Chicago Express falls to Cyclones

CINCINNATI — The Chicago Express could not hold several leads, coming up short in a penalty-filled battle by a 4-3 decision to the Cincinnati Cyclones at the U.S. Bank Arena on Thursday night.

The Express was trailing 1-0 early when Tyler Donati fired a wrist shot past Cyclones goalie Brian Foster at 4:35 of the first period. Donati struck again at 12:55 when he scored on a power play to give the Express a 2-1 lead, but the Cyclones tied it near the end of the first period.

The Express took a 3-2 lead in the second pereiod when Devin DiDiomete scored on a rebound, but 26 seconds later the Cyclones tied the game. The teams engaged in a brawl at the end of the period with the Express receiving a season-high 69 minutes in penalties.

The Cyclones scored early in the third period and held on for the win.