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ECHL Cincinnati Cyclones

Vaive's Hat Trick Not Enough as 'Clones Come up Short

March 20, 2018 - ECHL (ECHL)
Cincinnati Cyclones News Release


Cincinnati, OH - The Cincinnati Cyclones (35-25-3-0) dropped a heartbreaking 4-3 overtime decision to the Indy Fuel on Tuesday evening. Forward Justin Vaive recorded his third hat trick of the season, while forward Jesse Schultz crossed the 50-assist plateau with three helpers.

The Fuel came out firing and jumped out to a 2-0 lead just 3:49 into the opening period, on goals from forwards Garrett Clarke and Michael Neal.

The Cyclones were not deterred and managed to pull within one 6:54 into the frame while on a power play, when Schultz sent a pass from the right side to Vaive in front, and he tapped it in to cut the Cincinnati deficit to one, 2-1. Vaive was not done and struck again on the man advantage with a little over six to play when defenseman Eric Knodel fired a shot that was deflected to Vaive on the backdoor, and he tapped it in to even the game, 2-2.

The 2-2 tie held up throughout the remainder of the first, and in the second Indy regained the lead on a goal by forward Josh Shalla to put the Fuel ahead, 3-2. Cincinnati had numerous scoring chances throughout the frame, including a two-man advantage for 1:31, however they could not convert, and the Fuel took their 3-2 lead into the locker room after 40 minutes.

The Cyclones continued to pressure offensively and evened the game with less than seven minutes to play, when a point shot from defenseman Brycen Martin was redirected in by Vaive to tie the game back up, 3-3.

Both teams exchanged Grade A scoring chances throughout the remainder of the contest, including several close calls in the final minute, however neither side was able to net the deciding goal and the game was sent to overtime.

Just like the third, the extra session was filled with scoring chances from both sides, however a too-many-men penalty gave the Fuel a power play, and with 21.5 seconds left in overtime, forward Ryan Rupert blasted home the game-winner to send the Fuel to a 4-3 overtime win.

Indy outshot the Cyclones, 38-17, with goaltender Jason Kasdorf steering aside 34 in defeat. Cincinnati next welcomes in the Atlanta Gladiators on Thursday night. Face-off is slated for 7:35pm ET.

The 2017-18 season is underway, and the Cincinnati Cyclones want YOU along for the ride! Call (513) 421-PUCK for information regarding Cyclones single game tickets, ticket packages, and Season and Group Tickets!

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