Monarchs Game Day Capsule
February 14, 2016 - ECHL (ECHL)
Manchester Monarchs News Release
HEAD-TO-HEAD - The Monarchs and Nailers have never played, with Sunday's game marking the first-ever meeting between Manchester and Wheeling. Today's game marks the first of two meetings between the Eastern Conference foes, with the second game coming from Wheeling, W.V. on April 2.
WHERE WE STAND - The Monarchs remain in first place in the East Division with 63 points, good for five points clear of the Adirondack Thunder for the division lead. The Monarchs trail only the Florida Everblades for first place in the Eastern Conference.
WHEELING AND DEALING - The Nailers currently hold the 2nd place spot in the Eastern Conference's North Division with (21-20-2-3) 47 points. The Nailers trail the Toledo Walleye (28-13-2-3) by 14 points, who are currently setting the pace in the North Division with 61 points. Wheeling is currently on the outside of the Eastern Conference playoff picture, but have been surging as of late with a 6-3-0-1 record in their last 10 games.
WHERE IS THE LOVE? - The Monarchs and Nailers power play units could prove important for both teams when they meet on Valentine's Day. Wheeling has logged a total of 743 penalty minutes in 46 games, an average of 16.15 penalty minutes per game, the 4th highest average in the ECHL. The Monarchs have taken 742 penalty minutes in their 48 games, an average of 15.46 penalty minutes per game, the 6th highest average in the league.
WINNING TIME - The Monarchs and Nailers are nearly unbeatable when leading after two periods. In 36 such games, the Monarchs and Nailers are a combined 34-0-0-2 when leading after two frames. Manchester is 18-0-0-2 when taking a lead into the third period this season. Wheeling is just as impressive, with a 16-0-0-0 record when leading after two.
STAYING HOT - Monarchs forward, Maxim Kitsyn, looks to continue his hot pace, scoring points in 13-of-14 games (9g, 8a), including seven in a row. Joey Diamond is also riding a hot hand, scoring points in 11 of his last 13 games (3g, 11a). Derek Arnold is close behind, scoring points in five consecutive games (3g, 2a).
GRANITE STATE OF MIND - The Verizon Wireless ice will be littered with N.H. flare today. Newly acquired Monarchs forward, Matt Fornataro, played collegiately at the University of New Hampshire, and was named captain of the team his final season in Durham. Wheeling will also bring some local boys home, as Andrew Cerretani (Pelham), Casey DeSmith (Rochester) and Brian Foster (Pembroke) will return to their home state.
Wheeling Nailers (21-20-2-3) at Monarchs (29-14-1-4)
Sunday, February 14, 2016 - 3 p.m. - Verizon Wireless Arena
MONARCHS POINTS LEADERS
Matt Leitner: 39 points (10g, 29a)
Maxim Kitsyn: 37 points (19g, 18a)
Joey Diamond: 28 points (8g, 20a)
MONARCHS GOALTENDING LEADERS
Colin Stevens: 11-5-1-0, 2.35 GAA, 0.918 save %
NAILERS POINTS LEADERS
Matthew Maione: 33 points (5g, 28a)
Riley Brace: 32 points (14g, 18a)
Cody Wydo 20 points (12g, 8a)
NAILERS GOALTENDING LEADERS
Franky Palazzese: 13-12-1-1, 2.97 GAA, 0.902 save %
Brian Foster: 6-6-1-0, 2.93 GAA, 0.905 save %
• Discuss this story on the ECHL message board...
ECHL Stories from February 14, 2016
- Jackals Outdone by Orlando in Overtime, 4-3 - Elmira Jackals
- Mele Plays Overtime Hero as Cyclones Win Fourth Straight - Cincinnati Cyclones
- GAME: IceMen Lose Lead, Game to Cyclones in Overtime - Evansville IceMen
- Baier, Madore Lift Solar Bears to 4-3 OT Win over Jackals - Orlando Solar Bears
- Mavericks Sweep Fuel in Weekend Series - Kansas City Mavericks
- Oilers Trump Thunder in Overtime, 2-1 - Tulsa Oilers
- Lerg's tremendous night leads Walleye to win over Fort Wayne 3-2 - Toledo Walleye
- Oilers Grab 2-1 OT Win on Valentine's Day vs. Thunder - Wichita Thunder
- No Love for Nailers in Manchester on Valentine's Day - Wheeling Nailers
- Slow Start Dooms Royals against Adirondack, 4-1 - Reading Royals
- K-Wings Play Heart-Breaker on Valentine's Day - Kalamazoo Wings
- Ruby Rock Solid But K-Wings Edge Beast - Brampton Beast
- Monarchs Nail Wheeling, 6-2 - Manchester Monarchs
- ECHL Transactions - February 14 - ECHL
- Elmira Ends Road Trip in Orlando - Elmira Jackals
- Game Notes: vs Evansville - Cincinnati Cyclones
- Oilers Romance Wichita in Tulsa Tonight: Valentines Game Preview - Tulsa Oilers
- Nailers at Monarchs Game Day Snap Shot - Wheeling Nailers
- Gameday: Adirondack at Reading - Adirondack Thunder
- Monarchs Game Day Capsule - Manchester Monarchs
- ECHL Today - February 14 - ECHL
- Aces Battle Back for a 5-4 Win Saturday vs Allen - Alaska Aces
- Americans Blow Two Goal Lead, Fall to Alaska 5-4 - Allen Americans
- Elmira Edged by Everblades, 4-2 - Elmira Jackals
- Mavericks Win Second Game of Weekend Series over Fuel - Kansas City Mavericks
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.
