Inside The Rink’s ECHL Triple Threat: Our Must-Watch Hockey Showdowns (12/06-12/08/2024)

This weekend promises some thrilling hockey action with key matchups that could significantly impact the standings. The Cincinnati Cyclones take on the Fort Wayne Komets, while the Jacksonville Icemen face off against the Florida Everblades. Additionally, the Greenville Swamp Rabbits and Atlanta Gladiators will battle it out in a back-to-back series. Here’s a look at these exciting games and a few standout players to watch.

FloHockey Game of The Week:

Cincinnati Cyclones vs Fort Wayne Komets

Friday, December 6 at 7:35 PM EST

In the Central Division, the Cincinnati Cyclones face off against the Fort Wayne Komets at 7:35 p.m. ET at the Memorial Coliseum in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Matt Murphy leads Cincinnati with two goals, while Fort Wayne’s Brett Brochu has made at least 28 saves in his last three appearances. The Cyclones are 2-0-0 when leading after two periods, and the Komets lead the league with 35.94 shots per game. Cincinnati has been struggling this season, so any points they can get this weekend will certainly help. Currently, the Cyclones are at the bottom of the standings, placing 29th in the league with a record of 2-11-3, while the Komets are performing much better, sitting in 7th place with a record of 11-5-1. For Cincinnati, Tristan Ashbrook leads the team with eight points (3g, 5a) in 11 games, and Lincoln Griffin has seven points (3g, 4a) in 13 games. On the Fort Wayne side, Odeen Tufto is a standout with 20 points (6g, 14a) in 15 games, with Alex Aleardi coming in next with 16 points (8g, 8a) in 16 games.

Florida Everblades vs Jacksonville Icemen

Saturday, December 7 at 7:00 PM EST

The Everblades will head to Jacksonville to face the Icemen at the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Florida. Florida, currently the top team in the league, will face Jacksonville, who is currently in 12th place. This game is crucial for Jacksonville as they aim to climb the standings, and it’s always exciting to see if the top team can maintain their dominance. Florida’s Carson Gicewicz, who has 19 points (9g, 10a) in 19 games, will be a key player to watch. Additionally, Florida’s goaltender Cam Johnson, November’s Goaltender of the Month, currently leads the league with 11 wins and has an impressive 1.57 GAA and a .936 save percentage. If he is in net, the Icemen will have an uphill battle.

Greenville Swamp Rabbits vs Atlanta Gladiators

Sunday, December 8 at 3:00 PM EST

This game will be held at the Gas South Arena in Duluth, Georgia, home of the Atlanta Gladiators. Greenville, sitting in 14th place, will take on Atlanta, who is in 23rd place. Both teams are looking to improve their positions, and this matchup could be pivotal for their playoff hopes. Additionally, Greenville plays Atlanta the night before (Saturday, December 7) at Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, South Carolina, making this back-to-back series even more intense and crucial for both teams. For Greenville, Carter Savoie leads the league in game-winning goals with four, and Reece Vitelli has 19 points (4g, 15a) across 18 games. Atlanta’s Derek Topatigh is tied for 3rd in power-play assists with seven, and goaltender Ethan Haider has a 2.49 GAA and a .912 save percentage.

Whether it’s the Cyclones striving to turn their season around against the Komets, Jacksonville challenging the top-ranked Florida Everblades, or the back-to-back battles between Greenville and Atlanta, there’s plenty to look forward to. Keep an eye on the standout players and pivotal moments that could shape the course of the season. Enjoy the games!