PREVIEW | Icemen Back Home Against Orlando

For the second time in four days, the Icemen (2-9-1-0, 5 pts) are playing the final game of a back-to-back series as the Solar Bears (4-8-2-0, 10 pts) visit the Bold City . Jacksonville hopes to get its third win of the 2017-18 season presented by Community First Credit Union in front of its home fans tonight at 7:30 p.m.

Last night didn't go the Icemen's way, but even in a loss there were still positives to take into tonight. In his third game with the club, newly acquired forward Tanner Eberle provided Jacksonville's lone goal last night. Another new addition to the club, Tyson Fawcett, recorded the primary assist on the goal. It's a great sign for the Icemen to see early contributions from both skaters.

The Icemen penalty kill continued to show why its one of the best in the league Tuesday. Despite killing five man advantages last night, Jacksonville would like to stay out of the box and produce more chances at full strength. On the other side of special teams, the Icemen could really use a boost on the power play. If the team can find scoring with the man advantage, it will take pressure off the rest of the team.

When Jacksonville's offense explodes, it often leads to victories. Not counting the first two games of the season where the Icemen scored 10 goals combined but loss by one goal each game, Jacksonville has won every game when the team has scored five goals.

Finally, Jacksonville needs to put the pressure on Orlando from the initial puck drop to the final horn. Orlando is a mere 1-5-0-0 when trailing after two periods. If the Bears don't have the advantage heading into the final frame, then the club has a really hard time battling back. Jacksonville can exploit that with solid play through the first 40 minutes of the game.

Fans can still get tickets here for tonight's game at Veterans Memorial Arena against in-state rival the Orlando Solar Bears. Puck drop is set for 7:30 p.m.

Matchup Breakdown

Records:

Jacksonville Icemen: 2-9-1-0 (7th in South division)

Orlando Solar Bears: 4-8-2-0 (5th in South division)

Power Play:

Icemen: 3/51 – 5.9% (27th in ECHL)

Solar Bears: 13/78 – 16.7% (13th in ECHL)

Penalty Kill:

Icemen: 53/61 – 86.9% (6th in ECHL)

Solar Bears: 60/72 – 83.3% (15th in ECHL)

Players to Watch:

#29 F Tanner Eberle (JAX)

3G, 1A – 4 Pts, +0 Rating

In his third game with the Icemen, Eberle posted the lone goal for the Icemen in a 4-1 defeat last night. His grit and skill combine to make the forward a threat to defenses across the league.

#22 F Martins Dzierkals (ORL)

3G, 0A – 3 Pts, -2 Rating

Last night, Dzierkals pushed the Solar Bears past the Icemen with his two goals. The Icemen will need to shut him down tonight to get their third win of the season.