Cyclones Blanked by Express, 3-0

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Illinois – Behind a pair of power play goals and a 24-save performance by Peter Mannino, the Chicago Express (18-17-5-2) blanked the Cincinnati Cyclones (18-14-0-5) by a 3-0 final score in front of 3,771 at Sears Centre on Saturday night.

After a scoreless first period, the Express lit the lamp 8:02 into the middle frame when Chaz Johnson batted home a rebound past Cyclones net minder Chet Pickard (L, 20 saves, 8-10-0-1) for a power play goal and a 1-0 Chicago lead – which they carried into the second intermission.

In the third period, Cyclones forward Joe Devin was give a major penalty and a game misconduct for boarding Chicago defenseman Brett Motherwell, sending the Express to a five minute power play. After killing off almost all of it, Tyler Donati snuck into the right circle and blasted a one-timer past Pickard for a 2-0 Chicago lead at the 15:48 mark. In the final minutes Cincinnati continued their attempts to beat Express goaltender Peter Mannino (W, 24 saves, 2-3-1-1), but they were unsuccessful as he sealed his first shutout of the season with 24 saves on the night. Tyler Donati rounded out the scoring with an empty net strike at 18:39 to seal a 3-0 win for Chicago, which vaulted them back into second place in the North Division standings.

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

First Star: Peter Mannino (24 saves, shutout, winning goaltender)
Second Star: Chaz Johnson (1 goal for Chicago)
Third Star: Tyler Donati (2 goals, 1 assist for Chicago)

The Cyclones will wrap up their five-day road trip with a Sunday matinee against the Express. The opening face-off from Sears Centre is set for 5:00pm ET with pre game coverage on the Cyclones Radio Network (1160-AM, America One) beginning at 4:45pm.

The Cyclones will return to U.S. Bank Arena on Wednesday, February 1 as they welcome in the Toledo Walleye at 7:30pm. It will be another Wet Wednesday, where fans 21 and up can enjoy $1 PBR and Miller High Life! In addition, there will be another “Pucks N Pinot” pre game wine tasting event available for purchase. 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.