CINCINNATI, Ohio – Despite a career-night for goaltender Zoltan Hetenyi, the Cincinnati Cyclones (21-12-2-1) dropped a 2-1 shootout decision to the Fort Wayne Komets (20-16-1-1) in front of 5,437 at U.S. Bank Arena on Friday night.
The Cyclones took advantage of an early power play opportunity as Garret Wilson received a Mathieu Aubin pass at the top of the crease and was able to tuck the puck past the left pad of Fort Wayne goaltender Kenny Reiter (W, 32 saves, 10-6-0-1) just 4:26 into the contest. The Komets would strike back, though, at the 17:35 mark when Brandon Marino slapped a rebound between the legs of Hetenyi (SOL, 40 saves, 4-4-0-1) from right along the goal line to even the game at one.
Both teams battled throughout the second and third periods, but no one could find the back of the net again and they decided the game in the extra session. Goaltenders Hetenyi and Reiter continued their outstanding performances through the overtime and after 65 minutes the teams were still deadlocked at one goal each. Hetenyi's 40 saves on the night was a career high.
Reiter turned away the first attempt in the shootout while Brayden Metz followed by getting the best of Hetenyi, putting a shot through his legs. Both goalies stopped the next two shots they faced. Then, after Reiter denied an Anthony Luciani offering, J.M. Rizk sealed the game for the Komets by dangling past the Cincinnati net minder for the game-ending strike. Fort Wayne earned the extra point by prevailing in the shootout, 2-1.
The Cyclones Radio Network Stars of the Game are as follows:
First Star: Brayden Metz (Game-winning goal in shootout)
Second Star: Zoltan Hetenyi (40 saves for Cincinnati, career-high)
Third Star: Kenny Reiter (Winning goaltender, 32 saves)
The same two teams will skate two more times this weekend at Memorial Coliseum beginning tomorrow night at 7:30pm. Fans can hear all the action of the game on the Cyclones Radio Network (CyclonesHockey.com / America One / Cyclones Mobile App) starting at 7:10pm!
The Cyclones will return to the ice at U.S. Bank on Tuesday, January 15 when they host the Elmira Jackals for the final time this season at 7:30pm. In addition to $2 24-ounce Labatt Blue and Molson, fans are encouraged to wear their best neon-colored attire as we celebrate Neon Night! Call 513.421.PUCK or visit CyclonesHockey.com to reserve your seats! Fans can also get the latest team updates throughout the season on Facebook and Twitter (@CincyCyclones).
Click here for tonight's box score.
Komets Sneak Past Cyclones in Shootout, 2-1
