Preview: Mayhem at Pensacola Ice Flyers (Game 38)
February 9, 2019 - SPHL (SPHL)
Macon Mayhem News Release
Mayhem Fall in Overtime on Mascot Night
Heading into last night's tilt, the Mayhem were in jeopardy of going five straight games without a point for the first time in franchise history. Fortunately, a late power play goal scored by Caleb Cameron forced overtime, granting the Mayhem one point in the standings.
Pensacola was playing quite shorthanded, just as Macon was. The Ice Flyers had dropped four straight decisions at the Macon Centreplex and were dead-set on reversing their fortunes. Not once did they trail throughout the night, and they responded to Vinny Caligiuri's first goal with the Mayhem just 55 seconds afterwards.
Rod Aldoff's squad is hungry and desperate for points, currently sitting in the eighth and final playoff spot in the SPHL. Hosting the Mayhem at the Pensacola Bay Center for the first time since November 23rd, the Flyers will be content to defeat the Mayhem in the same way in which they've been defeating them- in extra time.
The Matchup
There have only been four occasions this season in which the Mayhem have gone to extra time, fewer than any other team in the league. Three of them have been against Pensacola, and not once did the Mayhem come out on top. All three of the Flyers' victories over Macon this season have either been in overtime or in the shootout. Even with the return of one of the Mayhem's top shootout specialists in Dakota Klecha, Pensacola will be perfectly comfortable if tonight's game goes to extra time again. The Ice Flyers are not concerned with the Mayhem earning a point in the standings so much as they are about Quad City's possibility of catching them for the final playoff spot. Expect them to play that way tonight, and to hunker down defensively as much as possible.
Strong Night on Special Teams
Special teams have not looked spectacular on paper this season for the Mayhem. Both the power play and the penalty kill have shown tremendous signs of life and have gone on hot streaks, but neither of them have been consistently at the top of the league rankings like the Mayhem have. Last night, both the power play and the penalty kill stepped up in an enormous way, providing a much needed strong showing to put Macon in prime position to secure a win.
The power play converted after dropping 13 straight opportunities, which proved to be a huge goal as it forced overtime to give the Mayhem a point in the standings. On the penalty kill, the Mayhem fought off all three Pensacola man-advantages and jumped ahead of Roanoke and Huntsville to secure sixth place in the SPHL in the PK at 79.63%. While 5-on-5 play has been the Mayhem's biggest strength this season, if they can continue receiving key contributions from special teams, wins will inevitably follow.
College Nights
Only two home games remain for the rest of February. Both of them fall on Thursday nights and are College Nights, presented by Ann Parman Law Firm. General tickets for both of these games are only $10, and $8 with a college ID. College groups interested in attending can also purchase a group outing package for just $10/ticket, which includes free Mayhem baseball caps and an experience upgrade.
SPHL Stories from February 9, 2019
- Havoc Surge Late But Drop One to 'Bolts in OT - Huntsville Havoc
- Thunderbolts Stun Havoc with 5-4 Overtime Win - Evansville Thunderbolts
- Rivermen Suffer First Regulation Loss of 2019 Saturday - Peoria Rivermen
- Billett Silences Mayhem in Pensacola - Macon Mayhem
- Dawgs Comeback Falls Short in 3-2 Loss - Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs
- Bulls Defeat Roanoke 3-2 on the Road - Birmingham Bulls
- Preview: Mayhem at Pensacola Ice Flyers (Game 38) - Macon Mayhem
- Rail Yard Dawgs Game Notes: Rail Yard Dawgs (18-5-3) vs Bulls (24-10-2) - 7:05 PM - Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs
- Fayetteville's Late Rally Not Enough, Fall 3-2 - Fayetteville Marksmen
- Havoc Win 4-3 on Another OT Buzzer Beater - Huntsville Havoc
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