Cyclones Fall to Komets, 3-2 in Shootout

Cyclones Fall to Komets, 3-2 in Shootout

CINCINNATI, Ohio – Another night where bonus hockey loomed large, the Fort Wayne Komets (15-4-0-0) defeated the Cincinnati Cyclones (7-6-0-4) in a shootout by a 3-2 final score in front of 2,420 at U.S. Bank Arena on Friday night.

Fort Wayne opened the scoring at 5:31 when defenseman James Martin beat Sam Brittain (SOL, 22 saves, 2-2-0-1) with a slapper from the left point to make it 1-0. The Cyclones would respond, however, as Zach Budish banged in a rebound left from Byron Froese's wraparound attempt and collected this third goal of the season to tie it at one. And with a 13-8, shot advantage in the frame, the Cyclones carried the momentum into the first intermission of a tied game.

After a scoreless second period, the game continued with a defensive flavor until late in the third when Mike Embach redirected home a point blast from Joey Leach at 15:12 to put his team ahead by one in the waning minutes. But yet again, the Cyclones were able to orchestrate a comeback. In the final minute, Cincinnati earned an offensive-zone face-off where Byron Froese won the puck back to the waiting Josh Shalla; just as he did on Wednesday night, Shalla immediately sniped in the game tying strike at 19:07 to knot the score at two and send the game into overtime.

Although both teams enjoyed a couple of good scoring chances in the extra session, neither could find the game winner and a shootout proved necessary. After both teams failed to score in the first two rounds, Shawn Szydlowski delivered on his chance to put the Komets ahead. And upon a failed attempt by Froese, Thomas Frazee cashed in during the Komets' fourth round offering - which forced the Cyclones to score to extend the game. Unfortunately, Shayne Taker was denied by Pat Nagle (W, 24 saves, 10-3-0) and sealed the 3-2 shootout win for Fort Wayne.

The Cyclones will be back on the ice at U.S. Bank Arena tomorrow night when they host the Kalamazoo Wings at 7:30pm! The first 2,000 fans through the gates will receive an exclusive Cyclones Winter Hat courtesy of Sport Clips! 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