Cyclones Dominate Fuel, 4-1

Cyclones Dominate Fuel, 4-1

INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana – A strong defensive showing along with two shorthanded goals from Geoff Irwin helped the Cincinnati Cyclones (15-12-0-4) blow past the Indy Fuel (6-20-3-3) by a 4-1 final score in front of 3,661 at the Indiana Farmers Coliseum on Friday night.

Chris Reed continued his hot start to the 2015 calendar year by notching his fifth goal of the season at the 6:39 mark to open the scoring in the first period. And thanks to six saves from Sam Brittain (W, 27 saves, 7-5-0-1) at the other end of the ice and one successful penalty kill, the Cyclones carried the 1-0 lead into the first intermission.

The Cyclones penalty kill helped extend their edge early into the middle stanza when Geoff Irwin banked a shot from right along the goal line off of goaltender Shane Owen (L, 22 saves, 6-12-0) and into the net at 4:41, making it a 2-0 game. Although the shots ramped up for the Fuel in the frame, 10 in total, Brittain remained calm and composed to keep his team ahead by two after 40 minutes.

The Fuel cut their deficit in half right out of the gate in the final period, as Nicklas Lindberg buried a rebound just 37 seconds in to make it a 2-1 game. However, Cincinnati would answer back minutes later, at 3:27, as Michael Neal set up David Pacan, who sniped in his fifth goal of the year to regain the two-goal cushion. The lead would be tested often in the third, as the Fuel were awarded three consecutive power plays; but against the ECHL's third-best man-advantage unit, the Cyclones soared - killing off each and every one to finish the tilt with a perfect five-for-five penalty kill night. Then, in the final minute, Geoff Irwin was able to backhand a shot the length of the ice and into the empty net to seal a convincing 4-1 win for Cincinnati. Irwin's second of the night came shorthanded, making him the first Cyclones player this season to notch two shorthanded goals in a single game.

Cincinnati will wrap up its quick two-game weekend with a match-up tomorrow night with the Kalamazoo Wings. The puck drop is set for 7:30pm at Wings Stadium with pregame coverage on the Cyclones Radio Network beginning at 7:10pm. Fans can also WATCH the game live at the Game Time Sports Bar & Grill in Cheviot.

The Cyclones will be back on the ice at U.S. Bank Arena on Wednesday, January 14 when they play host to the Evansville IceMen! The first 1,000 adults through the gates will receive an exclusive Cyclones t-shirt. Plus, all fans 21+ can enjoy $1 beers all night long! 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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