The Atlanta Gladiators are gearing up for an exciting back-to-back series against the Cincinnati Cyclones at the Gas South Arena. This weekend promises to be a thrilling showdown as both teams battle for crucial points in the standings. The Gladiators, with their home advantage and the energy from the themed “Wizards’ Night” on Saturday, are looking to capitalize on their strengths and secure victories in both games.
The Cyclones, on the other hand, are riding a wave of momentum with a recent winning streak and strong defensive performances. Despite their struggles earlier in the season, Cincinnati is determined to continue their upward trajectory and challenge the Gladiators on their home ice.
Game Details
Date: Friday, January 11, 2025
Puck Drops: 7:00 PM EST
Location: Gas South Arena, Duluth, Georgia
Date: Sunday, January 12, 2025
Puck Drops: 3:00 PM EST
Location: Gas South Arena, Duluth, Georgia
Where to Watch/Listen
Tune in to FloHockey or listen live on the respective broadcast networks to catch all the action!
TV/Streaming: FloHockey
Listen Live: Atlanta Gladiators Broadcast Network
Listen Live: Cincinnati Cyclones Broadcast Network
Team Standings and Recent Performance
Atlanta Gladiators: The Gladiators are coming off a tough 4-1 loss to the Jacksonville Icemen on January 10, 2025. Despite the loss, forward Easton Armstrong scored the lone goal for Atlanta, assisted by Blake Murray. Goaltender Ethan Haider made 30 saves on 34 shots. Key players to watch include forward Cody Sylvester, who leads the team with 25 points (11G, 14A) in 34 games. The Gladiators currently hold a record of 16-16-3-1, with 36 points, a .500 win percentage, 92 goals scored, and 116 goals conceded.
Cincinnati Cyclones: The Cyclones are coming off a strong performance, having secured their fourth consecutive victory with a 1-0 shutout win against the Savannah Ghost Pirates on January 8, 2025. Goaltender Pavel Cajan was outstanding, making 30 saves to earn his first shutout of the season. Braeden Kressler scored the game-winning goal, assisted by Jacob Frasca and Steven MacLean. The Cyclones’ defense was solid, successfully killing all five of Savannah’s power plays. The team now has a record of 10-19-4-0, with 24 points, a .303 win percentage.
Key Players to Watch:
Atlanta Gladiators:
- Cody Sylvester: Leading the team with 25 points (11G, 14A), Sylvester is a consistent offensive threat.
- Blake Murray: Murray continues to be a key playmaker for the Gladiators, especially in clutch moments.
- Easton Armstrong: Scored the lone goal in the last game and is a player to watch for his continued scoring ability.
- Carson Denomie: With his size and physical play, Denomie has been a force on the ice, using his body to protect the puck and create space for his teammates.
Cincinnati Cyclones:
- Braeden Kressler: Scored the game-winning goal in the last match and has been a crucial player for the Cyclones.
- Pavel Cajan: The goaltender’s recent shutout performance makes him a key player to watch if he is back in the net.
- Lincoln Griffin: A leading scorer for the Cincinnati Cyclones with 20 points (11G, 9A) in 33 games.
Head-to-Head Matchups:
- Cody Sylvester vs. Mathieu Gosselin: Both forwards are key offensive players for their teams and will be crucial in creating scoring opportunities.
- Blake Murray vs. Braeden Kressler: Both players have been key playmakers for their respective teams and will be crucial in creating scoring opportunities.
Battles to Watch
- Special Teams Battle: Atlanta’s penalty kill vs. Cincinnati’s power play.
- Physical Play: Atlanta’s physical forwards vs. Cincinnati’s defense.
- Depth and Versatility: Atlanta’s adaptable lineup vs. Cincinnati’s defensive pairings.
Prediction:
Given the Gladiators’ home advantage and the energy from the themed night on Saturday, they have the edge in this series. However, the Cyclones’ recent winning streak and strong defensive play should not be discounted by the Gladiators. Securing a win in Friday’s game, and potentially the next, would provide the Gladiators with much-needed points in the standings, helping them climb the ranks, strengthen their playoff position, and build on the momentum that the team has worked so hard to gain over the last few weeks.
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