The Cincinnati Cyclones (0-4-2) will host their former Central Division rival, the Wheeling Nailers (3-3-0), on Wednesday night in downtown Cincinnati, Ohio. Historically, these two teams faced each other multiple times each season, but the Nailers have since moved to the North Division of the Eastern Conference. The Nailers are coming off a 2-1 victory over the Bloomington Bison at home on Saturday night.
Wheeling and Cincinnati have scored a similar number of goals this season, with the Cyclones netting 13 goals while the Nailers have scored 15. However, Wheeling has the advantage in power play efficiency, boasting a 21% success rate compared to Cincinnati’s 6%. To secure their first win of the season, the Cyclones will need to take plenty of shots on goal and avoid the penalty box. Also, they must stay defensively sound and limit odd-man rushes, which have plagued the team so far this season.
Cyclones Remain Winless, Why?
The Cyclones are six games into the season and remain winless, with four losses in regulation and two in overtime. They are currently last in their division and second to last in the entire ECHL standings, having earned just two points from their overtime losses. While several factors have contributed to these losses, the bottom line is that the Cyclones are not far from having a winning record, as five out of the six games have been lost by just one goal. The only game they lost by more than one goal was against the Bloomington Bison last Friday, with a final score of 3-1. One of the main issues this season has been a lackluster power play, as they have scored only one goal out of 17 attempts. While 5-on-5 goal scoring lacked in some games, even when the team has generated a lot of shots and goals, their defense and goaltending have struggled to hold up.
Both Pavel Cajan and Vyacheslav Peksa have started three games this season, with each losing all three. Cajan has a record of 0-2-1, while Peksa is at 0-3-0. Cajan has performed better so far and is likely to earn the start against the Nailers on Wednesday night.
Despite how close they are to a winning record; their record still stands at 0-4-2. They need to dig deep and start climbing the standings, especially considering that the Central Division is one of the toughest in the entire ECHL, with the Komets, Walleye, and Wings off to a great start. Their opportunity to begin the comeback starts Wednesday against the Nailers, looking like a must-win game for morale.
Cyclones Team Stats:
13 Goals Scored
20 Goals Against
5.9 % PP – 1/17
90.5 % PK – 19/21
Nailers Team Stats:
15 Goals Scored
17 Goals Against
21.1 % PP – 4/19
80 % PK – 16/20
Players to Watch (Wheeling):
Matty De St. Phalle (F): 2 Goals, 3 Assists
Jaxon Castor (G): 2-1 Record, 1.70 GAA, 0.940 Save %
Players to Watch (Cincinnati):
Lincoln Griffin (F): 2 Goals, 1 Assist
Pavel Cajan (G): 0-2-1 Record, 2.30 GAA, 0.903 Save %
Where to Listen/Watch:
Watch: Flo Sports
Cincinnati (Audio): Cincinnati Cyclones
Wheeling (Audio): Mix 97.3 | iHeart
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