Preview: Mayhem vs. Evansville ThunderBolts (Game 41)
February 21, 2019 - SPHL (SPHL)
Macon Mayhem News Release
Mayhem Fall in Peoria
Hoping to turn their misfortunes around with a dramatic win, the Mayhem squared off against the top-seeded Peoria Rivermen last Saturday. Despite hanging tight with them through the first half of the tilt and keeping the game scoreless, the Mayhem could not keep them at bay any longer once the Rivermen went to a late second period power play.
Ralfs Grinbergs fired a one-timer to finally beat Ian Sylves, who had been virtually unsolvable in goal. Sylves kept Macon within striking distance, but Peoria's stingy defensive play limited the Mayhem to a franchise-low 15 registered shots on goal.
While last Saturday's game was an outstanding opportunity for the Mayhem to drastically reverse their recent woes and gain substantial momentum, tonight's contest provides Macon with an impeccable chance to snap their skid and return to their winning ways.
The Matchup
The Evansville Thunderbolts make their first trip to the Macon Centreplex this season. The Mayhem have won both of their matchups against the Bolts in 2019, defeating them 5-3 on January 18th and 6-3 the next day. Despite ranking last in the SPHL in virtually every category, Evansville has been turning things around recently. Four of their last six games have gone to overtime. In the last three weeks, the Bolts have defeated Roanoke and Huntsville on the road, and they took down Knoxville by a 3-1 margin last Friday night.
This is the closest thing to a must-win scenario the Mayhem have faced all season. Having dropped eight straight, hosting a team with severe vulnerabilities in several areas, the Mayhem cannot fail to seize this opportunity.
Bolt Cutter
Alexander Taulien earned SPHL honors the last time the Mayhem faced the Thunderbolts. He buried two third period goals on the first night, including the game-winner to secure victory for Macon. The second night, the Crystal Lake, IL native became the first Mayhem player this season to score a hat trick. His team-leading 14 shots on goal and his five-goal weekend propelled him to Warrior Hockey Player of the Week recognition. Having demonstrated during the Evansville series how lethal his shot can be, Taulien will be a player the Mayhem depend on tonight to help secure a pair of points in the standings.
Upcoming Home Games
Tonight's game and next Thursday night's game will be College Night, 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 our group outing package for just $10/ticket, which includes free Mayhem baseball caps and an experience upgrade.
The Mayhem will host the Fayetteville Marksmen next Friday and Saturday. Friday will be Princess Night and Saturday will be Pucks N Paws Night. Click here to register your wiener dog for the races!
SPHL Stories from February 21, 2019
- Morrissey Scores Twice in Loss to Macon - Evansville Thunderbolts
- Mayhem Leadership Flourishes to Snap Winless Skid - Macon Mayhem
- Brad Barone Called up to ECHL Rapid City, Henry Dill Signed - Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs
- Thunderbolts Head to Macon Before Returning Home to Face Quad City - Evansville Thunderbolts
- Preview: Mayhem vs. Evansville ThunderBolts (Game 41) - Macon Mayhem
- Pensacola, Fayetteville Battle in Another Three-Game Series - Fayetteville Marksmen
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