Cyclone Hockey looked bigger and faster than Colorado in the Cyclones opening matchup of the American Collegiate Hockey League Tournament but only led 3-2 with seven minutes left in the game.

Then Mick Bruce delivered a blindside hit on a defenseless Aaron Azevedo that resulted in a five minute major penalty.

Two power-play-goals later, the Cyclones ended the Buffaloes season in the do-or-die playoff game, winning 5-2.

Azevedo started the scoring for the Cyclones after controlling a lob pass in the air, dropping it to the ice and burying it in the back of the net.

After two penalties, the Buffaloes scored to tie the game at one on a five-on-three power-play-goal.

Jake Bruhn answered the call for the Cyclones, giving them the 2-1 lead before the Buffaloes tied it back up at two with under a minute remaining in the first period.

Cyclone Hockey took the lead for good courtesy of a Tony Uglem backhand goal right in front of the Colorado net.

Bruhn and Colton Kramer added a goal each to seal the opening round victory for the Cyclones.

Cyclone Hockey now advances to take on No. 1 seed Minot State Sunday at 4 p.m. in Bensenville, Ill.

The teams split the only series they have played this year back in early January. The Beavers won 7-3 in the first game before the Cyclones handed the Beavers their first regulation loss of the season, 4-3 in the second matchup.