 "Photo: Juan Blas")
The Columbia Inferno played 69 games of its 72-game schedule, and with a record of 27-33-9 the team is hoping to end the 2006-2007 on a bright note.
Tonight, the Inferno host the Cincinnati Cyclones in what will be the first meeting between the two teams this season. Cincinnati is 36-27-6 and in second-place in the ECHL's Northern Division. The Cyclones have already clinched a playoff berth in the Kelley Cup Playoffs.
The Inferno, on the other hand, are guaranteed to finish with a record below .500 for the second consecutive season, and will also sit out the playoffs for the second season in a row.
The Inferno outscored the Cyclones 209-206, but Columbia does not have the depth that Cincinnati has both on defense and between the pipes.
The Inferno has allowed 249 goals this season, while the Cyclones have only allowed 190.
DOWN TO THE WIRE
Four of the Southern Division's five playoff spots were filled over the weekend, leaving Augusta and South Carolina fighting for the final spot.
The Lynx are in fifth place with 72 points and the Stingrays are behind them with 69 points.
The Lynx have two games left and both are on the road this weekend against second-place Florida.
The Lynx can clinch the final spot if they can win at least one of the games, or if they lose both games in a shootout or overtime.
The Stingrays are also down to their final two games, on the road Friday at Gwinnett and at home Saturday against Texas. Because a win is worth two points in the standings, the Stingrays will need to win both games and have to hope the Lynx lose both of their games against Florida.
PARTING SHOTS
The Inferno are 18th in league attendance, averaging 3,182 per game. Stockton leads the ECHL in attendance and averages 6,785 per game. The Cyclones are in the attendance basement with 1,792 … Jeff Miles leads the Inferno in scoring with 66 points (26 goals. 40 assists) … The Inferno's final home game of the season is Friday night against Texas.
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