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Titans sweep Cyclones to inch up in standings

February 16, 2004 - ECHL (ECHL)
Trenton Devils News Release


TRENTON, NJ – The Titans came into the week of play in sixth place and looking to pull within four points of the Reading Royals for the fifth and final playoff spot in the Northern Division.

Playing their sixth consecutive road game in nine nights, the Titans did not have the jump early and found themselves down 3-0 6:22 in the second period. Trenton would pull within one goal heading into the third period on goals by PJ Martin and Mike Siklenka, but could not get the equalizer as the Royals triumphed 4-2.

The Titans hoped to rebound with a two-game series against the Cincinnati Cyclones at Sovereign Bank Arena. On Friday night the Titans dominated the Cyclones, in the midst of a six-game winless streak, from the get-go and coasted to a 5-1 win.

The Titans continued their success against the Cyclones on Saturday night with a 4-2 win, completing the weekend sweep.

The Trenton Titans find themselves still in sole possession of sixth place in the Northern Division and now six points behind the Johnstown Chiefs. The Titans host the Bakersfield Condors for two games on Tuesday, February 17 at 7:00pm and Friday, February 20 at 7:30pm. The Titans then hit the road for games against the opponents directly above them in the standings. They'll face-off against the Johnstown Chiefs on Saturday, February 21 at 7:00pm and the Reading Royals on Sunday, February 22 at 5:05pm.

LAST WEEK:

Wednesday, February 11 @ Reading – 7:00pm L 4-2 Sovereign Center

- Playing their sixth game in nine days, the Titans hoped to pull themselves within four points of the Reading Royals for the final playoff spot. Some former Titans had other ideas, as Chris Lynch and Scooter Smith tallied goals in the first period to give the Royals a 2-0 lead after one. David Masse quickly made the cushion three goals for the Royals as he scored at 6:22 of the second period. The Titans pulled within on goal heading into the last period on goals by PJ Martin and Mike Siklenka. That's as close as the Titans would get, however, as Dave Stewart added an empty netter to give the Royals a 4-2 victory.

Friday, February 13 vs. Cincinnati – 7:30pm W 5-1 Sovereign Bank Arena

- Determined to get back in the win column, the Titans dominated the game from the drop of the puck. Matt Zultek scored a power play goal 1:23 into the game and BJ Kilbourne added one at even strength at 5:00 to give the Titans the early 2-0 edge. Mathieu Brunelle popped in two goals of his own and had an assist on Zultek's goal for his second three-point game of the season. Tyler Kindle had three assists, tying a Titan season high. Evan Cheverie notched the only goal for the Cyclones making the score 3-1 in the second period. Jay Leach put in his second goal of the season to again make the Titans lead three goals.

Saturday, February 14 vs. Cincinnati – 7:00pm W 4-2 Sovereign Bank Arena

- On this night it was the Cyclones who struck early, making a bid to end their seven-game losing streak. Garret Prosofsky slid his 18th goal of the season past Andrew Allen to put Cincinnati up 1-0 1:23 into the first period. Chris Pittman tied it up later in the period with his 5th goal in a Titans uniform. Matt Zultek's 14th power play goal of the season gave the Titans the lead with just 14.6 seconds left in the middle period. Bill Cass added an insurance goal and Pittman an empty-netter to help the Titans to a 4-2 win. Pittman had his first three-point night as a Titan and Andrew Allen made 34 saves for this 17th win of the season.

THIS WEEK:

Tuesday, February 17 @ Bakersfield – 7:00pm Sovereign Bank Arena

- The second of three games between Trenton and Bakersfield this year. The Condors took the first contest 4-2 at Centennial Gardens, as Shane Bendera turned away 29 of 31 shots for his 8th win of the year.

Friday, February 20 vs. Bakersfield– 7:30pm Sovereign Bank Arena

- The final meeting between the two teams this season. The Condors are 7-12-4 on the road this season. The Titans are 10-5-1 versus out of division opponents.

Saturday, February 21 @ Johnstown – 7:00pm Cambria County War Memorial

- The fourth game in the series this season and the first at the Cambria County War Memorial. The Chiefs lead the season series 2-1. The Titans and Chiefs last faced off on 1/7/04 in a 4-2 defeat for the Titans, where Shawn Mather broke a 2-2 tie at 5:51 of the third period and then added an empty-netter to seal the deal for the Chiefs.

Sunday, February 22 @ Reading – 5:05 pm Sovereign Center

- The seventh game in the nine-game season series between the Titans and Royals. The Titans trail the season series. 1-3-2. In their last game versus the Royals, the Titans fell behind 3-0 before pulling themselves with in one goal heading into the third period. Reading held Trenton off and came away with a 4-2 win.

TITANS BROADCAST INFO:

Tune into all Trenton Titans games on their flagship radio station, Money Talk 1350AM or listen in on the Titans website, www.trentontitans.com. The voice of the Titans, Mike O'Brien will bring of your Titans hockey action.

Titans Streaks

· #9 BJ Kilbourne is on a four game home point streak (2g, 4a) and also has 12 points (4g, 8a) in his last 10 games.
· #32 Matt Zultek is on a five game home goal-scoring streak (5g) and a seven game home point scoring streak (5g, 7a).
· The Titans are 5-1-3 in their last 10 home games.
· The Titans have given up only one power play goal in their last five games (18 for 19, 94.7%).
· #24 Mathieu Brunelle has 15 points (7g, 8a) in his last five home games.
· #29 Andrew Allen has started 10 games in a row and is 6-3-1 with a 2.80 GAA during that time.

Milestones

· #19 Scott Bertoli is just four goals away from scoring his 100th as a Titan and 2 points away from his 200th as a Titan
· #20 Chris Pittman is one shy of his 50th ECHL goal.
· #28 Jay Leach is one away from his 50th ECHL point.

In the Community:

February 16 – Tune into "Along the Boards" hosted by the voice of the Trenton Titans, Mike O'Brien. Call in with your questions or comments at 888.578.2428. "Along the Boards" can be heard weekly on Money Talk 1350AM from 7pm – 8pm live from Savoy's in Yardville, NJ

Transactions:
02/09/2004 Delete DAN RIVA (C) placed on 30 day IR
02/11/2004 Add MIKE SIKLENKA (RW) assigned by Philadelphia (AHL)
02/11/2004 Add MATT CONTI (G) emergency backup
02/12/2004 Add COREY BROWN (G) emergency backup
02/12/2004 Delete MIKE SIKLENKA (RW) recalled to Philadelphia (AHL)
02/12/2004 Delete MATT CONTI (G) released
02/13/2004 Add SHAWN CONSCHAFTER (G) signed contract
02/13/2004 Add JEFF SCHMIDT (RW) signed contract
02/13/2004 Delete COREY BROWN (G) emergency back-up goaltender
02/14/2004 Add SHAWN FISHER (D) activated off IR
02/14/2004 Delete JAY LEACH (D) loaned to Bridgeport (AHL)
02/15/2004 Delete P.J. MARTIN (D) loaned to Springfield (AHL)



ECHL Stories from February 16, 2004


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.

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