News release
20 February 2014
ELMIRA, N.Y. - With the playoffs on the horizon now is the time for the Elmira Jackals to push for the postseason. The scent of the playoffs smells like home cooking with 15 of the final 24 games at First Arena.
This season the Jackals had to endure a road-heavy schedule in the first half, which included seven of their first nine games away from First Arena. Through 48 games Elmira is tied with the Toledo Walleye and the Florida Everblades for the fewest home games in the ECHL with just 21.
In addition to traveling great distances, the Jackals’ road trips have seemingly been never-ending. Elmira has endured three four-game road trips and two five-game swings into the South and the Midwest. Compare that to the single four-game and lone five-game homestands at First Arena and the disparity is quite evident.
Despite the adversity and early-season struggles the Jackals have rebounded well, especially on the road. They have earned points in six straight road games, which is the longest current streak in the ECHL.
This upcoming homestand will mark the make-or-break point of the season for Elmira. With ten of the next 11 games within the comfortable confines of First Arena the Jackals have a tremendous opportunity to heat up at the right time.
The Jackals will host their division rival Wheeling three times this weekend and play them four out of the next five games. The Nailers currently sit two spots ahead of Elmira in the standings.
Elmira hasn’t had much success against its division rivals this season. The Jackals are 4-13-3 against the Atlantic Division, including a 2-5-2 mark versus the Nailers. The red and blue are eying a six-point sweep this weekend following Saturday’s tough 2-1 shootout loss at WesBanco Arena.
The Jackals are currently 19-23-6 and sit 11th in the Eastern Conference. Fourteen of their remaining 15 home games and 21 of their final 24 overall are against teams above them in the standings so the chances are ripe for the taking.
The Jackals have been moving in the right direction with a 7-1-2 record in their last ten games. Elmira will need to keep its wheels churning in the winning direction in order to make the playoffs.
One thing is certain; the Jackals will not go down without a fight.