CINCINNATI, Ohio – The Evansville IceMen allowed all seven of their goals against in the first two periods of Friday night’s game in Cincinnati as the Cyclones avenge a 4-1 loss to Evansville that took place on Jan. 6 at the Ford Center. Cincinnati spread the wealth offensively with all seven of their goals coming from seven different skaters.
The first period featured an offensive clinic put on by the Cyclones as they accounted for four markers in the game’s initial 20 minutes. The leading scorer for the Cyclones, Forward David Pacan, assisted on two of the four Cincinnati opening period goals.
The Cyclones opened the scoring 5:45 into the first period when Forward Trevor Lewis tallied his first goal of his professional career. Assists on the game-opening goal were from Cincinnati Defenseman Jeff Winchester and Forward Anthony Luciani. Cincinnati improved their advantage at the 11:33 mark of the opening frame on the power play via the efforts of Forward Dan Eves, who was credited with his fifth goal of the season. Pacan earned his first assist of the game on the power play goal.
IceMen Right Winger Sebastian Wannstrom cut the Cyclones lead to one with his sixth goal of the season 13:08 into the game’s initial period. The lone IceMen goal in the first period temporarily halted the furious Cyclones attack before the North Division leaders proceeded to net two more opening period goals, giving them a 4-1 lead after the first 20 minutes. IceMen Forward Dylan Clarke received his 16th assist of the season and is now the third leading scorer for Evansville with 28 points.
Cincinnati Forward Josh Shalla continued his reign over the IceMen as he scored his sixth goal against Evansville this season. Shalla’s 14th goal overall was assisted by the initial goal scorer Lewis, as well as Forward Andrew Conboy, who had just been released from the penalty box moments before.
The first period barrage became complete 18:05 into the first period. The opening stanza capper came from Cincinnati Forward Anthony Luciani, who notched his third goal of the season. Pacan earned his second assist of the period and game as he was credited with the second assist on the Cyclones’ fourth goal.
The second period saw the Cyclones extend its advantage with three more goals, all coming from different goal scores than the first period. Cincinnati’s Conboy, Forward Josh Birkholz, and Defenseman Taylor Ellington each tallied goals in the second period. Evansville was able to end the period on a positive note when Left Winger Kevin Baker converted on his 13th goal of the season, assisted by IceMen Center Todd Robinson. The IceMen entered the third period with a daunting deficit of 7-2.
Evansville’s Robinson added a third IceMen goal 13:37 into the third period. Robinson’s third goal of the season marked his 15th point in his last ten games. Assists on the final goal of the game were from IceMen Left Winger Josh Beaulieu and Defenseman Jake Obermeyer. Beaulieu has amassed 21 points in his last 19 games.
Frustrations boiled over in the game’s final minutes with a number of incidences between the two teams involved in this rapidly growing rivalry. Like recent affairs, the IceMen and Cyclones added to the anticipation to the next time these warlocks do battle. On the night, there were a combined 25 penalties for over 80 minutes called between Evansville and Cincinnati.
The victorious goaltender was Cincinnati’s Michael Housner, who successfully saved 25-of-28 shots on his way to a .893 save percentage. Housner pushes his record to (7-3-0) on the season.
Evansville sent out a pair of net minders, with the starter Paul Karpowich embracing the loss. Karpowich was briefly replaced in the second period by the returning Paul Dainton, who faltered in his reoccurrence in net for the IceMen. In relief, Dainton saved 9-of-12 shots faced, equalling a .750 save percentage. The starting Karpowich returned to the IceMen goal once again and finished the game having saved 19-of-23 shots, earning a .826 save percentage.
The IceMen power play was blanked on Friday, going 0-for-4 against the Cyclones. Cincinnati’s man advantage mustered one goal on five opportunities against Evansville.
The IceMen fall to (16-24-4)36 on the season and remain in fifth place in the North Division standings. Cincinnati remains in first place as they improve their season record to (25-14-2) for 54 points.
Evansville returns home on Saturday, Jan. 26 to host the Ft. Wayne Komets at the Ford Center. Puck drop is scheduled to take place at 7:15 p.m. and will be broadcasted by ‘Magic 98.5’ FM and 1400 AM, as well as the rest of the IceMen Radio Network.
