Royals push Cyclones to limit, win 3-0

CINCINNATI, Ohio- This rather chippy tilt began with energy from both Squads on this Friday night. The Reading Royals were ready for a Cyclones attack that had scored come from behind goals in the two previous games in Reading. The Cyclones played the opening period with vigor but fell behind the visitors on the scoreboard where it counted. The disappointed home fans saw the series slipping away as the ‘Clones were unable to penetrate the Royals defense with any effect. Readings’ Matt Caruana provided the only tally of the first and the game winning goal early in the period at the 4:57 mark.
 
Tempers flared early as the on ice officials tried to keep the situation in hand. Many of the players on both sides took liberties when the referee was ahead of the play.
 
The middle stanza saw the Cyclones come out flat and disorganized. The Royals took advantage of the defensive lapses to add another goal to their total. Ryan Cruthers second postseason tally came at the 10:02 mark with a spinarama shot past Cincinnati netminder Brian Foster.
 
The Cyclones only advantage was in the shots on goal department at 9-3 for the period but Reading remained ahead at 2-0.
 
The Cyclones began the third period with promise but Royals goaltender Matt Dalton stoned the ‘Clones every attempt at putting the biscuit in the basket.
 
The period deteriorated into dump and chase hockey for the home team as the Reading defense stymied the up ice progress of the Cincinnati squad.
 
Many neutral zone turnovers frustrated the Cyclones offense and left the fans dejected.
 
Andrew Saraurer added the final score into an empty net as Brian Foster was pulled for an extra attacker late in the final stanza.
 
The Cyclones are in a must win scenario tonight to stave off elimination from this year’s playoffs.
 
Face off from US Bank Arena will be at 7:30 EDT.
  Contact the writer and photographer at  Rob.Huelsman@prohockeynews.com