Mallards extend win streak to eight

CINCINNATI, OH – Grant Arnold scored what proved to be the game winning goal as the Quad City Mallards (29-18-2) defeated the host Cincinnati Cyclones (23-23-4) 3-2 Wednesday night to extend their winning streak eight games.

The Mallards responded with two telling goals after Cincinnati’s Tommy Mele tied the score at one with wrist shot from the left wing circle at 2:25 of the second period. The Mallards’ Michael Parks broke the deadlock from the high slot at 10:04 of the second. With just 10.8 seconds left in the period, Arnold stretched the lead to 3-1 by charging into the Cincinnati goal mouth to bat home Sam Warning’s saucer pass.

Arnold’s goal loomed even larger after Mele cut the Mallard lead to 3-2 at 6:35 of the third period by burying a rebound during a Cyclone power play.

The Mallards would, however, protect that one goal lead the rest of the way- even after the Cyclones pulled goaltender Michael Houser for an extra attacker with just over a minute remaining. Arnold delivered again to preserve the victory after the Mallards were called for a penalty with 5.8 seconds left and Cincinnati went up 6-on-4. The rookie center blocked Shawn Donnell’s shot from the slot just before the buzzer to finally put the Cyclones away.

The Mallards had first moved in front when Justin Kovacs scored on a breakaway at 11:10 of the first period.