News release
11 January 2014
ELMIRA, N.Y. - The Elmira Jackals take on the Reading Royals tonight in the second game of a three-in-three this weekend. The Jackals are looking to close out their brief three-game home stand with their second win of 2014 at home.
WHO: Elmira Jackals - Ottawa and New Jersey/NHL & Binghamton and Albany/AHL (10-17-4) vs. Reading Royals - Washington/NHL & Hershey/AHL (17-12-1)
WHAT: Jackals Home Game #15. 4-for-$44. Game broadcast on Gem 98.7 FM begins at 6:50.
The Jackals are facing the Royals tonight for the eighth of 16 meetings this season, and fourth of seven at First Arena. The Jackals are 2-4-1 against the Royals this season (0-3-0 at home) after a 4-1 defeat here last night. The Royals have outscored the Jackals 13-4 in the first three games between the teams at First Arena this season. Reading last won three in a row in Elmira during a single season December 7 to December 16, 2012, but has never won four in a row in this building since the Jackals joined the ECHL in 2007. Reading's 10 road wins are the third most in the East (fourth most in the league) while six of Elmira's 10 wins this season have come on home ice. Conversely, the Jackals have collected half of their road wins at Santander Arena, and the Royals are tied for the third-fewest home wins with seven.
There are some teams the Jackals need to leap over to make it happen, but the task in front of them is to chase down Reading and Fort Wayne for the eighth spot in the Eastern Conference. The month of January gives Elmira a golden chance to reel those teams in because, including last night, nine of Elmira's next 11 games are against the Komets (5) and Royals (4). The Jackals are a combined 4-4-1 against Reading and Fort Wayne in the wake of last night's action.