Stingrays defeat Cyclones in Game 2

 

CINCINNATI, Ohio- The Stingrays took control of game two from the start. The Cyclones appeared to be disorganized and imprecise. The same group who scored six goals in their previous game gave up three unanswered tallies tonight.
 
South Carolina drew first blood, thirty-three seconds into the first. Rob Ricci scored against a confused looking ‘Clones defense. Goaltender Jeremy Smith was screened by swarming South Carolinians on the score. South Carolina pocketed a turnover in the Cyclones zone to capitalize for another score at 5:29 of the first.
 
The Stingrays looked sharp opening the second as the Cyclones came out flat. South Carolina added another goal at 6:29 by Keith Johnson. At this point, the Cyclones looked lost, though they had occasional flashes of their earlier games play. Finally, the ‘Clones answered with a goal at 11:44 by Jimmy Kilpatrick for the home teams only tally of the contest. Coach Chuck Weber appeared frustrated as his squad turned the puck over in their zone.
   
There was no scoring in the third. The Cyclones skated in desperation, while the Rays played it safe to maintain the lead at 3-1. Animosity was evident as roughing calls and double minors were handed out to keep general order. The Cyclones showed poor timing on passes, which ultimately lead to turnovers, odd-man rushes and pandemonium in their defensive zone.
 
Game three will move the tilts to home ice for the Stingrays and is scheduled for Friday April 9, 2010.
 
Contact the writer at Rob.Huelsman@prohockeynews.com