After allowing one goal on four Mississippi power plays on Tuesday, they have now allowed 16 goals on the last 66 opposing power play chances (75.8% penalty kill rate).
WHAT GIVES:
These two teams have matched up four times this season, and they have split the seasons series two games apiece. Each game has also been won 5-4 by the winning team. Thursday's game is the last time these teams will face each other in the regular season.
EN FUEGO:
With four defensemen from the Mayhem's opening night roster in the ECHL and one on injured reserve, defenseman Brandon Pfeil has stepped up his game over the past month. Over his last 12 games, he has one goal, 12 assists, 13 points and is +18. He now has two goals, 19 assists, 21 points and leads the league in +/- at +28 in 41 games this season.
BACK IN ACTION:
The Mayhem are back on the road Saturday to take on the Huntsville Havoc, and they will then be back next weekend for Military Appreciation Weekend on March 9th and 10th .
SPHL Stories from March 1, 2018
- Mayhem Hang on for 4-2 Victory after Taking Three-Goal Lead - Macon Mayhem
- Deadline for Wanda Amos Community Service Nominations Approaching - SPHL
- ThunderBolts Make Roster Moves Ahead of Peoria Trip - Evansville Thunderbolts
- Dawgs Sign a Pair of Rookies - Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs
- Mayhem Game Notes: Mayhem vs. Knoxville Ice Bears - Macon Mayhem
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