INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana – Some early offense and great team defense helped the Cincinnati Cyclones (22-20-1-4) take down the Indy Fuel (19-23-4-3) by a 4-1 final score in front of 5,523 at the Indiana Farmers Coliseum on Saturday night.

The Cyclones exploded for a pair of goals in a 22 second span midway through the opening period to give themselves a comfortable early cushion. First at 13:15, Steven Hodges blasted a one-timer from the right circle past Mac Carruth (L, 21 saves, 10-10-2-2) after being set up on the power play by Josh McFadden. Then, at the 13:37 mark, Stephan Vigier cashed in a rebound left in front after Geoff Irwin's slap shot was initially denied. At the other end of the ice, Sam Brittain (W, 17 saves, 12-10-0-1) turned aside all seven shots he faced in the frame to keep his team ahead by two through 20 minutes.

Cincinnati padded its lead early into the middle stanza when Christiaan Minella buried a rebound for his seventh goal of the season at 5:51, making it 3-0. The Fuel would finally respond by using their power play a few minutes later. At the 10:24 mark, Garett Bembridge blasted a left point shot past a well-screened Brittain and into the net for his team-leading 18th goal. The Clones would carry a 3-1 edge into the second intermission.

The final period saw the game ratchet up in the physicality department, especially late. Yet, the Cyclones managed to maintain their two-goal edge into the final minutes. Being tasked with killing two their period penalties, Cincinnati kept the ECHL's sixth-best power play unit at bay - extinguishing three of Indy's four power plays on the night. The, with just under two minutes to play, Chris Reed nailed an empty net goal from nearly the length of the ice to seal a 4-1 win for the Cyclones.

The Cyclones will be back on the ice at U.S. Bank Arena TOMORROW afternoon when they welcome in their interstate rivals, the Toledo Walleye! It's our annual Meijer Kids Club Matinee Game! Pre-registered Kids Club Members will be able to paint the ice after the game! Plus, all fans can enjoy $1 John Morrell Hot Dogs! 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!

Click here for tonight's box score