CINCINNATI, Ohio – Some late game offense and a 15-save shutout performance by Sam Brittain led the Cincinnati Cyclones (24-20-1-4) past the Evansville IceMen (12-33-4-2) by a 2-0 final score in front of 1,853 at U.S. Bank Arena on Wednesday night.
Despite holding a lofty 11-4 shot advantage by the end of the opening period, the Cyclones couldn't yet find the back of the net; former Cyclones net minder Brandon Komm (L, 29 saves, 1-2-1-1) remained perfect after 20 minutes while Sam Brittain (W, 15 saves, 14-10-0-1) turned aside all four shots he faced as the game remained scoreless at the first intermission.
After an evenly played second period, both teams continued to vie for the all-important first goal in the final stanza. Finally, at 6:14 of the 3rd, the Cyclones broke the stalemate when Joe Basaraba potted a rebound after a point shot from Nick Wheeler careened loose in front. Then, at 16:24, Brian Nugent finished off a shorthanded two-on-one rush with Geoff Irwin by slamming in his fifth goal of the season to cap off the scoring at 2-0. The Cyclones held the IceMen to just 15 shots on the night and Brittain remained strong in net to earn his fourth shutout of the season.
After a practice day tomorrow, the Cyclones will travel up I-75 to visit the Toledo Walleye this Friday night at 7:15pm. Fans can hear all the action of the game on the Cyclones Radio Network beginning at 6:55pm and watch live at the Game Time Sports Bar and Grill in Cheviot.
The Cyclones will be back on the ice at U.S. Bank Arena this Saturday night as they play host to the Reading Royals at 7:30pm! It will be our 2nd annual Fireworks Extravaganza presented by Cincinnati Bell featuring a postgame INDOOR pyrotechnics display! 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
Brittain, Cyclones Shutout Evansville 2-0
