Cyclones Hang on to Beat Florida, 3-2

CINCINNATI, Ohio – Cyclones captain Barret Ehgoetz’ power play goal at the 17:32 mark of the second period proved to be the game-winner as the Cincinnati Cyclones (21-20-6-2) hung on for a 3-2 victory over the Florida Everblades (28-24-0-3) in front of 5,783 at U.S. Bank Arena on Saturday night.  It was the 14th career game-winning goal for Ehgoetz and his third of the season.

For the second consecutive night, the Cyclones jumped out to an early lead when Brady Calla blasted home his fifth goal of the season past Florida netminder Jaroslav Janus (L, 21 saves, 9-12-0) at the 4:13 mark.  However, Florida answered back at 8:17 as Mathieu Roy scored a similar goal when he blasted in his 10th tally of the year to even things at one through 20 minutes of hockey.

The middle frame was a back and forth affair to say the least.  Just 2:26 into the second period, Paul McIlveen potted his second goal in as many nights during a two-on-one rush, giving the Cyclones a 2-1 lead.  Just like in the first period, though, the Everblades answered back when Alex Imbeault batted home his team-leading 28th goal of the season past Cincinnati goalie Chet Pickard (W, 26 saves, 8-11-2) to knot the score again.  Luckily, during a five-on-three Cyclones power play, Barret Ehgoetz poked a loose puck past Janus for a 3-2 lead heading into the second intermission.  Little did they know it then, but that would turn out to be the game winning goal.

Despite being outshot 10-4 in the third period, Cincinnati held onto its lead thanks to some solid team defense and outstanding goaltending from Pickard as the Cyclones took the series finale by a 3-2 count.  The victory also gives them the edge in the season series against the Everblades, five games to three.

The Cyclones Radio Network Three Stars of the Game are as follows:
1.    Barret Ehgoetz (Game-winning goal for Cincinnati)
2.    Paul McIlveen (1 goal for Cincinnati)
3.    Chet Pickard (26 saves, winning goaltender)
                                                               
The defending Kelly Cup Champions will return to U.S. Bank Arena on Wednesday, February 16 when play host to the Toledo Walleye at 7:30pm.  It will be another Wet Wednesday with $1 PBR and Miller High Life flowing all night long.  Discounted ticket packages and single game tickets for the 2010-2011 season are available now.  For more information, call 513.421.PUCK (7825) or visit CyclonesHockey.com.

Click here for tonight’s box score.