FORT WAYNE, Indiana – Brett Perlini's goal in the third round of the shootout proved to be the game-winner as the Fort Wayne Komets (47-17-2-4) rallied past the Cincinnati Cyclones (31-29-2-8) by a 3-2 final score in front of 7,760 at Memorial Coliseum on Wednesday night.
The Komets drew first blood using the man advantage when James Martin intercepted an outlet pass and fired home his ninth goal of the season past Rob Madore (SOL, 23 saves, 16-18-2-7) at 13:58 to make it 1-0. The Cyclones would respond quickly, though, as Jack Downing cashed in a power play goal at 16:55 by blasting a shot past Roman Will (W, 29 saves, 16-8-1-3) to knot things at one. Then, just 1:14 later, Josh Shalla fed a perfect feed across the middle for Geoff Irwin who directed in his 16th goal of the season - giving the Cyclones a 2-1 edge after 20 minutes.
Fort Wayne would pull even at the 8:17 mark of period two when Brett Perlini caught a pass from J.M. Rizk in the high slot and sniped in his 19th goal of the season to make it a 2-2 game. The rest of the stanza was a defensive stalemate as neither could find the net before the second intermission.
Both teams played an extremely close final regulation period as the Komets outshot the Cyclones 11-8 in the frame, yet, neither side could find the go-ahead strike. And as time wound down, overtime hockey proved necessary. The five minute bonus session also went without a lamplighter, forcing the tilt into a shootout.
After a pair of scoreless rounds, Fort Wayne's Brett Perlini found the net by beating Madore over the shoulder to give his club the edge. Unfortunately, the Cyclones wouldn't solve Will who remained perfect to seal a 3-2 Komets victory.
After a practice day tomorrow, the Cyclones will continue their regular season-ending road swing this Friday when they visit the Toledo Walleye at 7:15pm. Fans can hear all the action on the Cyclones Radio Network beginning at 6:55pm and watch live at the Game Time Sports Bar & Grill in Cheviot!
Should the Cyclones qualify for the Kelly Cup Playoffs, they would be a lower seed and would be back on the ice at U.S. Bank Arena for Game 3 of the best-of-seven series against either Fort Wayne or Toledo on Wednesday, April 22. Stay tuned for all the latest details on CyclonesHockey.com. Playoff ticket packages are on sale NOW! Call 513.421.PUCK to secure your seats. Fans can also get the latest team updates throughout the season on Facebook, Twitter (@CincyCyclones), and Instagram!
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Cyclones Earn Big Point But Fall to Komets in Shootout, 3-2
