PREVIEW | Icemen Continue Road Trip in Manchester

After earning their first-ever win in Brampton, Ontario, on Wednesday, the Jacksonville Icemen (1-4-1-0, 3 pts) continue the 2017-18 season presented by Community First Credit Union on the road against the Manchester Monarchs (5-3-1-1-, 12 pts) tonight at 7:00 p.m.

This is the second straight non-divisional game for Jacksonville this season. The Icemen are looking to continue their success against unfamiliar foes after dominating Brampton last agame. However, Manchester might be the toughest opponent for Jacksonville so far this season. Not only are the Monarchs leading the North division, they also sit eighth in the league standings. One of the keys for success for the northeastern club is their potent offense. The Monarchs are second in the league in shots for with an average of 42 a game and average 3.7 goals per game. In fact, the Monarchs haven't been outshot in all 10 games this season.

On the man advantage at home, the Monarchs have been less than stellar. With 16 opportunities, Manchester has only scored once, ranking the team 23rd in that category. Despite a subpar home power play, Manchester has one of the best home penalty killing records in the league, killing 14 of 15 penalties. Jacksonville has struggled to get the power play going this season, ranking last on the power play both on the road and overall. Friday would be a perfect time for the Icemen to score their first power play goal on the road this season.

If Jacksonville can get on the scoreboard early and maintain a lead, it bodes well for the club. The Monarchs are just 1-0-1-1 when trailing after the first period and 0-1-0-0 when trailing after the second period. The Icemen will need a full 60-minute effort Friday, but if Wednesday was any sign, the team is fully capable of that.

Catch all the action live from Manchester, New Hampshire, tonight at 7:00 p.m. as the Icemen battle the Monarchs. Click here to watch the game.

Matchup Breakdown

Records:

Jacksonville Icemen: 1-4-1-0 (7th in South division)

Manchester Monarchs: 5-3-1-1 (1st in North division)

Power Play:

Icemen: 1/29 – 3.4% (27th in ECHL)

Monarchs: 9/61 – 14.8% (17th in ECHL)

Penalty Kill:

Icemen: 29/33 – 87.9% (9th in ECHL)

Monarchs: 46/52– 88.5% (7th in ECHL)

Players to Watch:

#4 D Jan Kotalek(JAX) – 1 GP - 1G, 0A - 1PT +3

In his debut with the Icemen on Wednesday, Kostalek scored the game-opening goal. Kostalek’s presence on the ice boosted the Icemen to a dominating 5-0 victory.

#28 F Joel Lowry (MAN) - 5G, 5A - 10PTS

Joel Lowry shares the lead on the team in goals with five on the season. The left winger is the only player on the team with both a PPG and a SHG.