For Immediate Release: February 19, 2017
CYCLONES SURRENDER LEAD, ULTIMATELY WIN IN SHOOTOUT
Cincinnati Wins Second Straight Despite Komets’ Comeback Attempt
Cincinnati, OH- The Cincinnati Cyclones (25-23-4-0) defeated the Ft. Wayne Komets, 5-4 in a shootout, on Sunday afternoon. Forwards Shane Walsh, Justin MacDonald, and Brandon McNally, along with defenseman Jonathan Diaby netted the goals for the Cyclones.
The Cyclones took the lead midway through the first when Walsh brought the puck over the right side blue line and wristed a shot that deflected off of Komets goaltender Garrett Bartus and into the net to give Cincinnati a 1-0 lead.
That 1-0 lead held up throughout the remainder of the first, and in the second the offense kicked it into second gear early, as Diaby took a pass from forward Shawn O’Donnell and launched a slapshot in from the high slot past Bartus to put the Cyclones ahead, 2-0, 2:27 into the frame on the power play.
That lead became 3-0 roughly five minutes later when O’Donnell forced a turnover in the center circle, and MacDonald picked up the loose puck, skated in over the line, and fired a shot from the slot for his first goal as a Cyclone.
Cincinnati’s offense continued to roll, and with a little more than six minutes to play in the frame the power play struck for a second time when McNally snapped a shot from the right half-wall in past new Ft. Wayne goaltender Pat Nagle to extend the Cyclones’ lead to 4-0.
The Komets were not deterred and managed to get a pair of goals late in the frame from forward Brett Perlini and defenseman Dan Milan to cut Cincinnati’s lead to 4-2 after 40 minutes.
The Komets turned up the offensive pressure in the third, outshooting Cincinnati 14-2 in the final 20 minutes. Ft. Wayne completed the comeback in the final period as well, getting goals from forward Mike Cazzola, and the second of the game from Perlini to tie the game, 4-4, and force overtime.
After a scoreless extra session, the two sides headed to a shootout, and in the skills competition O’Donnell scored the lone goal to send the Cyclone to the 5-4 shootout win.
Cincinnati was outshot, 34-21, with goaltender Michael Houser stopping 30 in the win. Cincinnati hits the road for a Monday morning affair against the Kalamazoo Wings. Face-off is slated for 10:30am ET.
The 2016-17 season is underway, and the Cincinnati Cyclones want you along for the ride as they march towards another Kelly Cup Championship! 2016-17 single game tickets and packages along with group and Season Ticket Packages are available NOW! Call (513) 421-PUCK to reserve your seats. Fans can also get the latest team updates on Facebook, Twitter (@CincyCyclones), and Instagram, along with our website, www.cycloneshockey.com!
