FORT WAYNE, Indiana – For just the second time this season, the Cincinnati Cyclones (26-16-4-2) fell into a 4-0 hole and could not recover as the Fort Wayne Komets (25-20-1-1) earned a 7-2 victory in front of 7,484 at Memorial Coliseum on Saturday night.

The Komets drew first blood at the 9:18 mark of the opening period as Brett Smith found a loose puck in the Cincinnati goal crease and potted his 10th goal of the season past Michael Houser (L, 21 saves, 7-5-0) to make it 1-0. And despite a pair of power play chances of their own, the Cyclones trailed it by one at the first intermission.

Fort Wayne extended their advantage early in the middle stanza as Matt Firman tipped home Daniel Maggio’s point shot at 7:19 to make it 2-0. Then, at 13:27, Firman found a rebound and buried his second goal of the night to add to the Komets lead. The home team held the 3-0 cushion after 40 minutes.

In the final period, former Cyclone Matt Syroczynski capitalized on another rebound left by Brian Foster, who came in to relieve Houser – it was 4-0 Komets just 3:21 in. The Cyclones finally got on the board at 6:04 when David Pacan redirected a shot past Charlie Effinger (W, 34 saves, 8-8-1), making it a 4-1 contest. Unfortunately, though, Fort Wayne exploded for three more goals; Scott Kishel, Kaleigh Schrock, and John Dunbar all lit the lamp in a six-minute span to extend their advantage to 7-1. Late in the game, Cincinnati’s Taylor Ellington earned a power play goal to seal the scoring at 7-2. The Komets would hold on to win by the same margin.

The Cyclones Radio Network Stars of the Game are as follows:

First Star: Matt Firman (2 goals, 1 assist for Fort Wayne)
Second Star: Charlie Effinger (34 saves, winning goaltender)
Third Star: Brett Smith (1 goal, 1 assist for Fort Wayne)

After a week of practice, the Cyclones will head south for a two-game weekend against the Greenville Road Warriors and Gwinnett Gladiators. Saturday’s game at the BI-LO Center gets underway at 7:05pm with pre game coverage on the Cyclones Radio Network (FM 100 The FAN, America One, CyclonesHockey.com) hitting the air at 6:45pm.

The Cyclones will return to the ice at U.S. Bank Arena on Tuesday, February 12 when they welcome in the Fort Wayne Komets at 7:30pm! It will be a Big Beer Tuesday – with $2 24-ounce Labatt Blue and Molson flowing all night long. Plus, fans are encouraged to wear their best NASCAR attire. A cash prize will be awarded to the best themed outfit! Call 513.421.PUCK or visit CyclonesHockey.com to reserve your seats! Fans can also get the latest team updates throughout the season on Facebook and Twitter (@CincyCyclones).

Click here for tonight's box score.