Walleye surrender last-minute goal, fall to Cyclones

CINCINNATI, Ohio – Vasili Glotov’s lacrosse-style goal with 50 seconds remaining in regulation gave the Cincinnati Cyclones their only lead of the night as they escaped with a 2-1 win over the Toledo Walleye on Friday at U.S. Bank Arena.

The Walleye (29-12-4-3) grabbed an early 1-0 lead in their first road tilt since Jan. 19, before Cincinnati (34-9-3-3) pulled even near the halfway mark of the second frame and captured both points courtesy of Glotov’s highlight-reel tally. 

The matchup between the Central Division’s top two clubs also marked Toledo’s first game without ECHL leading scorer T.J. Hensick, who was signed earlier in the week by the AHL’s San Jose Barracuda. Pat Nagle had his five-game point streak (3-0-1-1) halted despite blocking 27-of-29 shots, while Michael Houser turned away 24-of-25 to garner second-star accolades.

A.J. Jenks drew first blood for the Walleye 13:27 into the contest. Hunter Smith skated toward the right corner, but spun around and centered a pass to Jenks in the high slot for a wrister inside the left post. Held off the goal column during a season-long, nine-game home stand, Jenks has netted 13 goals this season and three in his last four road contests.

Toledo was unable to pad its lead despite three power play chances – including a 5-on-3 lasting 60 seconds – during the second stanza, but Cincinnati managed to level the score when Alex Wideman buried his 16th goal of the campaign at the 9:55 mark.

Chances were few and far between in the third period until the Cyclones completed their comeback bid in the final minute of regulation. Glotov took a pass from Arvin Atwal in the right corner and skated behind the Walleye net, catching the visitors off-guard when he scooped the puck on his backhand and tossed it into the top left corner with 50.4 seconds on the clock.

Both sides finished 0-for-5 on the man advantage.

What’s Next:The Walleye return to the Huntington Center on Saturday for a 7:15 pm. rematch against the Cyclones.

Three Stars:1. Cincinnati – Vasili Glotov (game-winning goal)2. Cincinnati – Michael Houser (W, 24 saves)3. Cincinnati – Alex Wideman (game-tying goal)