CINCINNATI , Ohio- The Nailers and Cyclones had themselves a real knockdown, drag ’em out the door set of tilts so typical of these rivals. The Nailers needing another road win to make history and take the win. The Cyclones needing a home ice win to change the dynamic of this series. On this critical night the Cyclones never quit, even into the second overtime. The game opened with a defensive struggle both teams well aware that any defensive mistake could bring out the golf clubs for the summer. The ‘Clones drew first blood at 9:45 of the first when forward Mark Santorelli passed to Felix Petit at the bottom of the right circle. Petit rocketed a shot past Wheeling goalie Curtis Darling for a one to naught tally. The first ended with no further scoring, just solid defense on both sides. Wheeling had their offensive chances but were denied by Loic Lacasse until three minutes twenty-two seconds into the second stanza. Jordan Morrison scored an unassisted goal to knot the score at 1 apiece. The third period was solid defensive play as both squads denied the net to the other. Regulation ended in a one to one tie. The first overtime saw the same as the third period. Great offensive flurries with equally matched play by Darling and Lacasse. The defenses remained impervious since the second period.
The second overtime provided the home fans an opportunity to celebrate (and go home). Matt Syroczynski stuffed home a goal at three minutes forty-eight seconds of the period to secure the win. Syroczynski also scored the goal that won last season’s Kelly Cup. Wheeling scrapped, clawed, and fought this game to the bitter end. The Nailers looked every bit the team that led the North division the early portion of this season. The defending champs refusing to bow and not break under the pressure. The Cyclones await the winner of the Trenton / Elmira series tuesday night.
Contact rob.huelsman@prohockeynews.com
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