CINCINNATI, Ohio – An early third period goal by Brodie Reid broke a 2-2 tie and turned out to be the game winner as the Elmira Jackals (15-9-0-3) defeated the Cincinnati Cyclones (9-10-0-4) by a 3-2 final score in front of 3,054 at U.S. Bank Arena on Friday night.
The Cyclones burst out to a 1-0 lead just 45 seconds in as Josh Shalla blasted home his team-leading 13th goal of the season past goaltender Travis Fullerton (W, 34 saves, 9-3-0-2). It was the first time this year that Cincinnati scored in the opening minute of a game. Unfortunately, though, the Jackals would pot a pair of goals in the span of 1:02 to jump out in front before the break; first Steven Shamanski deposited a rebound during a Jackals power play to knot things at one. Then, at 17:26, Matt Tassone sent a high wrist shot over the shoulder of Rob Madore (L, 26 saves, 6-6-0-3) to give his team a 2-1 edge after 20 minutes.
After nearly a full period of stalemate hockey in the second stanza, the Cyclones rallied to tie the game as Stephan Vigier collected his seventh goal of the season with a beautiful wrist shot. And thanks to eight middle period saves from Madore, the game remained deadlocked through two.
Elmira broke the tie early into the final period as Brodie Reid narrowly beat Madore with a short side offering at the 6:44 mark. The Cyclones would attempt to spark a rally in the final minutes by pulling the net minder in favor of an extra attacker, but unfortunately could not light the lamp as the Jackals held on for the 3-2 win.
The Cyclones will be back on the ice at U.S. Bank Arena TOMORROW night when they again host the Elmira Jackals at 7:30pm! We'll be hosting the city's largest Ugly Sweater Party! The team will wear special ugly Christmas Sweater Jerseys, which will be auctioned off the jerseys after the game to benefit AFTA (Armed Forces Ticketing Association)! 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 Edged by Jackals, 3-2
