ECHL Cincinnati Cyclones

Cyclones Fry Wings, 5-3

January 10, 2014 - ECHL (ECHL)
Cincinnati Cyclones News Release


CINCINNATI, Ohio - Three different Cincinnati players scored in a wild second period as the Cyclones (22-9-1-1) defeated the Kalamazoo Wings (17-12-1-2) by a 5-3 final score in front of 6,255 at U.S. Bank Arena on Friday night. Led by Josh Shalla's two-goal performance, the home team continued their impressive scoring rate in the second session (they now have 43 second-period tallies on the season) and moved within seven points of the Eastern Conference lead currently held by the South Carolina Stingrays. Goaltender Rob Madore (W, 24 saves, 10-4-0-0) turned aside 24 of the 27 shots he faced in the tilt and earned his tenth win of the season.

Although the Cyclones spent the majority of the opening period in the offensive zone, netminder Joel Martin (L, 21 saves, 7-6-0-2) made several impressive saves to keep the home team off the board early. After failing to score on their first power play chance, the Cyclones cashed in on their second opportunity when defenseman Josh McFadden recorded his fourth goal of the season on a slap shot from the right side at 15:56. The Cyclones continued their offensive onslaught, outshooting the Wings 12-5 in the frame, and entered the first intermission with a one-goal advantage.

The Wings capitalized on their own power play opportunity early in the second stanza when a shot by Elgin Reid trickled past Madore and over the goal line at 2:17. But it wasn't long before the Cyclones not only broke the stalemate, but also surged ahead. When Anthony Luciani delivered a precise pass from behind the net, Shalla, who was reassigned by the Milwaukee Admirals of the American Hockey League today, buried the shot and gave the Cyclones their final lead of the game at 11:22.

After two minutes of four-on-four hockey, Luciani lit the lamp for the tenth time this season when he blasted his own rebound past Martin at 14:20. The home team's scoring frenzy continued when, thanks to a perfect pass in front of the crease by Phil Bushbacher, Adam Brace scored the game-winner at 15:49. However, the Wings found a way to trim their three-goal deficit when Matt Caria converted a power play goal with six seconds remaining in the frame. Although the Wings outshot the Cyclones 9-7 in the period, the home team entered the final session with a 4-2 lead.

But, the visitors refused to quit and kept the tilt interesting when Dustin Cloutier tipped in a shot by Justin Taylor at 5:55. The one-goal deficit was short-lived, however, because Shalla recorded his second of the night at 12:59, capping the scoring for the Cyclones.

"[Crowder] took it to the net there," said Shalla of his final goal. "The puck bounced out and I kind of got it and just threw it at the net and I got lucky enough to put it over his shoulder."

"I actually landed here at 5:00," the first star of the game added. "I had a rough travel day, but the boys looked good. They had a lot of energy and we played a full game.

The Cyclones will return to the ice at U.S. Bank Arena on Wednesday, January 15 when they play host to the Gwinnett Gladiators at 7:30pm! In addition to $1 PBR and Miller High Life for fans 21+, everyone is encouraged to dress comfortably for Pajama Night! Call 513.421.PUCK or visit CyclonesHockey.com to secure your seats. Fans can also get the latest team updates throughout the season on Facebook and Twitter (@CincyCyclones).

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ECHL Stories from January 10, 2014


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