Express Survive Against Cyclones, 2-1

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Illinois – Blair Riley broke a 1-1 tie just 41 seconds into the third period as the Chicago Express (8-5-0-1) improved to 4-0 against the Cincinnati Cyclones (4-5-0-2) this season by claiming a 2-1 win in front of 2.640 at Sears Centre on Saturday night.

After the Express were handed a five-on-three power play late in the opening period, Darcy Campbell sent a point blast through goaltender Chet Pickard (L, 10 saves, 3-4-0-0) for a 1-0 lead. And despite outshooting the Express 16-3 in the first frame, the Cyclones trailed it after 20 minutes of play.

The Cyclones answered back with a power play goal of their own just 1:14 into the middle frame, when Garrett Wilson caught a long pass from Mathieu Aubin and buried a breakaway goal past Chicago goaltender Allen York (W, 38 saves, 1-0-0-0) to knot the score at one. In another impressive defensive effort, the Cyclones held the Express to just four shots in the second period as the teams went to the second intermission tied at one. It was the third time this year, and second period in a row, that the Cyclones held their opponent to less than five shots in a stanza.

Just 41 seconds into the third period, Blair Riley found himself open in front of the Cincinnati net when a loose puck bounced right to his stick and he quickly slid it past Pickard for a 2-1 Chicago lead. For the rest of regulation, Cincinnati continued to pepper York with shots, but couldn’t find the net as the Express held on to win 2-1. It was the fourth consecutive victory against Cincinnati for Steve Martinson’s club. The Cyclones finished with their most lopsided shot advantage of the year, outshooting the Express 39-12.

The Cyclones Radio Network Three Stars of the Game are as follows:

First Star: Allen York (38 saves for Chicago)
Second Star: Blair Riley (Game-winning goal for Chicago)
Third Star: Darcy Campbell (Goal for Chicago)

Cincinnati will wrap up their busy week with a Sunday matinee tomorrow afternoon against the Toledo Walleye. The opening face-off from the Huntington Center is set for 4:00pm with pre game coverage on the Cyclones Radio Network (Real Talk 1160, America One) starting at 3:45pm.

The Cyclones will be back on the ice at U.S. Bank Arena next Wednesday night, November 23, when they play host to the Kalamazoo Wings at 7:30pm. It will be the first Wet Wednesday of the season, with $1 PBR and Miller High Life flowing all night long. In addition, the game will serve as the Cyclones “Movember” Mustache Party where fans can show off their mustaches in support of men’s health. Secure your seats now by calling 513.421.PUCK or log on to CyclonesHockey.com. Fans can also get the latest team updates throughout the season on Facebook and Twitter (@CincyCyclones).  

Click here to view tonight's box score.