After a disappointing loss last night, the Jacksonville Icemen (15-25-3-2, 35 pts) look to get back in the win column against the Atlanta Gladiators (23-22-1-2, 49 pts) tonight at 7:30 p.m., as Hockey Fights Cancer Weekend continues.
The Gladiators have had the Icemen's number, winning six of seven games in the 2017-18 season, presented by Community First Credit Union. Regardless of whether it's an offensive or defensive game, Atlanta has been able to edge Jacksonville. In five of the seven games, the winner has won by just one goal.
It's been tough to predict which type of game fans will see between these two clubs. Three times this season, the Gladiators have defeated the Icemen, 2-1. However, the other four games have seen at least six combined goals.
Recently, Jacksonville had had trouble finding the back of the net. In their last five games, the Icemen have averaged 1.8 goals per game, including three wins. It'll be vital for the Icemen to find added offense soon, as they're facing two of the top three teams in the South Division this weekend.
Jacksonville definitely has the skill in the lineup, but they'll need production on the man advantage to give the team a boost. The Icemen have tallied only two power-play goals in their last 22 attempts.
Trends would show that tonight's game will be high scoring. The next matchup following a low scoring game between these two clubs has resulted in a high scoring contest.
Do you have your tickets for tonight's game against the Gladiators? Click here to get your seats!
*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: 15-25-3-2 (7th in South division)
Atlanta Gladiators: 23-22-1-2 (3rd in South division)
Power Play:
Icemen: 19/184 – 10.3% (27th in ECHL)
Gladiators: 28/188 – 14.9% (23rd in ECHL)
Penalty Kill:
Icemen: 160/196 – 81.6% (19th in ECHL)
Gladiators: 156/190 – 82.1% (16th in ECHL)
Players to Watch:
#11 F Cameron Critchlow (JAX)
10G, 18A – 28 Pts, +15 Rating
Critchlow is due for a breakout game, and he’s had success in the past against Atlanta. In seven games, he’s totaled one goal and two assists.
#18 F Brady Vail (ATL)
14G, 16A – 30 Pts, -15 Rating
Vail scored last night and was the only Gladiator to collect a multi-point game.
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