Cyclone blow by Jackals, 8-3

CINCINNATI, Ohio – The Cyclones opened the defense of their North Division title by crushing the Elmira Jackals in game one. Even though the Jackals were a fast and a physical presence on the ice they were no match for the depending champion Cyclones.
 
The Cyclones were persistent as they won the shots on goal battle 33-24. Cincinnati scored a club playoff record eight goals when all was said and done.
 

The Cyclones took a 2-0 lead in the first on goals by Mark Van Guilder on the power play and on a rebound score from Ian McKenzie. Jackals goalie Michael Teslak made some great saves on point blank-shots but did not receive offensive support to keep the New Yorkers in the game.      
The second stanza scoring opened with a power play goal by the ‘Clones Matt Syroczynski at point-blank range after Teslak stopped three attempts. The goal was a Cyclones playoff-leading sixth for Syroczynski. Dustin Sproat added to the lead five minutes later to give the home team a 4-0 edge. The Jackals finally responded before the end of the period with a tally by Paul McIlveen that left a three goal hole for Elmira to climb from.
 
Sproat opened the third with a goal at one minute and twenty-one seconds into the period to further the deficit for the visitors; and the rout was on. The Cyclones scored three more in the period to total eight while Elmira managed only two scores for the rest of the contest. 
 
Mackenzie finished with two on the night for Cincinnati as did Justin Johnson and Sproat. Chaz Johnson and Josh Aspenlind rounded out the scoring for the Jackals.
 
Teslak was replaced in goal by Riku Helenius after the fourth goal, but there was no relief for Elmira as Helenius was touched for the sameamount of scores in less game time. Cincinnati started Loic Lacasse in goal and he had little to do as his teammates crushed their opponents.
 
In light of how Cincinnati’s last series went, when no home team won a game at home until the final game of the series it was a rather commendable accomplishment.
 
Game two is set for Saturday night in Cincinnati at U.S. Bank Arena.
 
Contact rob.huelsman@prohockeynews.com
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