Cyclones uneven as season progresses

CINCINNATI , Ohio – Happy Hockeydays all Y’all. This holiday week finds the Cyclones with a virtual if not mathematical tie for first place.   The K-Wings hold a slight percentage edge over the hometown squad. Recent road wins in a sweep of the Trenton Devils have propelled the ‘Clones to a total of 35 points after 28 games played. The race has been tight for several weeks.  

Cincinnati and Toledo swapping second have been chasing the division leading K-Wings since the beginning of the season. The Cyclones’ record over the past ten games has been an impressive 8-2-0-0 with shootout wins on successive nights against Trenton.   AHL affiliate Milwaukee sent Netminder Mark Dekanich to the Cyclones for a weekend series and sweep of the Florida Everblades earlier in the month as the Floridians toured the North division. Dekanich notched a pair of wins while allowing one goal in two games for a miniscule 0.48 goals against average and 0.981 save percentage. Goaltender Jeremy Smith has compiled a record of 8-5-0 with a save percentage of 0.904 and 2.55 goals against average. He is ranked fourth in the ECHL.   Canadiens prospect, Robert Mayer, is coming along in net, though not as well as his draft status would have hoped. The Habs’ top prospect has struggled at times and has not lived up to his potential according to coach Chuck Weber.   The parent club brought in a goaltending coach earlier in the month to help him with his frame of mind and skill set. Mayer has played better since and contributed to the three-game sweep over the Devils posting a 34 save shutout in game three.   Matt Pierce has netted 13 goals in 25 games so far.   Captain Barrett Ehgoetz has twenty four points in 25 games with ten goals and 14 assists. Forward Dustin Sproat has 27 points (10 goals, 17 assists) in 28 games played thus far.  

Photo by Rob Huelsman

The power play has remained disappointing.   The penalty kill has been steadier than the power play, but has declined since the first month of the season when the ‘Clones were 34 for 34.   The final three games of the calendar year will see the Cyclones face division rivals Toledo and finally a two game set against the Kalamazoo Wings. Former Cyclone and coach of the K-Wings, Nick Bootland has fielded a tough squad this season for the North division leaders.   Now the question is, can the ‘Clones keep up the momentum during the second half of the season?   Contact the author rob.huelsman@prohockeynews.com