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ECHL Cincinnati Cyclones

Cyclones Stay Alive with 5-2 Thumping of Walleye

March 30, 2012 - ECHL (ECHL)
Cincinnati Cyclones News Release


CINCINNATI, Ohio - In the face of elimination, the Cincinnati Cyclones (34-28-2-7) came through and preserved their postseason aspirations by knocking off the Toledo Walleye (28-37-2-4) by a 5-2 final score in front of 4,859 at U.S. Bank Arena on Friday night.

In a must-win scenario, the Cyclones pulled out to a 2-0 lead as Anthony Luciani and Dan Eves potted goals just 1:25 apart beginning at the 11:12 mark of the opening period. And thanks to some sold team defense the rest of the frame, Cincinnati held the two-goal cushion at the first intermission.

Cincinnati grabbed a 3-0 edge at 13:19 of the middle stanza as Mike Pelech forced a loose puck underneath the pad of Toledo goalie Alec Richards (L, 35 saves, 8-12-0-1) for his 16th goal of the season. Toledo would stop the bleeding, however, minutes later when Joey Martin capitalized on a failed poke check by Cyclones goalie Brian Foster (L, 24 saves, 15-11-1-1) by burying the puck in the empty net. After 40 minutes, Cincinnati enjoyed a 3-1 lead.

Toledo pulled within a goal just 6:54 into the final period when Martin struck on a power play, making it a 3-2 game. But Cincinnati responded back with a pair of tallies as Joe Devin and Eves lit the lamp at 8:44 and 16:48 respectively, giving the Cyclones a commanding 5-2 lead. It was Eves' third multi-goal game of the season. Cincinnati would hold on to win by the same score.

With the Cyclones victory tonight, combined with a Reading Royals overtime defeat in Elmira, Cincinnati still remains in the playoff hunt going into the final day of the regular season. If the Cyclones can beat Chicago tomorrow night and Reading were to lose against the Trenton Titans, Cincinnati would clinch a Kelly Cup Playoff spot.

The Cyclones will play the final game of the regular season TOMORROW night at U.S. Bank Arena as they welcome in the Chicago Express at 7:30pm. Fans can enjoy $1 Donatos Pizza, John Morrell Hot Dogs, and Soda all night long. In addition, select lucky fans will take home several great prizes! Secure your seats now by calling 513.421.PUCK or log on to CyclonesHockey.com. Fans can also get the latest team updates throughout the season on Facebook and Twitter (@CincyCyclones).

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