Overtime loss derails Express playoff drive

CINCINNATI — The Chicago Express fell to Cincinnati in the waning minutes of overtime by a 3-2 score, dashing their ECHL playoffs hopes Saturday night at the U.S. Bank Arena.

Cincinnati came out flying in the first period, peppering goalie Rob Madore with 9 shots within the first five minutes of the first period.

After Madore denied a penalty shot attempt by winger Garrett Wilson, the Express began to turn the tide back the other way. With less than two minutes left in the period, forward Mike Embach put Chicago ahead. Embach stole an outlet pass in the neutral zone raced in along the right wing, and snapped a shot at the front of the net. The shot was partially blocked by a Cincinnati defenseman, popped up in the air, and floated over the shoulder of Brian Foster to put the Express up 1-0 at the first break. The Cyclones outshot Chicago 16-4 in the opening frame.

Right winter Chaz Johnson stretched the Chicago lead to 2-0 over Cincinnati 5:08 into the second stanza. The Cyclones were able crack the scoresheet later on in the frame, cutting the Chicago lead to 2-1.

The Express continued to hold the one goal advantage through the majority of the third stanza, but a late power play helped Cincinnati force overtime. With the goaltender pulled for a 6-on-4 advantage, forward Anthony Luciani finished off a terrific passing play to even the score at 2-2 and force overtime with just 2:11 left in the game.

Another late power play, this time in overtime, helped to end Chicago’s season. With the 4-on-3 advantage, Mathieu Aubin found himself all alone on the left post, made one quick move, and buried his chance to sink Chicago 3-2 in overtime. Chicago finished tied with the Royals in overall points, but with the Royals owning the tiebreaker against Chicago the Express will fall one point shy of a playoff birth.