ESTERO, Florida – A pair of second period goals proved to be the difference as the Florida Everblades (34-13-2-4) got past the Cincinnati Cyclones (26-23-1-4) by a 3-0 final score in front of 4,446 at Germain Arena on Wednesday night.
Both goaltenders put on a show in the opening period, as Rob Madore (L, 28 saves, 11-12-1-3) and Andy Iles (W, 25 saves, 13-9-1-1) made eight highlight-worthy saves to keep the game scoreless at the first intermission.
The Everblades finally broke the scoreless deadlock at the 4:47 mark when Adam Brace batted a puck out of mid-air and past Madore to make it 1-0. Then, at 17:40, Mitch Wahl buried a loose puck that he unintentionally blocked in front of the net; his tally gave Florida a two-goal cushion after 40 minutes.
The defensive flavor continued in the final period as the Cyclones continued their efforts to tie the game. Unfortunately, Iles was equal to all of the seven shots Cincinnati sent his way in the frame to keep his team ahead for good. Then, at 18:27, Alex Lavoie potted an empty netter to seal a 3-0 victory for the Everblades.
Cincinnati will jump back on the bus and return to Orlando as they prepare for another match-up with the Solar Bears tomorrow night at 7:00pm! Fans can hear the action of the game on the Cyclones Radio Network beginning at 6:40pm ET and watch LIVE at the Game Time Sports Bar and Grill in Cheviot.
The Cyclones will be return to U.S. Bank Arena on Friday, March 13 when they welcome in the Orlando Solar Bears at 7:30pm! The first 2,500 fans through the gates will receive a Cyclones Bobblehead featuring Twister! 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
Everblades Slither Past Cyclones, 3-0
