CINCINNATI, Ohio – A three-point night from David Pacan and a strong defensive effort led the Cincinnati Cyclones (30-29-2-7) over the Indy Fuel (27-30-4-6) by a 4-2 final score in front of 4,501 at U.S. Bank Arena on Friday night.

The Cyclones struck first using the special teams when Jack Combs set up a two-on-one shorthanded rush with David Pacan; after catching perfect cross-ice pass, Pacan tucked his 11th goal of the season at 13:30 past Shane Owen (L, 25 saves, 13-17-1-1) to make it 1-0. At the other end of the ice, Rob Madore (W, 14 saves, 15-18-2-6) made six saves in the frame while Cincinnati killed three penalties to carry the one-goal edge after 20 minutes.

Cincinnati wasted little time extending their lead in the middle stanza, as Jack Downing and Pacan scored just 30 seconds apart beginning at the 4:57 mark to push the edge to 3-0. The Fuel would strike back though, as Jamie Wise beat Madore through the legs for his third of the season at 7:44 followed by a power play goal from Matt White to cut their deficit to 3-2 at the end of two periods.

Not phased by the close affair, the Cyclones buckled down defensively in the final period, surrendering just three Indy shots. Then, with time about to tick off the clock, Geoff Irwin got just enough muscle on a long shot to hit the empty net, sealing a 4-2 Cyclones win. Their victory, coupled with a Wheeling loss tonight gives Cincinnati a one point lead for the fourth and final playoff spot with four regular season games remaining.

The Cyclones will be back on the ice at U.S. Bank Arena TOMORROW NIGHT when they play host to the Evansville IceMen at 7:30pm! It will be the final regular season home game, our second Fan Appreciation Night presented by U.S. Bank - featuring $1 John Morrell Hot Dogs, Donatos Pizza, soda, and TONS of great prize giveaways! 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