Tonight, the Jacksonville Icemen (15-26-3-2, 35 pts) take on the South Carolina Stingrays (28-11-4-1, 61 pts) for the final game of Hockey Fights Cancer Weekend at 7:30 p.m.
The last time these two teams met, Austin Lotz was the star of the game, stopping all 28 shots for the 1-0 shutout win. Jacksonville has one other win against the Stingrays, coming on Nov. 14 in a dominating 5-2 victory. Both of the Icemen's wins against South Carolina in the 2017-18 season, presented by Community First Credit Union, have come at Veterans Memorial Arena.
This season, the Stingrays have established themselves as one of the premier teams. Through 44 games, South Carolina ranks second in the South Division and third overall. One reason for their success has been a phenomenal goalie tandem of Parker Milner and Jeff Jakaitis. Milner ranks third overall amongst goaltenders with a 2.20 GAA and Jakaitis is not far behind him, posting a 2.28 GAA.
During their three-game losing streak, the Icemen have only scored one goal in the second and third periods. They'll need more production if they want to take down Milner and the Stingrays for the second straight time.
Do you have your tickets for tonight's Hockey Fights Cancer Weekend game? Click here to get yours today!
*TRAFFIC ADVISORY*
Jacksonville’s Mathews Bridge will see an eastbound bridge closure from Friday, February 2 at 6 p.m. until Sunday, February 4 at 6 a.m. as crews continue to rehabilitate portions of the deck. Westbound drivers will see an inside lane closure on the bridge.
The Main Street Bridge will be closed from Friday, Feb. 2 at 6:30 p.m. to Sunday, Feb. 4 at 6:00 a.m.
Matchup Breakdown
Records:
Jacksonville Icemen: 15-26-3-2 (7th in South division)
South Carolina Stingrays: 28-11-4-1 (2nd in South division)
Power Play:
Icemen: 19/188 – 10.1% (27th in ECHL)
Stingrays: 29/170 – 17.1% (16th in ECHL)
Penalty Kill:
Icemen: 164/200 – 82.0% (18th in ECHL)
Stingrays: 159/175 – 90.9% (1st in ECHL)
Players to Watch:
#22 F Bobby MacIntyre (JAX)
11G, 8A – 19 Pts, +3 Rating
In four games against the Stingrays this season, MacIntyre is tied for the lead among the active roster with three points (1g-2a).
#7 F Joey Leach (SC)
4G, 13A – 17 Pts, +8 Rating
In five games against Jacksonville, Leach is second on the team with four points (1g-3a).
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