Preview: Mayhem vs. Peoria Rivermen (Game 36)
February 2, 2019 - SPHL (SPHL)
Macon Mayhem News Release
Mayhem Keep Score Low in Tight Game 2
Last night, the Mayhem abided by virtually every key to a successful game against the Peoria Rivermen. They kept the game low-scoring from start to finish, kept their gaps tight, persistently backchecked, and were perfect on the penalty kill. They knew they would be in the best position to win if the game ended in a 2-1 or 1-0 result. While they managed to essentially do this, they still ended up on the wrong end of the scoreboard.
Macon opened the scoring on a 3-on-1 rush in the 5th minute of play, when Taylor Love guided the puck past Stephen Klein to give the Mayhem a 1-0 edge. Peoria showed no signs of panic throughout the night, and despite a spectacular defensive effort put forth by the Mayhem, the Rivermen continuously chipped away. Eventually, they snuck a couple of shots by Ian Sylves, who was rock-solid in net last night but just allowed one goal too many, as the Mayhem conceded a late empty-net goal and fell by a 3-1 decision.
The Matchup
Thursday's game yielded droves of lessons to be learned and applied to Friday's tilt. After a long film session on Friday afternoon, the Mayhem took the lessons learned and applied them to their performance yesterday. While there are always modifications and adjustments that can be made after every game, the issues were far more prevalent on Thursday than they were yesterday. With this said, there won't be as many adjustments that need to be made tonight.
None of Macon's injuries are expected to return to action tonight. Jake Trask, Justin Levac, Dakota Klecha and Jimmy Soper are all still out. Furthermore, Larry Smith is doubtful to play after sustaining an upper-body injury during the first period yesterday. Smith has been one of the Mayhem's most dependable blue-liners all season, and without him, they will need to work even harder at keeping Peoria's attackers at bay this evening.
Minerva of Steel
With the return of defensemen Zach Urban and Jake Faiella in the past week, Nick Minerva was granted the opportunity to play forward for the first time since joining the Mayhem. The surplus of defensemen helped the Mayhem slow down Peoria's offense last night, as the Rivermen could only muster two goals and an empty-netter through 60 minutes of play.
Minerva showed tremendous instincts as a right-winger, forechecking well and helping generate the Mayhem's lone goal. On a three-on-one rush in which Vincent Caligiuri carried the puck down the left side, Minerva was a tempting target to pass to on the far side. However, knowing that Love had a better angle, Minerva pointed back to Love to direct Caligiuri's pass to the trailing defenseman, who buried his first goal of the season as a result. Even with the injury to Smith, we may well see Minerva back at forward again tonight.
Camo Night
Tonight is Camo Night presented by Tommy's Bakery & Café. The Mayhem will be wearing camouflage jerseys as they to wrap up the three-game series. The jerseys will be sold at a live auction in the Centreplex lobby following the game. To purchase general tickets, click here.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Alex von Keudell, Director of Media Relations & Broadcasting
avonkeudell@maconmayhem.com
Office Phone: (478) 254-3026
The Mayhem wrap up a three-game home series with the Peoria Rivermen on Camo Night, presented by Tommy's Bakery and Cafe.
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