Wings edged in defensive battle with Cyclones

KALAMAZOO, MI— The Kalamazoo Wings outshot the Cincinnati Cyclones, 37-29, but they couldn’t overcome the timely scoring of the visitors during a 3-2 loss on Sunday at Wings Event Center.

Earning a power play in early goings of the first period, the Cyclones struck for the first goal of the game and the only goal of the first period. Jesse Schultz fired the puck across the ice to Shawn O’Donnell, who hauled in the dish and tucked a short-side wrist shot over the shoulder of Joel Martin.

Midway through the second period and down by a goal, the Wings kept plugging away at the Cyclones’ net and were eventually rewarded for their resiliency. Justin Taylor was dealt a long stretch feed from Lane Scheidl, and Taylor waltzed into the Cincinnati zone along the wing. He took a long shot which was knocked down, but the second try flew into the top corner of the goal for his team-leading 27th of the season.

The tie lasted for only 6:05 of game time before Cincinnati ripped the lead right back. Chris Leone started a rush through center and linked up with Brandon McNally once he gained the line. Leone skated to the goal and one-timed McNally’s return feed for his fourth of the year, sending the Wings into the second intermission down by a pair.

Even though they outshot the Cyclones, 16-6, in the third period, it was the visitors who padded their lead late in the game. While on a four-minute power play, Cincinnati sealed the win with a late-period tally. McNally cut to the back-side post and one-touched a pass from Dominic Zombo, earning the game-sealing goal.

Photo credit: Kimberly Moss

Next: Kalamazoo vs. Ft. Wayne Komets- Friday, March 9, 7 p.m., Wings Event Center.

Broadcast information: Friday’s game will air on AM 1660 The Fan or online at www.1660thefan.com/listen-live.

Stats: https://www.echl.com/stats/game-center/15698

Single-game tickets are on sale! Tickets start as low as $10 and can be purchased at http://kwings.com/SingleGameTickets or at the Wings Event Center box office.

Wings Event Center, owned and operated by Greenleaf Hospitality Group, is home to the Kalamazoo Wings professional hockey team and a full entertainment venue offering concerts, sporting events, family shows and trade shows. Built in 1974, Wings Event Center values partnerships with the community to bring events and attractions that enrich the lives of residents in the Kalamazoo area.

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