Cyclones lose first skirmish

CINCINNATI, Ohio – The rest showed, the stress showed and the Reading Royals upended the Cyclones 5-2 Friday night at US Bank Arena. Jeremy Smith, Cyclones netminder, appeared overextended after an emotional game seven win on Wednesday night. Fortunately Robert Mayer has been returned by Hamilton in time for this series.   Olivier Labelle scored three goals, two on the power play, to begin his series with emphasis. Reading would need no other goals, but received the game winner from Andrew Sarauer at 3:58 in the second period.   Brett Robinson scored a pair of goals for the Cyclones, but it was not enough to overcome the Reading lead. Doug Krantz and the Cyclones defense, looked tired tonight, though had several shots blocked to help Smith. Brian O’Hanley has been especially effective in the Defensive zone.   This group should recover to put forth a better result in game two.   Reading goalie Matt Dalton was up to the task in the net, after the layover waiting for the series to start. The Royals defense was timely and menacing all evening. Reading‘s offense kept the Cyclones on their heels all through the first stanza.   The first half of this game belonged to the Royals and that is really all they would have needed.   Game two is Saturday night in Cincinnati at US Bank Arena.   Contact Rob.Huelsman@prohockeynews.com