For Immediate Release: March 26, 2016
CYCLONES TAKE DOWN EAST LEADERS
Cincinnati Snaps Skid with Big Road Win
Toledo, OH- The Cincinnati Cyclones (34-23-5-4) picked up a 4-1 win over the Toledo Walleye on Saturday night. Defenseman Andrew Blazek, and forwards Tommy Mele, Colin Mulvey, and Christiaan Minella scored the goals for the Cyclones, who snap their three-game losing streak.
Cincinnati wasted little time striking in this one, as just 7:46 into the opening period, forward Branden Gracel came down the right wing on a 2-on-1 rush and sent a cross-ice feed to Mele who fired the puck into the net, giving the Cyclones a 1-0 lead.
The Cyclones extended that lead a little more than five minutes later while on the power play, when Blazek blew by a defender coming down the right wing threw a shot on goal that was initially kicked out, but he got his own rebound and sniped it in past Walleye netminder Jeff Lerg, giving Cincinnati a 2-0 lead.
That 2-0 Cyclones lead held up throughout the remainder of the first and in the second both teams exchanged numerous Grade A scoring chances and both Lerg and Cyclones goaltender Andy Iles made some key saves, and the Cyclones took their 2-0 lead into the locker room after 40 minutes.
Cincinnati continued to get a plethora of offensive chances in the third, and with less than four minutes left the Cyclones extended their lead, when Mele sent a pass from behind the net to Mulvey in the right circle, and he snapped it in past Lerg, giving the Cyclones ahead 3-0.
After Walleye forward Josh Shalla scored 44 seconds later with the extra-attacker to cut their deficit to 3-1, the Cyclones put the game away when Minella fired in an empty netter to give Cincinnati a 4-1 lead and eventual win.
The Cyclones were outshot, 33-22 on the night, with Iles stopping 32 to collect the win. The Cyclones return home on Tuesday night to take on the Division-leading Ft. Wayne Komets. The faceoff is set for 7:35pm ET.
The 2016 Kelly Cup Playoffs are right around the corner! YOUR Cyclones are on the march towards another Kelly Cup Championship, and want you along for the ride! Be sure to check out one of our 2016 Kelly Cup Playoff Ticket Packages, available NOW! Call 513.421.PUCK to reserve your seats. Fans can also get the latest team updates on Facebook, Twitter (@CincyCyclones), Instagram, and our website, www.cycloneshockey.com!
