CINCINNATI , Ohio – The recent weekend series between the Cyclones and Express resulted in a split and a continuation of the rivalry that has developed. Friday night the Express jumped out of the gate and left the ‘Clones clawing their way back until the third stanza to draw even. This was a very chippy contest from the start and the Express prevailed 4-3 when the final horn sounded.
The Saturday night game promised to be a pugilistic affair after Friday night’s fireworks between the North Division rivals. The collisions were violent but no fights resulted.
Cyclones Captain Mathieu Aubin characterized the rivalry this way, “We’ve had some rough games against them and it’s just going to keep going with them- we play them sixteen times. We just have to be ready each time that we play them and capitalize on the power play because they take a lot of penalties.”
The Cyclones’ jubilation at gaining a 3-0 edge before the Express put a tally on the scoreboard was evident. The power play was more organized and cohesive on this night pressuring Chicago net minder Peter Mannino into being out of position several times.
Cincinnati net minder Chet Pickard was stellar in the win over Chicago on Saturday night.
The game ended in a 4-1 victory for the Cyclones and sent the home crowd away happy with the squad’s performance on this cold winter night. 
Contact the author/photographer at Rob.Huelsman@prohockeynews.com
