The Cincinnati Cyclones pulled off a 4-3 comeback win over the visiting Indy Fuel on New Year’s Eve in front of a home crowd of 8,790. The Cyclones improved to 14-9-3, now pushing toward the top of the Central Division.
Ryan Kirwan led the way with a three-point night, scoring twice, including the overtime winner, and assisting on Gunnar Fontaine’s first-period goal. John Jaworski and Justin Vaive also scored, while Tommy Scarfone stopped 33 of 36 shots.
Game Recap
Midway through the first period, the Cyclones’ top line caught the Fuel defenders off the rush. Kirwan dished a pass to Fontaine, who one-timed it home for the 1-0 lead.
Early in the second period, while killing a penalty that carried over from the first, Jaworski broke free on a shorthanded breakaway and sniped home his eighth goal of the season for a 2-0 lead.
Cincinnati then surrendered three unanswered goals from Owen Robinson, former Cyclone Lee Lapid, and Cody Laskosy, giving Indy a 3-2 lead heading into the third.
Head coach Riley Weselowski pulled Scarfone late in regulation, and it paid off. With just over a minute remaining, Vaive battled in front and knocked in the tying goal to force overtime.
On a 4-on-3 power play late in the seven-minute overtime period, Kirwan shot home the game-winner to grab the extra point in the standings. It was Cincinnati’s seventh win in overtime and Kirwan’s second overtime goal of the season.
The Cyclones return to action this weekend, hosting the Toledo Walleye for a Friday and Saturday home set. Puck drop is 7:35 PM EST on Friday and 4:05 PM EST on Saturday.
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