CINCINNATI, Ohio – The Cincinnati Cyclones (6-2-0-1) earned a 3-1 win over the Fort Wayne Komets on Wednesday night. Forwards Joe Pendenza, Nick Huard, and Eric Robinson scored the goals for the Cyclones, who are now in first place in the Midwest Division.
Cincinnati struck early in this one, as just 3:52 into the opening period, Pendenza came over the Komet blueline and wristed a shot past Fort Wayne goaltender Pat Nagle, putting Cincinnati up, 1-0.
The Cyclones extended their lead to 2-0 later in the frame, when forward Jack Downing came down the right wing on a 3-on-2 rush and sent a pass out front to Huard who stuffed it into the net, 16:50 into the period.
That lead held up throughout the remainder of the first, and in the second, Cincinnati’s power play got on the board, when defenseman Cody Carlson sent a cross-ice pass to Robinson who was left all alone on the back door, and he slammed it into the net, pushing the Cyclones’ lead to 3-0, 10:39 into the period.
The Cyclones headed into the third period with their 3-0 lead in tact, and continued to get a myriad of scoring chances. Fort Wayne got on the board with less than four minutes left, when forward Mike Embach scored on the power play, but the Komets could not get any more offense, and the Cyclones preserved the 3-1 win.
Goaltender Brad Thiessen stopped 34 of the 35 shots he faced to collect his fifth win of the season. The Cyclones were outshot, 35-30, on the night, while the power play converted on its only opportunity.
The Cyclones are back home on Friday night to take on the Quad City Mallards at 7:30pm. Friday’s game is also the annual Throwback Night, as the Cyclones will be throwing back the prices with $10 tickets, and $1 hot dogs, soda, pizza and beers. In addition, Friday is the Cyclones’ annual Teddy Bear Toss. Fans are encouraged to bring a stuffed animal to throw onto the ice after the Cyclones score their first goal. The stuffed animals will then be donated to the Cincinnati Police Department to distribute to young victims of crimes, accidents and fires in Cincinnati.
With Cincinnati Cyclones team release