CINCINNATI, Ohio – Toledo’s Kyle Rogers netted his first goal of the series at 1:24 of double overtime to lift the Toledo Walleye (1-3 playoffs) to a 3-2 victory over the Cincinnati Cyclones (3-1) in front of 2,538 at U.S. Bank Arena on Friday night. The win helps Toledo stave off elimination, as Game 5 will be played on Saturday.

In a tightly contested first period, the Walleye were finally able to open the scoring for the night at the 14:11 mark. Defenseman Cody Lampl launched a slap shot from the point that evaded the glove of Cincinnati net minder Michael Houser (L, 42 saves, 3-1 playoffs). Toledo would take the 1-0 lead into the first intermission.

It didn’t take long for the Cyclones to even the score in the middle stanza. At 3:36, Cincinnati captain Mathieu Aubin grabbed a loose puck in the high slot and sent a turnaround wrist shot by Jordan Pearce (W, 33 saves, 1-0 playoffs). The goal was the 19th career playoff tally for Aubin, moving him into a tie for the club record with Barret Ehgoetz. The Cyclones jumped out in front of the Walleye during a four-on-four situation in the final minute of the second period. On a two man rush, rookie David Pacan sent a pass to Mike Embach who put a move on Pearce, cut to his right, and backhanded the puck into the back of the net. Cincinnati held a 2-1 advantage after the first 40 minutes.

Toledo locked up the score at 2-2 at 6:46 into the final frame when Aaron Bogosian’s shot from the left point went wide of the goal, but Travis Novak was able to redirect it past Houser. And with neither team able to score in the remaining minutes of regulation, the contest went into overtime.

Much like in Game 1, both sides had ample chances to end it in the first extra session, however, both goaltenders stayed strong and double overtime was needed to decide it. Just 1:24 into the fifth period, Kyle Rogers caught a long pass in the right circle and fired a low wrist shot past Houser to seal a 3-2 victory and keep his team alive.

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

First Star: Kyle Rogers (Game-winning goal for Toledo)
Second Star: Travis Novak (Game-tying goal in 3rd)
Third Star: Michael Houser (42 saves, losing goaltender)

The Cyclones will return to U.S. Bank Arena for Game 5 of the series TOMORROW night at 7:30pm! Call 513.421.PUCK or visit CyclonesHockey.com to reserve your seats! On-air coverage of the action can be heard on the Cyclones Radio Network (FM 100 The FAN, America One, CyclonesHockey.com) starting at 7:15pm. Fans can also get the latest team updates throughout the season on Facebook and Twitter (@CincyCyclones).

Click here to view tonight's box score