CINCINNATI, OH- An enormous crowd of 14,025 packed its way into US Bank Arena on Saturday night, and the host Cincinnati Cyclones rewarded them. Cam Brown opened the scoring for the Wheeling Nailers, but the Cyclones answered back, scoring four straight times, including a pair by Justin Danforth, as the home team skated away victorious, 4-2.
After a scoreless first period, the Nailers got on the board in the opening minute of the middle stanza. Garrett Meurs launched a pass ahead to the offensive blueline, leading Cam Brown in behind the defense. Brown was pestered at from behind, but still managed to battle his way to lift the puck under the crossbar. Cincinnati responded with a pair of power play strikes to take a 2-1 advantage into the intermission. The tying goal set off the Teddy Bear Toss, as Shawn O'Donnell rang a shot off of the right post and in from the left face-off dot. 3:52 later, the Cyclones went ahead. Jesse Schultz's right circle attempt was denied, but Justin Danforth went to the slot to sweep home the rebound on his backhand.
Cincinnati continued its run into the third period, extending the lead. At the 2:56 mark, Arvin Atwal's shot got blocked to Brandon McNally, who banked the puck in from the bottom of the right circle. Justin Danforth added a breakaway goal for his second of the night and 20th of the campaign, before Troy Josephs trimmed the final score to 4-2, tipping in Jaynen Rissling's one-timer from the middle of the blueline.
Jonas Johansson backstopped the win for the Cyclones, making 31 saves on 33 shots. Colin Stevens suffered the loss for the Nailers, allowing four goals on 36 shots, before Will King took over and stopped all five shots he faced.
The Nailers will begin a four-game homestand on Sunday afternoon, when they face the Fort Wayne Komets at 3:05. Sunday is a Family Funday, featuring a post game skate with the team (odd-numbered players). The next big promotional game takes place during the week as well, as Saturday, January 13th is Bricks & Kids Night, when the first 2,500 fans receive an OYO Sports Figurine. To purchase tickets, or to get more information about season tickets, flex plans, group tickets, and more, call (304) 234-GOAL.
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