CINCINNATI, Ohio- After the win against Tulsa last night, the Cyclones remain within striking distance of the top spot in the Midwest division. The Fuel have lost enough games that the they need 28 points in their final games to make the playoffs. Nine points separate the Fuel from the Cyclones. Indy has lost five of the last seven games.
Tonight the netminders are Andy Iles for the Cyclones (8-3-0-0 for the month of February) Keegan Asmundson ( 1-5-1-0) The game tonight is the largest crowd to watch a home game at USBA. 16,529 fans fill the seats. Dylan Clarke and Jonathan Diaby began the extracurriculars with a tussle and the fans loved it as Diaby pummeled Clarke. Lots of up and down the ice rushes but the goalies held firm on both ends. Until Daniel Ciampini stole the puck and rushed in on Iles with a nifty forehand / backhand move and Indy strikes first. Another fight ensued after a minute or two of play and again the fans roared their approval. Seth Ambroz for the ‘Clones went to the box as he drew the extra two minute minor for roughing. The Cyclones killed the power play and Indy had no shots on goal for the man advantage. More pushing and a boarding call against Indy led to a Cincy power play. Shots on goal with ~ 2 minutes remaining in the period are even at 9 apiece. Period # 1 ends with the Cyclones trailing 1-0.
Andy Iles stops a shot against the Indy Fuel on Sat. Feb 27 / Photo by Jake Murray (PHN)
The second began with much the same as the initial period ended. Andy Iles made several good saves to begin the early portion of the period. Asmundson was equally as sharp as Iles to begin the stanza. ¾ of the way through the period the Fuel scored to take a 2-0 lead on a goal by Michael Colantone. At 16:17 the Cyclones cut the deficit in half on a rocket shot by Colin Mulvey that beat Asmundson under the crossbar to the delight of the crowd. The period ended with the ‘Clones still down by 1. In spite of the low score this was an exciting tilt with a division and regional rival.
The final frame of regulation saw the defenses stiffen.The ‘Clones Nick Huard raced down the far side of the ice to fire a shot that caromed off of the crossbar and out. Asmundson continued to keep the biscuit out of the basket. At 12:36 Colin Mulvey tied the game with his 2nd of the night at 2 apiece. Cyclones assists on the goal were given to Tommy Mele and Steve Weinstein . The period ended in a 2-2 tie leading to a 3 on 3 overtime period. A point gained but the home team needs that 2nd point that comes with a win. Cincy has the shots on goal lead but are called for interference by Zach Budish with 30.7 seconds left in Overtime. Indy will add a skater to make it 4 on 3. Andy Iles turned aside a final flurry by the Fuel and on to the shootout we go.
Indy will shoot first and misses over the crossbar. Cincy also misses their first shot. The Fuel miss again as well as the second shooter by the Cyclones. The Fuels’ Andrew Ciampini scores on their 3rd attempt and beat the Cyclones 3-2 in a shootout.
Contact the writer: Rob.Huelsman@prohockeynews.com
Contact the photographer: Jake.Murray@prohockeynews.com
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