Cyclones Rally to Fry Walleye, 4-3

TOLEDO, Ohio – Cyclones rookie Garrett Wilson broke a 3-3 tie with a power play goal 13:01 into the third period as the Cincinnati Cyclones (7-7-0-3) rallied to defeat the Toledo Walleye (9-11-0-0) by a 4-3 final score in front of 5,063 at Huntington Center on Friday Night.

The Walleye cruised out to a 2-0 lead with goals scored by Joey Martin and Trevor Parkes just 1:51 apart beginning at the 9:33 mark of the opening frame. Anthony Luciani answered back for the Cyclones with his seventh goal of the season at 13:51 to cut the Toledo cushion to one. However, with only 23 seconds left in the period, Aaron Lewicki sent a blast from just inside the blue line past Cincinnati goaltender Brian Foster (W, 33 saves, 2-0-0-0) to give the “Fish” a 3-1 lead after 20 minutes of play.

In the second period, Cincinnati used a favorable bounce to grab back the momentum; at the 11:57 mark, Mike Liambas’ shot from the left circle redirected off of Mike Pelech’s shin guards and rolled into the net pulling the Cyclones within a goal. Then, just 26 seconds later, Cyclones rookie Justin Vaive slammed a rebound past Walleye net minder Thomas McCollum (L, 13 saves, 1-4-0) for his first professional goal to knot the score at three heading into the second intermission.

In a physical third period, a combined 35 penalty minutes were handed out to the two teams including a major power play given the Cyclones when Brian Matte was whistled for slew-footing at the 12:11 mark. With the extended man-advantage, the Cyclones roared to life and Garrett Wilson lit the lamp at 13:02 to edge ahead, 4-3. His sixth goal of the season turned out to be the game-winner. Despite a late power play for the Walleye in the final minutes, Cincinnati buckled down defensively and preserved the come-from-behind victory, the third such win of the season. The triumph was also a milestone for Head Coach Jarrod Skalde, who earned his 100th professional coaching win.

“We didn’t play particular well in the first period,” said Cyclones Head Coach Jarrod Skalde, “But I thought we responded better in the second and third, our battle level was much better. We started working and got rewarded for it as the game went along. We’ve had our struggles on the road and tonight we found a way to win which was a good lesson for our group.”

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

First Star: Garrett Wilson (Game-winning goal for Cincinnati)
Second Star: Anthony Luciani (Goal for Cincinnati)
Third Star: Joey Martin (1 goal, 1 assist for Toledo)

The Cyclones will return U.S. Bank Arena tomorrow, when will host Throwback Night featuring $8 tickets, $1 John Morrell Hot Dogs, Donatos Pizza, Beer and Soda! In addition, the game will also be the 2011 Teddy Bear Toss where fans can toss a new or gently-loved stuffed animal onto the ice after the Cyclones score their first goal. All of the teddy bears donated will benefit the Cincinnati Police Department. 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.