Game Preview: Solar Bears at Cyclones - Dec. 5, 2017

WHO: Orlando Solar Bears at Cincinnati CyclonesVENUE: U.S. Bank Arena, Cincinnati, OhioDATE: Tuesday, Dec. 5, 7:35 p.m.WATCH: ECHL.TVLISTEN: OSB Radio on Mixlr

TODAY: The Solar Bears (8-10-3-0) play their first of two games this week against the Cincinnati Cyclones (12-6-1-0), who are coming off a 3-2 loss at Brampton on Sunday that ended a five-game winning streak. This is the first meeting between the clubs since Nov. 21, 2015 – despite being in the same division during the 2016-17 season, Orlando did not face Cincinnati at all last season. The Solar Bears are a lifetime 7-3-0-1 against the Cyclones, and 4-1-0-1 against Cincinnati on the road.

SPECIAL TEAMS BATTLE: Orlando’s power play has converted on 18 of 113 chances (15.9%), and can take advantage of a Cinccinati penalty kill group that sits dead last in the ECHL with a 73.8% penalty kill rate.

SHUTTING DOWN CINCY DUO KEY: Orlando will want to contain the high-flying play of Cincinnati’s leading goal-scorer, Justin Danforth. The rookie is in the midst of a six-game goal streak (6g) dating back to Nov. 22. The Solar Bears will also look to shut down the playmaking abilities of Cyclones center Shawn O’Donnell, who leads Cincinnati with 24 points (9g-15a) and is tied for fifth in league scoring. While the pair of Danforth and O’Donnell is certainly formidable, the Cyclones offense is top-heavy, as the team ranks 20th out of 27 teams, averaging only 2.89 goals per game.

CAMPAGNA ROUNDING INTO FORM: Forward J.C. Campagna has been productive for Orlando during this road trip – in four games, the rookie has buried two goals including a game-winner, while generating 13 shots and a +3. Campagna can also provide some familiarity with the Cyclones, having already played one game against the Cyclones this season while with the Adirondack Thunder.

STREAKS:

• Cal Heeter – 5-game win streak (5-0-0)
• Martins Dzierkals – 3-game point streak (2g-2a)
• Max Novak – 2-game point streak (1g-1a)

AFFILIATE NOTES: After a week off, the Toronto Marlies (18-5-0-0) take on the Laval Rocket on the road in the first of two straight games against the affiliate of the Montreal Canadiens. The Toronto Maple Leafs (17-10-1-0) return to action tomorrow night against Calgary.

NEXT GAME: Orlando remains in Cincinnati for a rematch with the Cyclones on Thursday, Dec. 7 at 7:35 p.m. at U.S. Bank Arena. The Solar Bears return to the ARS.com Rink at Amway Center on Wednesday, Dec. 20 as they take on the Norfolk Admirals at 7 p.m. Single-game tickets for the 2017-18 season are now on sale at the Amway Center box office and ticketmaster.com.

About the Orlando Solar Bears:

The Orlando Solar Bears are in their sixth season of operation in the ECHL, the premier “AA” hockey league in North America, and are the proud affiliate of the NHL’s Toronto Maple Leafs and the AHL’s Toronto Marlies. The Solar Bears are owned and operated by the Orlando Magic and the DeVos Family, and play at the ARS.com Rink at Amway Center, the 2012 Street and Smith’s Sports Business Journal Sports Facility of the Year.

Festive Four Packs, presented by CenturyLink, are now available for purchase! Pick four games and get gift certificates to Sonny’s BBQ, Dick’s Sporting Goods, QDOBA Mexican Eats and a FREE center ice ticket to the Orlando Solar Bears Teddy Bear Toss game on Saturday, December 23! Packs start as low as $64! Click here or call (407) 951-8200 for more information.

Officially licensed Orlando Solar Bears replica team jerseys, apparel, and headwear can be purchased online at orlandosolarbearshockey.com/shop.