Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Jarrod Skalde on his way out?

Is Cyclones head coach, Jarrod Skalde on his way to being run out of Cincinnati? The Cyclones come into tonight's game against the Kalamazoo K-Wings with a 1-4-1-1 record. The worst start for a Cyclones team since 2003-04 when Chris Chichocki was at the helm. That club finished with a franchise worst 25-43-4 record.

Skalde who has been under much scruitny from fans is seemingly still trying to get his system in place. After coaching the Bloomington PrarieThunder of the IHL the past two years to an overall 60-74-18 record, Skalde was hoping to come to the Queen City and take off from the start but this team is yet to find it's niche'.

Cyclones fans were used to the strategic defensive coaching of Chuck Weber who left this season to the AHL to lead the Rochester Americans who are in 1st place. Skalde however, runs a creative offensive system. "I like to see my guys be creative on the ice. They get to have more of a call on what happens out there." This system however, does not seem to be working.

The clones come into the game tonight with the worst PK percentage in the ECHL with just holding a 58.6% while also allowing the most goals against with 32.

In this reporters mind, Give coach Skalde more time. He has 13 years of professional hockey experience including over 100 NHL games. Give him time and let his system take shape and see how the team responds. If the All-Star break rolls around and this team is still in the cellar, then possibly make a move but right now 8 games into the season it is too early to call.

Elmira takes a bite out of Cyclones 4-2

Oren Eizenman and Justin Donati each had a goal and two assists for the Elmira Jackals (4-1-2-0) en route to a 4-2 victory over the Cincinnati Cyclones (1-4-1-1) in front of 1,068 at U.S. Bank Arena on Tuesday night.

The Jackals jumped out to an early 1-0 lead when Oren Eizenman buried his third goal of the season past Cyclones goalie Chet Pickard (L, 30 saves, 0-2-0) on the power play.  Just like last Saturday, though, Cincinnati was able to climb back when Mathieu Aubin found a loose puck underneath a swarm of players and pushed it past Elmira netminder Shane Connelly (W, 23 saves, 1-0-0) at 13:23.  Then, just 19 seconds later, Mike Bartlett wristed home a shot from between the circles to give the Cyclones a 2-1 lead through 20 minutes.  It was the first time this season that Jarrod Skalde’s bunch had the upper hand through one period of play.

Although both teams had plenty of scoring chances in the middle frame, only Elmira was able to find the net in the second period.  During a Jackals power play, Yannick Tifu jumped all over a Pickard rebound and stashed it for his third goal of the season, knotting things at two.  Just over four minutes later, at 18:45, Tifu grabbed a Cincinnati turnover at neutral ice and dished a pass to Kevin DeVergilio, who tipped it home for a 3-2 Jackals lead.  Little did they know it then, but it would turn out to be the game-winning tally.

Early in the third period, Scott Reynolds was whistled for a slashing call and Elmira’s power play went back to work.  Justin Donati danced by a couple of Cyclones defenders and slid the puck underneath Pickard for another goal on the man-advantage, making it 4-2 Jackals.  They would hold on to win by the same score.

Cincinnati was scoreless on the power play tonight despite four opportunities.  Elmira finished 3-for-6.

Wheeling nails Cyclones in home opener 7-3

The Wheeling Nailers, spoiled opening night for the defending Kelly Cup Champions at US BANK ARENA by a score of 7-3. Andrew Petersen compiled a texas hat trick where he was able to net four goals past rookie goalie, Marc Cheverie (0-2-1-0). The Cyclones were able to get goals from Scott Reynolds, TJ Fast and Scott Lehman, but the five goal 3rd from Wheeling sunk the clones.