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ECHL Cincinnati Cyclones

Cyclones Overthrow Royals, 4-1

January 29, 2014 - ECHL (ECHL)
Cincinnati Cyclones News Release


CINCINNATI, Ohio - Another impressive three-point performance from Anthony Luciani helped lift the Cyclones (25-12-1-1) past the Reading Royals (23-15-1-0) by a 4-1 final score in front of 2,147 at U.S. Bank Arena on Wednesday night. The red-hot line of Luciani, Josh Shalla, and Paul Crowder continued their scoring streak, combining for five points in the victory and 15 in their last four games. Goaltender Joe Howe (W, 28 saves, 8-1-1-0) was a solid presence in net, turning aside 28 of the 29 shots he faced in the tilt. With the win, the Cyclones earn two valuable points in the standings and improve their season record against the defending Kelly Cup Champions to 4-0.

Though the tilt remained scoreless for the majority of the first frame, both teams found the back of the net in the final three minutes of the period. Kevin Walrod put the Royals on the scoreboard first when he scored his second goal of the season on a rebound at 17:45. But Luciani, Cincinnati's leading scorer, responded with a lamp-lighter of his own when he recorded his 17th of the season at 18:50. Although the home team was outshot 11-8 in the frame, both teams entered the first intermission with the score knotted at one.

However, it wasn't long before the Cyclones took their first and final lead of the night. When Josh Birkholz unleashed a wrist shot that net minder Riley Gill (L, 15 saves, 10-8-0-0) could not glove down, Phil Bushbacher buried the rebound and what proved to be the game-winning goal at 5:37. The home team extended their lead when a shot by Luciani bounced off Gill and was promptly potted by Shalla at 16:40.

"[We've been] getting shots at the net, crashing the net, being open, and capitalizing," said Luciani of his team's impressive offensive performance.

Although the Cyclones failed to score on an early power play opportunity to start the final frame, Adam Brace buried yet another rebound when he recorded his seventh goal of the season at 1:54. Minutes later, the Royals appeared to have scored on a redirection, but the goal was waived off and the Cyclones ultimately prevailed with the 4-1 win.

"As long as we're playing our game and we're getting points and getting [wins], that's the only thing we can do," Luciani said about the Cyclones' position in the Eastern Conference standings. "Just do our job and everything else will take care of itself."

Cincinnati will make a quick Friday night pit stop in Toledo to face the Walleye for a 7:15pm opening face-off. Fans can hear the action on the Cyclones Radio Network (CyclonesHockey.com, America One, Cyclones Mobile App) beginning at 6:45pm.

The Cyclones will return to U.S. Bank Arena this Saturday night for Military Appreciation Night / Super Hero Night! The Cyclones will wear specialty "Captain America" jerseys that will be auctioned off after the game to benefit AFTA! Plus, in addition to a FREE Cyclones cape for the first 1,500 fans ages 2-12, there will be a special appearance by Ironman! 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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