Final matchup of season series between Iowa and Cincinnati

Cincinnati, OH – The Iowa Heartlanders, proud ECHL affiliate of the Minnesota Wild and Iowa Wild, prepare for a Saturday rematch at the Cincinnati Cyclones Saturday at 6:35 p.m. Saturday is the team’s 60th game of the season; Iowa has six home games and six road games to go after Saturday’s contest.Iowa has won two of their last three games, but lost in regulation by a 3-1 score Friday to the ‘Clones after allowing two goals in the final five minutes.Cincinnati has points 16 straight (14-0-1-1) after Friday’s win, putting the club one game away from matching their longest points streak in team history (17 games, 2007-08 season).Iowa visits Kalamazoo Sunday at 2:00 p.m. to complete a road three-in-three. The Heartlanders’ next home game is Wednesday, Mar. 22 vs. Wichita.Broadcast Coverage: Watch online at flohockey.tv. Listen on mixlr.com/goheartlanders.Affiliates: Iowa Heartlanders (Minnesota Wild/Iowa Wild) | Cincinnati Cyclones (Buffalo Sabres/Rochester Americans)Scouting Cincinnati The Cyclones are one of the best teams in the ECHL in part due to their scoring depth; eight Cincinnati players have hit double-digit goals this season. Justin Vaive (28 goals), Zach Andrusiak (26 goals) and Josh Passolt (21 goals) lead the team.Louie Caporusso is the club leader in assists (41) and is tied with Andrusiak for the points lead (60).Defenseman Jalen Smereck is best among team blueliners with 32 assists and 38 points.The Cyclones have scored 43 power-play goals this season; Andrusiak and Vaive have accounted for 22 of those (11 each).Road ahead The Heartlanders travel 300 miles north postgame to face the Kalamazoo Wings Sunday at 3:00 p.m. The Heartlanders beat the K-Wings at home last Saturday in come-from-behind fashion, 5-3.Iowa has at least a point in seven of nine season-series games against Kalamazoo.Next week, Iowa is home three times on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday to oppose Wichita. It’s the only time Wichita visits the Heartland in the 2022-23 regular season.Season Series The Heartlanders have won three games ever against Cincinnati and two have come this season. Both victories happened on back-to-back nights Nov. 26-27, and each was by a 4-3 score in overtime. Brendan Robbins and former Heartlanders defenseman Matt Murphy scored the overtime winners.By contrast, all of Cincinnati’s four series wins have been by multiple goals.Upcoming home games and ticket informationView the team’s full promotional schedule at iowaheartlanders.com/promotions. Iowa is next at home for three games Wednesday Mar. 22, Friday, Mar. 24 and Saturday, Mar. 25 vs. Wichita, with all puck drops at 7:05 p.m. On Mar. 24, the Heartlanders host the team’s first-ever Star Trek Night, showcasing our love for the show with fellow Trekkies. Fans are encouraged to dress as a Trekkie for a chance to win in-game activations and prizes. On Mar. 25, it’s Heartland Heroes night where the team will celebrate the selfless contributions of frontline workers and heroes that help make eastern Iowa a special place.The Heartlanders final three home games of the season take place Wednesday, Apr. 12, Friday, Apr. 14 and Saturday, Apr. 15 vs. the rival Wheeling Nailers. On Apr. 12 at 7:05 p.m., it’s a Wednesday night matchup presented by Mercy Iowa City. On Apr. 14-15, it’s fan appreciation weekend, with puck drops both nights at 7:05 p.m. The game on Apr. 14 is presented by United Iowa Financial. On Apr. 15, we’re extending stick tapes to our fans with a jam-packed final home game of the regular season, including a game-worn jersey auction, player card giveaway presented by Iowa City Area Sports Commission and a fanbango giveaway presented by Steindler Orthopedic Clinic.Single-game tickets, group ticket options, partial plans and season ticket memberships are available for Heartlanders home games at Xtream Arena.  Call 319-569-goal or visit iowaheartlanders.com/tickets for more information.Tickets are available for all Heartlanders home games by visiting iowaheartlanders.com/tickets. Find the full promotional schedule at iowaheartlanders.com/promotions