Cyclones Burn Past Fuel in OT, 2-1
INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana – Cincinnati captain David MacDonald earned his first game-winning goal of the season just 1:59 into overtime as the Cincinnati Cyclones (11-11-0-4) defeated the Indy Fuel (6-16-3-3) by a 2-1 final score in front of 4,428 at the Indiana Farmers Coliseum on Saturday night.
Despite outshooting the Fuel 8-4 and enjoying several power play chances in the opening period, the Cyclones found themselves scoreless with their North Division foes through 20 minutes of play.
The Fuel broke the 0-0 deadlock via the power play in the middle period as Mike Duco tipped home Robert Czarnik's shot from the left circle, beating Sam Brittain (W, 31 saves, 4-4-0-1) at 8:21. At the other end of the ice, Mac Carruth (OTL, 22 saves, 1-6-2-2) racked up 16 saves through two periods to keep his team in the lead at the second intermission.
The 1-0 score carried until very late in the third period when Zach Budish finished off a strong play at the net with his fifth goal of the season at 17:52 during a Cincinnati power play. The game-tying strike forced the game into overtime. Just 1:59 into the extra session, David MacDonald set up at the left point and cannoned in his first game-winner of the season, beating Carruth through a screen to give the Cyclones a 2-1 victory. Although it wasn't his career high, Brittain sparkled in net for Cincinnati with 32 saves - many of which kept his team in the game throughout.
The Cyclones will be back on the ice at U.S. Bank Arena on Monday, December 29 when they host the Evansville IceMen at 7:30pm! This game was originally scheduled to be played on Friday, January 23, but had to be moved due to building conflicts. Fans who already have tickets to the January 23 game will be able to use them gain entry on December 29. It will be another Kids Eat FREE Night, where fans ages 2-12 will receive a free meal courtesy of John Morrell! Call 513.421.PUCK to secure your seats and for more details. Fans can also get the latest team updates throughout the season on Facebook, Twitter (@CincyCyclones), and Instagram!
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