For the fifth straight game in the 2017-18 season presented by Community First Credit Union, the Icemen (1-5-1-0, 3 pts) are on the road. This time, they're playing the Reading Royals (5-3-1-0, 11 pts) as Jacksonville's first road trip comes to an end.
After last night's loss to Manchester, 2-1, the Icemen are heading into Reading on little rest. The Royals have been dominant at home this season, winning all four games, including a nine-goal effort against Adirondack in October. Reading is averaging 3.3 goals per game overall, while averaging 5.0 goals per game at home this season. On the road, the Icemen's defense and goaltending has been solid, allowing an average of 2.5 goals per game.
Jacksonville is in desperate need of getting the power play going, as the club hasn't scored on the man advantage since the first-ever power play in team history against the Solar Bears on Oct. 14. The Icemen are one of three teams in the league without a power play goal on the road. However, Reading is 22nd in the league at home on the penalty kill.
Despite six losses, the Icemen have had bright spots this season. Offensively, Alexandre Goulet is playing phenomenally, leading the team in goals with six and has collected a point in every game. Emerson Clark has brought tenacity and production to the club. The Ontario native is currently on a five-game point streak and has two multi-point games. On the blue line, Christopher Dienes has been an asset for the Icemen. In just seven games this season, Dienes has a +7 rating, leading all skaters on the team.
Tune in as the Icemen cap off the five-game road trip against the Reading Royals tonight at 7:00 p.m.
Matchup Breakdown
Records:
Jacksonville Icemen: 1-5-1-0 3pts (7th in South division)
Reading Royals: 5-3-1-0, 11 pts (4th in North division)
Power Play:
Icemen: 1/34 – 2.9% (27th in ECHL)
Royals: 7/37 – 18.9% (9th in ECHL)
Penalty Kill:
Icemen: 32/37 – 86.5% (10th in ECHL)
Royals: 25/29– 86.2% (11th in ECHL)
Players to Watch:
#13 F Emerson Clark (JAX) - 7GP, 1G, 7A -Â 8PTS +2 rating
Despite losing three of four games on the road trip, Clark has been making an impact each game. The 24-year-old has a five-game point streak.
#19 F Alex Krushelnyski (REA) - 9G, 4G, 7A - 11PTS +6 rating
Krushelnyski has been phenomenal for Reading, leading the club in points and averaging 1.22 points per game.
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