Cyclones win five straight over holidays

CINCINNATI, Ohio — The Cyclones gained ten points this past week in home games against division rivals Chicago, Toledo and Kalamazoo. The offense has awakened and is continuing to win at home supporting net minder Brian Foster.
Foster is in his second campaign in Cincinnati. He currently has 2.64 goals against average and a .906 save percentage. Captain Mathieu Aubin has 14 goals and is providing an example for the younger players. His 26 points in the span of 23 games has helped to lead an offensive outburst. Newcomer Anthony Luciani has 11 pucks in net and 11 assists and holds second place in points thus far.
The defense has been aggressive in the neutral zone and has been actively assisting Foster. The win streak comes in spite of the call-up of seven players to the AHL over a very short period. The grit of the blue liners has been apparent as the pairings work tirelessly to prevent opposition scores. Leftwing Mike Liambas, in his second year with the Cyclones, sets an example in the toughness department. Liambas is plus-3 and has racked up 111 minutes in penalties. Defenseman Maury Edwards has led the blue line corps in points (10) but was among those called-up to the AHL following the team’s third successive win.
Special teams have been able to hold their own, with increased production from the power play unit. The penalty killers have stepped it up as well. During a recent tilt with the K-Wings the PK squad killed five of seven and the ‘Clones won 8-5.
The opening game of the win streak was a 4-3 winning effort versus the team from Chicago. Following that, a win against the Kalamazoo Wings, a rematch with the Express, a second ruckus with Kalamazoo ending with 8-5 victory, and finally a road 3-0 win in Toledo against the Walleye. The five straight wins were sorely needed, after a rough start to the season on the road. The Cyclones have no problem winning at home, and have suffered only two shoot out losses at US Bank Arena.
This season has been a tale of two teams, successful at home and less so on the road. Now that the team has strung together a series of wins against tough division opponents there is hope that road success may follow.  
  Contact the writer and photographer at Rob.Huelsman@prohockeynews.com