Steelheads win game 3 in double overtime

CINCINNATI, Ohio – The Idaho Steelheads had to work hard to cut the Cincinnati Cyclones advantage in the Kelly Cup Finals with a sorely needed win in game three. Idaho gets the win in double overtime with a final score of 4-3.  
 
The Cyclones returned home to the friendly confines of US Bank Arena after winning the initial pair of games in Boise by one goal margins. The defense has played spectacularly, considering how banged up this group is at present, having played twenty-one post season games so far.
 
Timely scoring has been a hallmark of this offense throughout the season. Captain Barret Ehgoetz has been a sparkplug for this team, scoring at the most needed moments this post season. Mark Van Guilder returned from the AHL in time to lend offensive support at a critical time. His scoring touch was sorely missed prior to that.
 
The penalty kill unit has stymied and frustrated the Steelhead’s power play, while the ‘Clones power play awakened in game 1 with two goals. In game 2 the Cyclones saw only one goal scored, as the defenses took control of the game. Penalties have been meted out at critical junctures, requiring both teams to be opportunistic as scoring chances have been limited by great goal tending on both ends of the ice.  
 
The Cyclones Robert Mayer has been on his game, shutting down the Idaho offense acrobatically as needed. Steelheads net minder Rejean Beauchemin has greatly improved since his days up the road as a Dayton Bomber and ‘Clones archrival at that time.
 
The opening stanza featured tight, checking defense by Idaho to stifle the Cyclones offense. The home team was unable to solve the Steelhead neutral zone trap as most of the period was played in the Cyclones end. The visitors from the west, scored first at 13:51 on a marker by John Swanson. Idaho then doubled their lead at 18:04 of the period on a tally by Evan Barlow.
 
The second period began with an elevation in the chippiness level, as both squads took exception to the other.   Several skirmishes were put down by the officials as each incident grew more antagonistic.
 
The Steelheads scored again, to the chagrin of the home crowd, who never wavered in support of the Cyclones. With a three goal hole to climb out of, the Cyclones managed to cut the deficit to two on a Brett Robinson goal. This seemed to lift the clubs spirits a bit, as they solved the Idaho defense for a successful first time this contest.
 
In the third period, the Cyclones roared back to tie the game at three apiece on goals by Jimmy Kilpatrick and Mark Van Guilder. Beauchemin seemed to react poorly to all of the traffic in front of the net, as the ‘Clones hacked and whacked at the biscuit. The home crowd of 5,595 screamed their approval at the comeback. The third ended in a 3-3 tie and overtime was guaranteed by the solid defensive play the remainder of regulation.
 
The first overtime period was a scoreless defensive struggle as both squads looked tired on the ice. The teams remained in a tie, and required a second overtime.
 
After another intermission, the crowd settled in, but at 48 seconds into the period, Evan Barlow scored his second goal of the game, to send the crowd packing and disappointed.
 
The Steelheads climb back into the series with a 4-3 win in game three.   Game four will be Thursday night at US Bank Arena.
 
Contact the writer/photographer at Rob.Huelsman@prohockeynews.com