For the first time in the 2017-18 season presented by Community First Credit Union, the Jacksonville Icemen (2-8-1-0, 5 pts) travel to Central Florida to take on the Orlando Solar Bears (3-8-2-0, 8 pts) tonight at the Amway Center.
Both teams enter the matchup in a little bit of a slump. The Icemen have dropped two consecutive games and four of their last five. Orlando, however, has had a much rougher few weeks. The Solar Bears snapped a nine-game losing streak on Sunday in a thrilling 7-6 comeback victory over the Swamp Rabbits. Both teams will try to earn their first winning streaks of the season on Tuesday night.
Orlando has struggled defensively and in net this season. The division rival currently ranks last among all teams in the league in goals allowed with an average of 4.54 per game. Another factor that is in the Icemen's favor is that Orlando has not won a game this season in front of its home fans at the Amway Center.
Last game against the Florida Everblades, the Icemen did a great job staying out of the box, limiting the Blades to one power play. That will be important to replicate as the Solar Bears have the sixth best home power play in the league with 8 goals on 37 man advantages. Jacksonville's penalty killing continues to remain solid as the club ranks eighth overall down a man.
The Icemen will have a little extra motivation heading into this rivalry matchup. The Solar Bears soured a historic opening night for Jacksonville back on Oct. 14 with a 5-4 win in overtime. Jacksonville would love to return the favor with a victory Tuesday night in Orlando.
Catch all the action as the Icemen take the ice tonight at 7:00 p.m. on ECHL TV or listen here!
Matchup Breakdown
Records:
Jacksonville Icemen: 2-7-1-0 (7th in South division)
Orlando Solar Bears: 3-8-2-0 (6th in South division)
Power Play:
Icemen: 3/47 – 6.4% (27th in ECHL)
Solar Bears: 13/73 – 17.8% (11th in ECHL)
Penalty Kill:
Icemen: 48/56 – 85.7% (8th in ECHL)
Solar Bears: 56/68 – 82.4% (17th in ECHL)
Players to Watch:
#16 F Elgin Pearce (JAX)
2G, 7A – 9 Pts, +0 Rating
The forward has been impressive offensively for the Icemen this season on the first line. Back on Oct. 14 against the Solar Bears, he registered a goal and an assist.
#14 F J.J. Piccinich (ORL)
3G, 5A – 8 Pts, -5 Rating
In the first game against the Icemen, Piccinich was the hero for Orlando as he scored the game-winning goal in overtime.
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