Looking Up: Haloween Victory

I didn't have a chance to do anything more than look at the stats after tonight's game, but they look pretty good to me.

By the way, for those unaware, the official site for stats is echl.leaguestat.com
They update live during games and also have links to the game webcasts.

So, looking at tonight's stats:

Victory, 5-3 over Reading. Nice
Two goals each by Cohen and Latendress - scoring from a new and old Cyclone.
Only one goal given up while shorthanded - good penalty kills.
3 Power play goals, very cool.
Lacasse stops 36 of 39 for a 0.923 save percentage - much improved goaltending and defense.

Again, not hearing or seeing it makes it hard to tell but these stats sure are more in line with what we've grown used to from the Cyclones.

Don't forget 4-game home stand next week!!!

Arghh!

It sort of feels like Charlie Brown, lined up for the kick, and that brat Lucy pulls the ball away at the last minute. Tonight things looked decent as the Cyclones and Bombers were locked up 1-1. I have to admit, the 2nd and 3rd Dayton goals were both good goals. I hate to admit it; but I have to.

It's frustrating for everyone, to start out 0-4. I'd have to check the records, but I don't think they lost 4 in a row all season last year. With only 12 losses, it's not likely. But, the season is young. They have 68 games left, and all the right components to take care of business.

Basically, what I saw tonight was a normal ECHL team. Last year's team played above-par for the ECHL (duh, they won it all!). I was impressed that even when they flubbed some plays here-and-there, their minds were trying to make the right plays - but the bodies did not cooperate.

That's fixable.

Two road games in the next 10 days - plenty of days for more practice. Then they have a four game homestand. Again I shout the mantra - we need to pack the house and show these boys what the home ice advantage is all about.

They didn't have the "staff" rings yet; and they gave the "player" rings to the in-town players and executive staff who get them Thursday night at Montgomery Inn. I actually think that was a good idea. The fans got the banner-raising tonight, which was awesome. But I think it was classy for them to have a nice dinner at a Cincinnati landmark to share one last reflective moment on the stellar 2007-08 season.

I also witnessed a very cool thing tonight in the Hospitality Room. That was Ray Harris giving Wildman Walker his ring. It was informal, but it was sincere and very nice. Say what you will about Wildman. He's a sports guy, he's supposed to shake things up a little. But he has been the #1 media supporter of the Cyclones since the very beginning. He is as much a part of Cyclones lore and history as anything and he deserved that ring.

It was pure coincidence that I was there to see it - and it was great.

Saturday Night - The Big Night

In less than 48 hours the reigning ECHL Kelly Cup Champion Cincinnati Cyclones will play their first home game of the 2008-09 campaign at US Bank Arena. The season has gotten off to a rough start, on paper. They've given up 12 goals in two games - one loss and one overtime loss. Not an ideal start.

On the other hand... They've scored 9 goals in those two games - 4.5 goals per game average is pretty darn good. Usually when you score 4 or 5 goals, you win the game. They lost in OT to Dayton 5-4 and in game one they lost to Wheeling 7-5. Again, not bad goals for, they just need to tighten the defense and goaltending.

Two games is nothing to worry about at all. I have faith in Coach Weber (see prior post on Leadership) to get this team where he (and we all) want them.

Saturday night is the time for us fans to show this flock of new, young, players that Cincinnati is Cyclones Country and a legitimate hockey town. They've heard the good things, they know they are coming in to a winning program both in recent history as Champions and in overall history with 14 winning season out of 16.

Come on out, support the Cyclones. See the banner raised and the rings awarded.

Also here is a special sneak preview of the newly painted and Sponsored Zamboni. My fine ride got an upgrade thanks to Cadillac Ranch and USA Collision Center!

Cadillac Ranch:


USA Collision Center:


See you on Saturday Night!!!!