NORTH CHARLESTON, South Carolina – Matt Scherer’s third-period goal broke a 1-1 tie and helped the South Carolina Stingrays (34-24-4-2) defeat the Cincinnati Cyclones (29-23-2-7) by a 3-1 final score in front of 3,689 at North Charleston Coliseum on Sunday afternoon.
Former Cyclone Daniel Koger broke the scoreless tie at 17:57 of the opening period by sending a low wrist shot through Cincinnati goalie Brian Foster (L, 18 saves, 12-7-1-1), giving the Stingrays a 1-0 lead at the first intermission.
South Carolina goalie Philipp Grubauer (W, 27 saves, 23-13-4-1) kept Cincinnati off the scoreboard in the middle frame, turning aside 13 more shots to keep his shutout bid alive after 40 minutes of play. After two periods, the Stingrays remained ahead 1-0.
Cincinnati used a five-on-three power play to their advantage early in the third, as David MacDonald sent a point blast through Grubauer at 3:40 to knot things at a goal apiece. Unfortunately, the Stingrays answered back not even two minutes later as Matt Scherer apparently forced a loose puck under Foster’s right pad an into the net. Although the goal light did not come on, the referee emphatically signaled that it had crossed the line and, after conferring with the off-ice officials, gave the Stingrays a 2-1 lead. That strike would turn out to be the game-winner as Billy Ryan potted an empty net goal in the final minute to seal a 3-1 South Carolina victory.
The Cyclones Radio Network Stars of the Game are as follows:
First Star: Philipp Grubauer (Winning goaltender, 27 saves)
Second Star: Matt Scherer (Game-winning goal for South Carolina)
Third Star: Daniel Koger (Goal for South Carolina)
After a pair of non-game days, the Cyclones will be back on the ice this Wednesday when they battle the Gwinnett Gladiators at Gwinnett Center. Fans can hear all the action of the game on the Cyclones Radio Network (1050-AM, America One) beginning at 6:50pm with the opening face-off to follow at 7:05pm.
The Cyclones will return to U.S. Bank Arena on Wednesday, March 21 when they welcome in the Chicago Express at 7:30pm. It will be the final Wet Wednesday of the season, featuring $1 PBR and Miller High Life. In addition, a pre-game Pucks N Pinot wine tasting event will be 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.