The Jacksonville Icemen (4-11-1-0, 9 pts) continue their three-game homestand tonight against the Norfolk Admirals (5-13-1-0, 11 pts) at 7:30 p.m. from Veterans Memorial Arena. Thursday's matchup marks the first of eight meetings between the two division foes.
Norfolk has struggled this season, winning only five of their 19 games. One major reason for their slump is that the team's had trouble defensively. Currently, the Admirals rank last in the league in goals allowed with a 4.21 average. In the third period this season, Norfolk has a -12 goal differential and a -46 shot differential. A bright spot for Norfolk is that they have the third-best power play on the road this year with nine goals and a 25.7% success rate.
Jacksonville is coming off its most explosive offensive game this season. On Tuesday against Orlando, the Icemen set a franchise record in goals scored in one game with six. Two of the six goals came via the power play, which marked the first time the Icemen have been able to score more than one power play goal in a game. A consistent power play unit that is threatening would be a huge boost for Jacksonville, a team that averages over four man advantages per game.
Tonight's matchup will be a competitive one as both teams have nearly identical records. On the line tonight for the Icemen is the fourth opportunity this season to collect the team's first-ever winning streak.
It's not too late to get tickets for tonight's South division rivalry showdown, fans can purchase tickets here!
Matchup Breakdown
Records:
Jacksonville Icemen: 4-11-1-0 (7th in South division)
Norfolk Admirals: 5-13-1-0 (6th in South division)
Power Play:
Icemen: 5/65 – 7.7% (27th in ECHL)
Admirals: 15/99 – 15.2% (18th in ECHL)
Penalty Kill:
Icemen: 66/78 – 84.6% (8th in ECHL)
Admirals: 70/85 – 82.4% (18th in ECHL)
Players to Watch:
#15 F Alexandre Goulet (JAX)
7G, 8A – 15 Pts, +4 Rating
In his first game returning from injury that sidelined him for five games, Goulet picked up an assist in a 6-4 win over Orlando. Expect the breakout forward to get back in the goal column soon.
#16 F Thomas Frazee (NOR)
5G, 13A – 18 Pts, +5 Rating
Frazee has yet to find the back of the net this season for the Admirals in his six games since his acquisition from Atlanta. He does have three assists and a -4 rating with Norfolk.
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