DULUTH, Georgia – Thanks in part to a late first period outburst, the Cincinnati Cyclones (9-8-0-4) cruised past the Gwinnett Gladiators (7-12-1-0) by a 4-2 final score in front of 7,535 at Gwinnett Center on Saturday night.
The Cyclones exploded for three consecutive goals in a 4:02 span to close out the opening period with a sizable lead. First at 15:58, Stephan Vigier banged in a rebound past Mike Lee (L, 18 saves, 0-1-0) after Josh McFadden's heavy point shot. Just 26 seconds later, Zach Budish redirected home Chris Reed's cannon blast from the blue line to extend the Cincinnati edge to 2-0. Then, at the 19:30 mark, Kevin Sullivan burst into the offensive zone and tucked home a breakaway goal for his second of the season - giving his team a 3-0 cushion through 20 minutes. It was the second time this season that the Cyclones scored the game's first three goals, and the first since November 21.
Cincinnati continued the offensive onslaught early in the middle frame, as David MacDonald lit the lamp with a heavy right point shot just 19 seconds in to make it a 4-0 tilt. Unlike the first, however, the rest of the period would be defensive for Cincinnati as Rob Madore (W, 27 saves, 6-4-0-3) turned aside nine shots to keep his team in the drivers seat after 40 minutes.
The Gladiators finally got on the board at the 3:20 mark of the final period when C.J. Chartrain fired in his first goal of the year after catching a pass from Gary Nunn. Then, at 11:28, Gwinnett clawed one goal closer thanks to a power play strike from Tristan Llewellyn, making it 4-2. However, the Cyclones would buckle down defensively by killing off four third period penalties and hold on to seal the two-goal triumph.
The Cyclones will be back on the ice at U.S. Bank Arena on Wednesday, December 17 when they host the Greenville Road Warriors at 7:30pm! Fans 21+ can enjoy $1 beers as we host our first-ever Santa-Con! Everyone is encouraged to dress as Santa, Mrs. Claus, or an elf! 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 Conquer Gladiators, 4-2
