CINCINNATI, Ohio – A three-point night for Branden Gracel highlighted a strong offensive showing for the Cincinnati Cyclones (12-11-0-4), who routed the Evansville IceMen (9-15-2-2) by a 5-2 final score in front of 4,151 at U.S. Bank Arena on Monday night.

Despite carrying the play in the opening period, the Cyclones found themselves down by one at 15:26 when Kevin Harvey guided a loose puck through the legs of Sam Brittain (W, 16 saves, 5-4-0-1) after a shot from the right wing wall leaked loose. The 1-0 lead for Evansville carried into the first intermission.

The Cyclones finally got the fruits of their labor in the middle period, as they exploded for four consecutive goals. First, Josh McFadden blasted the game-tying strike past Chris Driedger (L, 23 saves, 6-12-1-1) at the 3:54 mark during a Cincinnati power play to even things at one. Then, a record-setting flurry of lamplighters pushed the home team way out in front; Branden Gracel, Brian Nugent, and Zach Budish all collected goals in a 1:04 time span to make it a 4-1 contest. It was the fastest the Cyclones had scored three goals since November 2, 2012. The stanza would come to a close with Cincinnati remaining ahead by the three-goal margin.

In the final period, the IceMen would chip into the Cyclones' lead at 5:19 when Brandon Martell's point shot bounced off of Brittain's shoulder and into the net, making it a 4-2 affair. However, Gracel would earn his first multi-goal game of the season minutes later by slamming in his second of the night and seventh of the season at the 9:50 mark - extending the cushion to 5-2. With a solid edge, Cincinnati buckled down defensively and extinguished the remaining minutes to earn the convincing triumph.

The Cyclones will round out 2014 and ring in 2015 with a pair of games against the Kalamazoo Wings beginning this Wednesday night at 7:00pm. Then, after an off-day on Thursday, the two teams will battle it out on Friday night at 7:30pm. Fans can hear both games on the Cyclones Radio Network beginning 20 minutes prior to the opening face-off and watch live at the Game Time Sports Bar & Grill in Cheviot!

The Cyclones will be back on the ice at U.S. Bank Arena on this Saturday when they host the Wheeling Nailers at 7:30pm. It's our annual Throwback Night and Teddy Bear Toss featuring $10 tickets, $1 hot dogs, pizza, soda, and beer! Plus, after the Cyclones score their first goal, fans are encouraged to bring a new or gently-loved stuffed toy to toss on the ice! Last season, the event set a regular season record for attendance and in that light, it's strongly encouraged that fans purchase their tickets in advance! 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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