ECHL Manchester Monarchs

Monarchs Weekly Preview

Published on February 15, 2016 under ECHL (ECHL)
Manchester Monarchs News Release


WEEK IN REVIEW

The Monarchs played only one game this week, a Valentine's Day matinee with the Wheeling Nailers. The Monarchs took the game, 6-2, sending Wheeling packing with their first-ever loss in the Queen City.

The Monarchs jumped out to an early lead when newly signed forward, Matt Fornataro, scored his first goal in a Monarchs sweater just :58 seconds of the first period. The Monarchs would add to their lead with goals from Darik Angeli and Yann Sauvé before Wheeling struck back with a goal to start the second period. Fornataro added his second goal of the game to push the Monarchs lead back to three, but Wheeling notched a late tally to bring the deficit to two heading into the third period. In the final frame, the Monarchs received goals from Maxim Kitsyn and Joey Diamond to seal the deal, 6-2.

Colin Stevens matched a career-high with 44 saves to earn his 12th victory of the season.

WHERE WE STAND

The Monarchs head into a stretch of seven games in 11 days, all within the division, in sole possession of first place in the East Division with 65 points. The Adirondack Thunder remain in second place with a 28-15-2-2 (60 points) record. The Royals check-in in in third place with 55 points and Elmira sits in fourth place with 52 points to start the week.

ROYAL TREATMENT

The Monarchs will play three of their four games this week against the division rival Royals. The Monarchs have played only one game in Reading this season, losing a wild one, 6-4, the last time the two teams locked up. In three previous meetings at the Verizon Wireless Arena, the Monarchs hold a 2-1-0-0 against Reading and sport a 2-2-0-0 record overall this season against the Royals. Reading has played well of late, posting a 6-3-1-0 record in their last 10 games.

CALL IT FIRST ARENA

Manchester will conclude the week with another divisional matchup, this time with the Elmira Jackals. The Monarchs will host Elmira for the fourth time this season, carrying a 1-2-0-0 mark against the Jackals at home. While home cooking has not been great to the Monarchs this season against the Jackals, Manchester holds a 3-0-0-1 record against Elmira away from The Jungle, for an overall record of 4-2-0-1. Elmira has been average in their past 10 games, playing to a 4-4-1-1 record.

LEADING THE WAY

After a two-point game against Wheeling, Matt Leitner continues to lead the Monarchs in scoring with 41 points on 10 goals and 31 assists. Maxim Kitsyn remains in second in scoring with 38 points on 20 goals and 18 assists. Joey Diamond continues to sit in third place with 30 points on nine goals and 21 assists.

Colin Stevens leads Monarchs goaltenders with 12 wins, a 2.33 GAA and two shutouts.

SCORING IN BUNCHES

The Monarchs start the week leading the Eastern Conference in goals scored with 154 tallies and in 28 games this season (58.3%), the Monarchs have scored three or more goals. When scoring more than three goals in a game, the Monarchs boast a 25-2-0-1 record.

TESTED AFTER ONE, NEXT TO NOTHING AFTER TWO

The Monarchs are proving that their 30-14-1-4 is no fluke. In the 30 games when Manchester has been tied or has taken the lead into the first intermission, they are 21-6-0-3. When the Monarchs take a lead into the third period however, their record is a cool 19-0-0-2. Reading holds a 9-0-1-0 record at home when leading after two periods and sport an 8-1-1-1 record on the road when leading into the final frame. Elmira holds an 11-0-1-1 record away from home when leading after two frames.

TICKETS

The Monarchs return to the Jungle ice Saturday, Feb. 20 (7 p.m.), when they host the Reading Royals on Youth Hockey Night. The Jungle will host all of the youth hockey players in our area who hope to be Monarchs one day! There will be Jersey Rally Towels for the first 4,000 fans, courtesy of Plymouth Rock Assurance, and one youth hockey player will have the chance for a post-game meet and greet and locker room tour with their favorite Monarch.

To purchase tickets, visit ManchesterMonarchs.com or contact the Front Office at 603-626-7825!

Monarchs (30-14-1-4) at Reading Royals (24-19-4-3)

February 17 & 19 - Santander Arena

Reading Royals (24-19-4-3) at Monarchs (30-14-1-4)

February 20 - Verizon Wireless Arena

Elmira Jackals (25-22-1-1) at Monarchs (30-14-1-4)

February 21 - Verizon Wireless Arena

Media Contact: Matt Johnson (mjohnson@manchestermonarchs.com)

GAMES

Wednesday, Feb. 17, 7 p.m.

Friday, Feb. 18, 7 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 20, 7 p.m. - Youth Hockey Night

Sunday, Feb. 21, 3 p.m.

PREVIOUS MEETING WITH READING

Last Game - 6-4 REA, Feb. 3

This Season - 2-2-0-0

PREVIOUS MEETING WITH ELMIRA

Last Game - 5-4 ELM, Feb. 7

This Season - 4-2-0-1

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