Friday, April 02, 1999
CYCLONES 4, FORT WAYNE 2
Simon questions team's intensity
BY DAVE HELLER
Enquirer contributor
The Cincinnati Cyclones have five games left to secure a first-round bye in the IHL playoffs. The Cyclones beat Fort Wayne 4-2 Thursday to increase their lead over Orlando to three points, though the Solar Bears have three games in hand.
Todd Simon led Cincinnati with two goals and an assist, but he wasn't all smiles in the locker room. Simon doesn't think the Cyclones sense any urgency in their playoff push.
“I've felt like that for two years,” Simon said.
Simon, who played for Turner Cup champion Detroit two years ago, put blame on both head coach Ron Smith and teammates for why the Cyclones don't always play hard.
“It makes a big difference (having a coach that tries to fire up a team),” Simon said. “But it's not his job to get us ready for a game. We're all professionals. Guys should realize it's a big game and come ready to play.”
Cincinnati (40-31-6) has won 40 games for the sixth straight season, tying an IHL record. The last IHL team to win 40 or more games in six consecutive season was the Maine Lumberjacks (1984-85 to 1989-90).
Fort Wayne ....... 0 1 1—2
Cincinnati ....... 1 1 2-4
First period - 1, C, Wells 9 (Dionne, Simon), ppg, 8:38.
Second period - 2, F, Roy 12 (Lehtera), 3:06; 3, C, Simon 25 (Hawkins, Wells), ppg, 5:01.
Third period - 4, C, Simon 26 (Nielsen), shg, 3:09; 5, F, Butsayev 26 (Lehtera, Ward), ppg, 3:33; 6, Bulis 2 (Nemeth, Shevalier), 6:11.
Sports Stories
Reds deal gets new player
Reds' new screen worthy of its own highlight reel
Oh, what a relief Reds' pen is
Both catchers will see action
Reds roster
Rangers 6, Reds 4
No prime time for Bengals
DeMarco adds line depth
