CINCINNATI, Ohio – Brad Fogal made 30 saves while Dan Eves’ third period goal proved to be the game-winner as the Cincinnati Cyclones (20-14-0-6) defeated the South Carolina Stingrays (27-18-1-1) by a 4-3 final score in front of 3,837 at U.S. Bank Arena on Friday night.
After a scoreless first period, the Cyclones opened the scoring just 54 seconds into the middle frame as Mike Pelech buried his 11th goal of the season to give his team a 1-0 lead. South Carolina answered with a goal of their own at 10:47, as Trent Campbell sent a wrist shot just over Cincinnati net minder Brad Fogal (W, 30 saves, 3-2-0-2) to knot things at one. Just seconds after a Stingrays power play expired, Campbell picked up another loose puck and lit the lamp at 15:09 with another high wrist shot, giving the visitors a 2-1 lead. In the final minute of the period, Josh Turnbull was whistled for a delay of game penalty – setting up a Cyclones power play. With just seven seconds left, Matt Sisca blasted a shot through South Carolina goaltender Philipp Grubauer (L, 20 saves, 17-9-1-1) for the game-tying strike heading into the second intermission.
The Cyclones added to their lead early into period three, as Rob Slaney and Dan Eves both potted goals at 1:45 and 3:53 respectively. However, the Stingrays would pull within a tally as Johan Kroll one-timed a power play shot through Fogal and into the net, making it 4-3 Cincinnati. In a period that the Stingrays outshot the Cyclones 13-5, Jarrod Skalde’s team held tough. In the final minutes, South Carolina drew a penalty as Jeremy Klaver was given a holding penalty, which gave the visitors an extra man. After pulling the goalie, Grubauer, they had two extra bodies on the ice during their attempt to tie the score. Yet, Fogal and the Cincinnati defense stood strong and preserved a 4-3 win – their second, come-from-behind win in a row.
With the victory, Cincinnati snapped the Stingrays seven-game road-winning streak and pulled to within three points of second-place Chicago. The Cyclones finished with a three-for-five night with the power play, which was the most they’ve scored in a single game since October 29 at Kalamazoo.
The Cyclones Radio Network Three Stars of the Game are as follows:
First Star: Rob Slaney (1 goal, 1 assist for Cincinnati)
Second Star: Jonathan Hazen (2 assists for Cincinnati)
Third Star: Trent Campbell (2 goals for South Carolina)
The Cyclones will be back on the ice at U.S. Bank Arena TOMORROW night when they once again battle the Stingrays at 7:30pm.
