Friday, May 19, 2000
Cyclones hope to build on road split
Two home games could lead to 3-1 series lead
By John P. Wise
Enquirer contributor
It's now the Cyclones' turn to play host to two IHL Eastern Conference Finals games in two nights.
Last weekend in Grand Rapids, Mich., Cincinnati eked out a 2-1 Game1 victory before the Griffins used a late goal to earn a 4-3 decision in Game2. Grand Rapids brings its 3-0 road playoff record into Firstar Center for Games3 and 4 tonight and Saturday. Both games start at 7:35 p.m.
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TONIGHT'S GAME
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• What: Game 3 of Eastern Conference Finals
• When: 7:35 p.m. today
• Where: Firstar Center
• Tickets: $17, $14, $12, $8
• Series: Tied, 1-1
• Radio: WSAI-AM (1530)
• Notes: The teams play twice at Firstar Center this weekend. ... Grand Rapids is 3-0 in road playoff games this postseason, and Cincinnati is 2-1 at home. ... Grand Rapids got a goal from Yves Sarault with only 1:14 remaining in Game2 to win 4-3. ... Game 5 is scheduled for Tuesday at Grand Rapids, and Game 6 — if necessary — would be Thursday at Firstar Center.
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“We definitely want to win both games at home,” Cincinnati's Brian Felsner said. “Going up 3-1 is huge. You don't want to play any more games than you have to in the playoffs.”
If the Cyclones have the psychological edge because they won a game on the road, they're aware the Griffins could go back home for Tuesday's Game5 with the same inclination.
“Their record on the road, like ours, is very good,” Cyclones coach Ron Smith said. “They're not going to be intimidated by playing in another building.”
Grand Rapids coach Guy Charron said the Cyclones were a little better at keeping the puck out of their zone in the first two games than they were in the regular season, when the Griffins won nine of 11 meetings.
SMITH CONTRACT: Smith hopes it will be awhile before talks begin on his contract re newal. Earlier in the season, it was determined that his contract, which expires at the end of the season, won't be discussed until the offseason. Consequently, Smith said, the later the better. He's just focusing on the postseason.
“That's completely in the back of the cupboard right now,” Smith said. “I'm not the slightest bit concerned with it.”
Jim Rutherford, general manager of NHL parent Carolina, said it won't be his call.
“It's the Cyclones' responsibility to sign the coach,” said Rutherford, a longtime friend of Smith's. “But from our point of view, Ron has nothing to be nervous about.”
Cyclones president Doug Kirchhofer has maintained the offseason is the best time to visit the issue.
“We're going to play out (the postseason) and evaluate where we are after the season,” said Kirchhofer, who said Rutherford and his staff will have plenty of input. “I will certainly consult them and put a great deal of weight in their comments.”
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