CINCINNATI, Ohio – As the season winds toward the playoffs the battle for conference seeding is heating up. Just ahead of the Cyclones are the Tulsa Oilers. Tonight the Cyclones can gain ground and continue their home win streak by sending the Oilers home in defeat. The ‘Clones have jelled quite nicely of late and look to make a surge down the stretch.
The opening frame turned out to be a spirited and physical affair. The Cyclones scored twice to gain the edge after twenty minutes. Zach Budish broke the game open at the 14:40 mark. Colin Mulvey added a second tally at 15:23 to give the home team the edge in this first game against Tulsa. Depending on the Missouri / Ft. Wayne outcome the ‘Clones could find themselves in first place in the Midwest Division.
The second began with the Cyclones on the power play. Matt Yogan had a good opportunity but the puck was swallowed up by the Oilers netminder, Jussi Olkinoura. No further scoring on this attempt. Tulsa lead the shots on goal battle 10 – 5. The period passed with more physicality as the squads battled it out. The Cyclones added to their PIM total. Andy Iles made a great windmill save with four minutes and change left in the stanza to keep the Oilers scoreless. The ‘Clones ended the period on the Penalty Kill. A scoreless period and a penalty filled latter half of the period.
The third began with the ‘Clones on the power play with an interference minor to Tulsa. With only a couple of shots during this man advantage and no score as the Oilers held firm. The Cyclones scored an empty net goal to give the Cyclones a win in 8 out of the last 9 games. The current steak is four wins. Tomorrow the Fuel are in town to complete the home stand.
Contact the writer: Rob.Huelsman@prohockeynews.com
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