Cyclones Game Preview: Cincinnati vs. South Carolina

Cyclones Game Preview: Cincinnati vs. South Carolina

CINCINNATI CYCLONES (18-17-5-2) vs. SOUTH CAROLINA STINGRAYS (24-17-1-1)

DATE: Sunday, January 30, 2011
TIME: 2:00pm
SITE: U.S. Bank Arena - Cincinnati, OH
RADIO: None
WEBCAST: CyclonesHockey.com (American One)

NHL AFFILIATES
Cincinnati Cyclones: Florida Panthers, Nashville Predators
South Carolina Stingrays: Washington Capitals

NEXT HOME GAME
Wednesday, February 2 vs. South Carolina - 7:30pm
WET WEDNESDAY: $1 PBR and Miller High Life

TODAY’S MATCHUP:
  After disposing of the Stingrays by a 4-2 final on Friday night, the Cyclones will look for two in a row against their foes from the South, with a special Sunday matinee at U.S. Bank Arena.  The Cyclones extend their all-time series lead over South Carolina to 4-1-0 and are a perfect 3-0-0 in downtown Cincinnati.

TODAY’S PROMOTION:  $1 Donatos Pizza Slices.

SCOUTING THE STINGRAYS:  Despite the loss on Friday, South Carolina remains firmly planted in the third-place spot of the South Division standings.  They have a five-point lead on fourth place Gwinnett and trail first-place Greenville by six points.  The ‘Rays are 7-3-0 in their last ten games but are just 9-10-0 away from South Charleston Coliseum this season.  South Carolina is led offensively by Rob Ricci, who has 38 points (18 goals, 20 assists) in 43 games - although the Cyclones held him to just one assist on Friday.  Rookie Jared DeMichiel will once again man the pipes this afternoon, owning a 13-7-0 record with a 2.55 goals-against average - which is third best among all rookie goaltenders this year.

SUNDAY FUNDAY:  So far this season, the Cyclones have played six games on Sunday, posting a 3-2-0-1 record.

THE SOUTH CAN’T RISE AGAIN:  Despite having, collectively, the best statistical record in the Eastern Conference, the Cyclones have had their best success against South Division teams this year.  With their win on Friday night, Cincinnati is now 6-2-0, outscoring their opponents 28-23.  What’s perhaps even more impressive is that they’ve outshot their opponents 281-200 this that span.

JUST CALL ‘EM THE CLOSERS:  The ‘Clones have been nearly automatic when taking a lead into the third period.  In 2010-11, they are 13-1-3 when holding the advantage after 40 minutes.

SEASON SERIES (6 Meetings - 5 Remaining)
Jan. 28 South Carolina 2 at Cincinnati 4 Final
Jan. 30 South Carolina at Cincinnati 2:00 pm EST
Feb. 2 South Carolina at Cincinnati 7:30 pm EST
Mar. 9 Cincinnati at South Carolina 7:05 pm EST
Mar. 12 Cincinnati at South Carolina 5:00 pm EST
Mar. 13 Cincinnati at South Carolina 4:00 pm EDT