Stats, facts, and key insights from the packed slate of games across the ECHL on Saturday, October 28th.
Ahead of a jam-packed Saturday night, the ECHL released its official game day preview, complete with news, notes, and valuable insights for October 28th.
South Carolina Stingrays (1-1-0) at Newfoundland Growlers (3-1-0) 7 p.m. NT
In a rematch of the 6-2 drubbing the Stingrays put on the Growlers this past Thursday, South Carolina’s Jack Adams will look to keep his point streak alive. Ditto for Newfoundland’s Brock Caufield, who's on a four-game point streak (2g-4a). The Stingrays sit fourth in the ECHL with 4.50 goals per game, while the Growlers have outscored their opponents 8-4 in the second period.
Maine Mariners (0-2-0) at Adirondack Thunder (0-1-0) 7 p.m. ET
The Mariners and Thunder will be looking to right the ship and earn their first win of the young season. Adirondack’s Tyler Brennan made 24 saves in pro debut on Saturday at Worcester. Maine’s Tim Doherty is tied for the league lead with five assists. Special teams were an asset for the Thunder, who went 3-for-3 on the penalty kill in Saturday’s game. Statistically speaking, the Mariners lead the league on the power play at 55.6 percent (5-for-9).
Jacksonville Icemen (2-0-0) at Florida Everblades (2-1-0) 7 p.m. ET
It's a battle for Sunshine State Supremacy between the Icemen and Everblades. Jacksonville’s Riley Fiddler-Schultz scored his first pro goal in last night’s game at Orlando, while Florida’s Logan Lambdin has scored a goal in two consecutive games. A hot start may prove the difference between a W and L. The Icemen are 2-0-0 for the third consecutive season, while the Everblades are 2-0-0 when scoring first.
Kalamazoo Wings (2-1-0) at Indy Fuel (1-2-0) 7 p.m. ET
A rematch from a wild Wednesday night showdown that saw the Wings eeke out a 5-4 win, Kalamazoo’s Jonathan Lemieux is tied for second with 78 saves for all goalies across the ECHL. Indy’s Jon Martin is on a three-game goal streak (3g). In a stat that may mean something, or not, K-Wings are 2-0-0 when outshot by their opponent, while the middle frame has served the Fuel well, who have scored four of their eight goals in the second period.
Trois-Rivières Lions (3-0-0) at Reading Royals (0-2-1) 7 p.m. ET
The red-hot Trois-Rivières Lions take on a Royals squad looking to get out of the box after being swept by the Growlers on opening weekend. TR's Jakov Novak is tied for fifth among rookies with five points (2g-3a), while Ryan Chyzowski leads Reading with three goals and four points. A hot start has been key to the success of the Lions, who have scored first in two of their three games. Luck should catch up to the Royals soon enough, who have outshot their opponents 32-19 in the third period.
Wheeling Nailers (2-0-0) at Fort Wayne Komets (1-2-0) 7:30 p.m. ET
The Komets will be looking for a measure of vengeance after a blowout 9-2 loss against the Walleye last night. Points-wise, Wheeling’s Cedric Desruisseaux is tied for third with three goals, while Matt Wedman leads Fort Wayne with two goals. The Nailers have found key offensive conversions at opportune times, scoring six of their 11 goals in the third period. Despite a losing record, the Komets have outshot their opponent in two of their three games.
Northland Hockey Gretzky SeriesCincinnati Cyclones (0-2-0) at Tulsa Oilers (0-2-0) 7:05 p.m. CT
A battle of winless clubs sees the Cyclones and Pilers lock horns. Patrick Polino leads Cincinnati with two goals, while Karl Boudrias leads Tulsa with two points (1g-1a). Both teams have had their looks, with the Cyclones outshooting their opponents 23-15 in the third period, and the Oilers outshooting their opponents in both of their games. Something's got to give and one team will break the goose-egg.
Iowa Heartlanders (0-1-1) at Wichita Thunder (1-3-0) 7:05 p.m. CT
Jesse Jacques leads Iowa with four points (2g-2a). Wichita’s Ryan Finnegan is on a two-game goal streak (2g). The Heartlanders have outshot their opponents 26-11 in the third period, while the Thunder are third on the power play at 38.5 percent (5-for-13).
Atlanta Gladiators (1-0-0) at Allen Americans (1-1-0) 7:05 p.m. CT
Atlanta’s Alex Whelan scored two goals in 4-2 win against Savannah on Saturday. Allen’s Phillipe Daoust is tied for fourth among rookies with two goals. The Gladiators went 5-for-5 on the penalty kill in Saturday’s win over Savannah, while the Americans scored five of their 10 goals in the third period.
Kansas City Mavericks (4-0-0) at Rapid City Rush (2-1-0) 7:05 p.m. MT
The league-leading Mavericks lock horns with the rising Rush. Kansas City’s Cade Borchardt is tied for second among rookies with six points (3g-3a). The Mavericks are across the E second with 39.25 shots per game, while the Rush have had the hot hand early, scoring first in each of their three games.
Idaho Steelheads (2-1-0) at Utah Grizzlies (2-1-0) 7:10 p.m. MT
The powerhouse Steelheads will look to build on the four-point effort from Cody Heskinan. Idaho’s Mark Rassell has four points (2g-2a) in his last two games, while Kyle Betts leads Utah with five points (1g-4a). The Steelheads lead the league with 41.67 shots per game, while the Grizzlies have benefitted from hot starts, going 2-0-0 when scoring first.