PREVIEW | Icemen Look for Winning Streak as Atlanta Visits

Following a thrilling 4-3 overtime win against the Orlando Solar Bears, the Jacksonville Icemen (3-9-1-0, 7 pts) continue the 2017-18 season presented by Community First Credit Union against division rival Atlanta Gladiators (8-6-1-1, 18 pts) tonight at Veterans Memorial Arena.

Fans remember the last time these two went head-to-head in Jacksonville as both clubs combined for 11 goals in a wild game. Since then, the Gladiators have gone on to post a respectable record, totaling 18 points in 16 games. A main reason for Atlanta's start is forward Phil Lane, who has 16 points (10G, 6A) and a phenomenal +10 rating. Back on Oct. 26, Lane was able to get one past goalie Jamie Phillips in a action-packed, eight-goal second period.

With leading goal scorer Alexandre Goulet sidelined the last few games, the Icemen have had several players step up. Leading the charge is recently acquired forward Tyson Fawcett. He brings a two-game point streak into Friday's matchup, and he recorded the lone assist on Jimmy Lodge's game-winning goal against Orlando on Wednesday. Brendan Collier has also been producing for Jacksonville, as he notched his first-ever professional goal against Orlando.

Atlanta is coming off a Thanksgiving loss to the South Carolina Stingrays at home, 2-1. Goaltender Dan Vladar, who took the win against the Icemen on Oct. 26, played last night. It is reasonable to expect that the Gladiators use one of their other two goalies, most likely Matt Ginn, who has a 2-3-0-1 record this season.

Despite having slightly fresher legs, the Icemen will need to be on their game as the Gladiators have been road warriors this season. Atlanta has collected six of its eight wins away from home. It's an important test for Jacksonville, as the club looks to finally put a winning streak together.

It's not too late to get your tickets for tonight's clash at Veterans Memorial Arena. Fans can purchase tickets here for the 7:30 p.m. puck drop.

Matchup Breakdown

Records:

Jacksonville Icemen: 3-9-1-0 (7th in South division)

Atlanta Gladiators: 8-6-1-1 (4th in South division)

Power Play:

Icemen: 3/54 – 5.6% (27th in ECHL)

Gladiators: 11/71 – 15.5% (15th in ECHL)

Penalty Kill:

Icemen: 56/65 – 86.2% (10th in ECHL)

Gladiators: 57/72 – 79.2% (21st in ECHL)

Players to Watch:

#8 F Tyson Fawcett (JAX)

4G, 4A – 8 Pts, +4 Rating

The forward has been a key point producer for Jacksonville in the past few games since his acquisition. He brings a two-game point streak into Friday’s matchup.

#29 F Phil Lane (ATL)

10G, 6A – 16 Pts, +10 Rating

When Lane is on the ice, the odds are that something good is going to happen for Atlanta. He was able to get one goal against the Icemen in his last visit to Jacksonville.