Thursday, March 23, 2000
Orlando 4, Cyclones 3
Smith ponders his job security
BY JOHN P. WISE
Enquirer contributor
Cyclones coach Ron Smith was denied his 300th career win as visiting Orlando earned a 4-3 shootout victory Wednesday at Firstar Center. What Smith might want just as much as the milestone victory is a little job security.
“I like it here,” Smith said. “I want to be here.”
With three weeks left in the season, Smith has no contract for next season.
Team owner/president Doug Kirchhofer said those in the Cyclones' camp should concentrate on playing hockey.
“It's really a non-issue,” Kirchhofer said.
No player on the Cyclones' roster who isn't signed with NHL parent Carolina has a contract to play in Cincinnati next season.
“I think that's more of a coincidence than anything,” Kirchhofer said. “Next season is next season.”
Smith's team is 37-26-7 and five points ahead of fourth-place Cleveland in the conference. The victory gives Orlando sole possession of first place over idle Grand Rapids.
Cincinnati took the first lead when captain Gilbert Dionne scored his 31st goal of the season early in the opening period. The visitors, however, got three goals within six minutes of each other early in the second period. Between their second and third goals, Cyclone Craig MacDonald gave the home team a 2-2 tie, one that lasted only 2:17.
The Solar Bears maintained the narrow margin until 1:15 remained in regulation. That's when Shane Willis tied Dionne for the Cyclones team lead when he scored his 31st goal of the year. The power-play score forced the shootout, in which each of the first four Orlando skaters found the net.
The teams meet again tonight in Orlando and again there Saturday. It will be the second time this season the teams have played each other at least three times in a week, which Smith doesn't necessarily regard as a bad thing.
“Your focus is a little stronger in big games,” he said.
Orlando ....... 0 3 0 1-4
Cincinnati ....... 1 1 1 0-3
First period: Cin, Dionne 31 (MacLeod) 5:44.
Second period: Orl, Beaufait 23 (Vasiljevs, Richards) 1:34 (ppg); Orl, MacDonald 9 (Murphy, Dreger) 3:51; Cin, MacDonald 10 (Koehler, Ustorf) 4:34; Orl, Beaufait (2) 24 (Lachance, Vasiljevs) 6:51.
Third period: Cin, Willis 31 (Dionne, Ustorf) 18:45 (ppg).
Shots on goal: Orl, 9-14-6—29; Cin 7-7-9—23. Goalies: Orl, Shulmistra (20 saves); Cin, Pelletier (26). Power plays: Orl, 1-for-4; Cin, 1-for-4.
Attendance: 4,456.
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