CINCINNATI — The Toledo Walleye were out-shot, went 0 of 5 on the power play, gave up a short-handed goal, and squandered two different leads on Friday at Cincinnati. But Sam Craggs’ game-winning goal 24 seconds into overtime gave the Walleye a 4-3 victory over the Cyclones.

Toledo (37-14-8) won its fifth-consecutive game despite its flaws, starting off a three-game road weekend on the right foot.

Brendon Michaelian got the Walleye on the board first with a goal 9 minutes into the first period, assisted by Brandon Kruse and new signing Colby Ambrosio. Mitchell Lewandowski doubled the lead less than two minutes later with assists from Brandon Hawkins and Bobby Russell.

Just over two minutes after, with Toledo on a power play and looking to further extend its advantage, Remy Parker came up with a short-handed tally to get the Cyclones on the board.

After a scoreless second period, Dante Sheriff tied the game at the 2:20 mark of the third. The scores remained level until just under four minutes remained in regulation, when Ambrosio scored his first Walleye goal off an assist from Craggs.

Victory was just minutes away, but a high-sticking double minor penalty on Michaelian put the Cyclones on the power play late. Chris Dodero scored with 1:02 left, and the game went to overtime.

Cincinnati (22-26-9) placed 31 shots on goal in regulation to Toledo’s 24, but Craggs came through on the first and only shot of overtime to end the game. Assists from Hawkins and Jalen Smereck gave the Walleye a hard-earned victory.

Carter Gylander made 28 saves for the Walleye, and Vyacheslav Peksa had 21 stops for Cincinnati.

Toledo will continue its busy weekend with two games at the Kalamazoo Wings. Puck drops are set for 7 p.m. Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday.

First Published March 15, 2025, 3:13 a.m.