The Cincinnati Cyclones (0-5-2) will travel up I-75 North to face their Central Division rival, the Toledo Walleye (5-2-1), on Saturday evening, with the puck drop scheduled for 7:15 PM EST. The Walleye will be entering this game in the back end of a back-to-back, having lost 5-1 against the Fort Wayne Komets on Friday night. Meanwhile, the winless Cyclones last played on Wednesday, losing 5-2 at home to the Wheeling Nailers. This matchup marks the second meeting of the season between the Cyclones and Walleye, with Toledo having taken the first game in a nail-biter that ended 5-4 last Saturday.
Facing Toledo on the tail end of a back-to-back may work to the Cyclones’ advantage, especially as they are desperate for their first win. However, it will not be easy, particularly on the road against a strong Toledo team that has already won five games this season. It will be critical for the Cyclones to avoid penalties, as the Walleye are currently converting on 26.7% of their power plays. Although the Cyclones’ penalty kill units have a 93% success rate, it is crucial to limit Toledo’s offensive opportunities, given their offensive weapons.
Brandon Hawkins, a forward for the Walleye, leads the team with 13 points this season, having scored three goals and ten assists. The Cyclones must focus on limiting his chances on Saturday night. The Cyclones’ defense needs to improve by limiting their defensive lapses and applying harder checks at the blue line, especially against a fast Walleye team.
Generating a high volume of shots will be critical, as this has been a struggle for the Cyclones so far this season. Increased shooting will help them produce more offense and maintain possession in the O-zone. Crisper passing will be needed as well, especially during breakouts from their defensive zone to generate the rush. Also, the Cyclones’ power play must become more effective, as they are currently converting only 5% of their opportunities. Lack of shot production and overpassing during power plays needs to be addressed in order for this team to gain/extend leads.
Players to Watch (Toledo):
Jan Bednar (G): 3-2 record, 2.80 GAA, 0.903 save %
Brandon Hawkins (F): three goals, 10 assists
Jalen Smereck (D): eight assists
Players to Watch (Cincinnati):
Pavel Cajan (G): 0-3-1 record, 3.06 GAA, 0.888 save %
Lincoln Griffin (F): two goals, two assists
Chas Sharpe (D): two goals, one assist
ECHL Central Division Standings:
