CINCINNATI, Ohio – Danick Paquette's goal in the fourth round of a shootout proved to be the difference maker as the Utah Grizzlies (8-7-2-2) escaped with a 4-3 win over the Cincinnati Cyclones (7-6-0-3) in front of 1,644 at U.S. Bank Arena on Wednesday night.
Just 24 seconds into the contest, former Cyclones Michael Pelech fired a shot past Rob Madore (SOL, 23 saves, 5-4-0-3) from the left wing boards to make it 1-0 Utah. Pelech would add another on partial shorthanded breakaway at 13:10, sending a backhanded offering over Madore's shoulder, extending the edge to a pair. The Cyclones cut the deficit in half moments later when Geoff Irwin slammed a rebound past Joe Howe (W, 36 saves, 2-1-0-2) after a solid point shot was taken from rookie Jonathan Diaby. Despite outshooting the Grizzlies 16-7 in the opening frame, the Cyclones trailed by one after 20 minutes.
The Cyclones pulled even midway through the middle stanza as Kevin Sullivan cashed in his first professional goal at 13:09, beating Howe with a low wrist shot from the left circle. The game would remain deadlocked at two at the second intermission.
Utah again jumped out ahead to a lead midway through the final period of regulation as defenseman Matt Pelech blasted home his second goal of the season to give his team a 4-3 edge. However, with a power play late and the goalie pulled, Cincinnati drew even again; after a loose puck was corralled in the mid-slot, Josh Shalla fired a low shot through Howe's legs and into the net with 41 seconds to play - making it 3-3 and subsequently forcing overtime.
After five minutes of scoreless bonus hockey, the teams were forced into a shootout to decide it. With three rounds completed and no lamplighters, Danick Paquette tucked one past Madore to give his team the lead. Then, after Stephan Vigier was denied by Howe in the Cyclones fourth round offering, Mike Pelech came up with a goal of his own in round five as he slid the puck around Madore to seal the win. The Grizzlies took home the extra point and the 4-3 win.
The Cyclones will be back on the ice at U.S. Bank Arena this Friday when they host the Fort Wayne Komets at 7:30pm! The first 1,500 fans ages 2-12 will receive an exclusive Cyclones T-Shirt featuring #29 Rob Madore! Call 513.421.PUCK to secure your seats and for more details. Fans can also get the latest team updates throughout the season on Facebook, Twitter (@CincyCyclones), and Instagram!
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Grizzlies Sneak Past Cyclones in Shootout, 4-3
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