MOLINE, Illinois – A two point night from Joe Basaraba and Josh Shalla, along with a 20-save performance from Sam Brittain, helped the Cincinnati Cyclones (2-1-0-0) claim a 3-2 win over the Quad City Mallards (2-2-0-0) in front of 2,422 at the iWireless Center on Friday night.
After nearly a full period of stalemate hockey, the Cyclones jumped ahead just before the first intermission as Joe Basaraba caught a pass from Josh Shalla in the high slot and sniped home his second goal of the season at 19:42, beating Evan Mosher (L, 28 saves, 1-1-0-0) over the shoulder to make it 1-0 Cincinnati through 20 minutes.
The Cyclones added to their lead just 7:44 into the middle stanza, when a jam play at the net redirected off of Byron Froese and between Moser's legs to extend the edge to 2-0. However, the Mallards answered back as Antti Pusa benefitted from a turnover, sending a wrist shot past Sam Brittain (W, 20 saves 1-0-0-0) to pull his team to within one. But like in the first period, Cincinnati lit the lamp just before the break; at the 18:30 mark, Stephan Vigier delivered a laser-accurate wrist shot over Moser's left shoulder for his second of the season to give the Cyclones a 3-1 cushion through two.
Midway through the third period, the Mallards once again clawed their way to a one-goal margin as Jani Hakanpaa intercepted an outlet pass and backhanded a shot over Brittain's shoulder at 11:52 to give his team some life. In the final minutes, the Mallards pulled Mosher in an attempt to tie it, but to no avail; the Cyclones salted away the final minute and sealed a 3-2 victory.
The same two teams will do battle tomorrow night at the iWireless Center with the opening face-off set for 8:00pm ET. Fans can hear the action live on the Cyclones Radio Network and watch at Game Time Sports Bar and Grill in Cheviot via ECHL.TV beginning at 7:40pm ET.
The Cyclones will return to U.S. Bank Arena on Friday, November 7 when they welcome in the Indy Fuel at 7:30pm. It will be the first Kids Eat FREE Night of the season where fans ages 2-12 will enjoy some FREE food courtesy of John Morrell. In addition, there will be the first of two pre-game Bourbon Tasting events in 2014-15. Call 513.421.PUCK to secure your seats and for more details. Fans can also get the latest team updates throughout the season on Facebook, Twitter (@CincyCyclones), and Instagram!
Click here for tonight's box score
Cyclones Hunt Down Mallards, 3-2
