Wheeling Nailers Weekly Report
February 8, 2016 - ECHL (ECHL)
Wheeling Nailers News Release
Last week, the Wheeling Nailers continued their climb up the Eastern Conference Standings, winning two of their three games, to pull within five points of the eighth and final playoff spot, while holding two games in hand. On Wednesday night, the Nailers concluded a very successful four-game road trip in Cincinnati, where they grabbed a 2-0 lead on a pair of shorthanded goals - one each by Matt Tabrum and Chris Ciotti. The Cyclones pulled within a goal late in the second period, but Anton Zlobin's power play marker restored Wheeling's two-goal edge in what turned out to be a 3-1 victory. Franky Palazzese backstopped all three wins on the trip. On Friday night, the Nailers returned home to WesBanco Arena, but fell behind the Reading Royals 2-0 after two periods. However, for the second time in three games, Wheeling pulled itself up, scoring three times in the third period, preventing Reading from getting a point. Cody Wydo tipped in a power play goal to make the deficit one, Matt Tabrum's shorthanded goal tied it, and Chris Ciotti's even strength tally made Casey DeSmith and the Nailers into winners, 3-2. On Saturday night, the story was anything but pretty, as Wheeling took one on the chin from the Royals, 6-0.
The Nailers went 3-0-1 on their four-game road trip, evening their road record at 9-9-2, as they get set to embark on a six-game voyage. Wednesday marked the third time this season that Wheeling scored two shorthanded goals in the same game. Three of Chris Ciotti's five points since joining the club have come with a teammate in the penalty box, as he already leads the Nailers in shorthanded points. Friday's comeback win was Wheeling's seventh of the year, fourth when trailing after two periods, and third when trailing by at least two goals. Saturday's defeat ended multiple positive streaks for the Nailers. Prior to that contest, they had won three in a row (tied the season high), earned points in five in a row (tied the season high), avoided being shutout in 68 straight regular season games dating back to 2014-15, and knocked off the Royals ten straight times at WesBanco Arena (second longest streak all-time against a single opponent). Shane Bakker, Jarrett Burton, and Anton Zlobin became the 14th, 15th, and 16th members of the 2015-16 team to earn call-ups to the AHL.
This Week
Fri. 2/12 WHEELING NAILERS @ Adirondack Thunder, 7:00
Sun. 2/14 WHEELING NAILERS @ Manchester Monarchs, 3:00
This week, the Wheeling Nailers will travel to two places they've never been before - Glens Falls, New York and Manchester, New Hampshire, as the team begins a six-game journey away from WesBanco Arena. On Friday night, the Nailers will do battle with the Adirondack Thunder. Wheeling and Adirondack have faced once this season, with the Thunder taking a 4-1 decision in West Virginia on October 30th. Rob Bordson had two goals that evening and Ken Appleby had 31 saves, but both players are currently in the American Hockey League. Michael Kirkpatrick is the leading scorer for Adirondack, with 17 goals and 36 points in 43 games. Mitchell Heard is also one to watch for the Thunder, as he has racked up 32 points in 32 games. On Sunday afternoon, Wheeling will travel to Verizon Wireless Arena for its first ever showdown with the Manchester Monarchs. Similar to Adirondack, the Monarchs shifted from the AHL to the ECHL over the summer, after capturing their first ever Calder Cup. Maxim Kitsyn is Manchester's leading goal scorer with 19, while Matt Leitner leads the way with 39 points. The Thunder and Monarchs have been the two powerhouse clubs in the East Division, with Manchester currently holding a five-point lead for the top spot, although Adirondack has five games in hand.
Upcoming Home Games/Promotions
Fri. 2/26 vs. Greenville- Flat Screen Friday Presented by The Highlands and Bordas & Bordas, Frosty Friday
Sat. 2/27 vs. Elmira- Disney Night Featuring Corey Fogelmanis (Farkle from Girl Meets World), Pink in the Rink
Sun. 2/28 vs. Elmira- Family Funday, McDonald's $5 Kids Tickets, Post Game Skate with the Team (Odd Numbered Players)
Tue. 3/8 vs. Brampton- Makeup Game From Jan. 24, McDonald's $5 Kids Tickets
Fri. 3/11 vs. Toledo- Flat Screen Friday Presented by The Highlands and Bordas & Bordas, Frosty Friday
Nailers Leaders
Goals: 15, Jarrett Burton
Assists: 27, Mathew Maione
Points: 38, Jarrett Burton
Penalty Minutes: 105, Patrick McGrath
Plus/Minus: +10, Mike Gunn
Wins: 12, Franky Palazzese
Goals Against Average: 3.01, Franky Palazzese
Save Percentage: .900, Franky Palazzese
Shutouts: 2, Franky Palazzese
North Division Standings
1. Toledo Walleye 58
2. WHEELING NAILERS 45
3. Kalamazoo Wings 43
4. Brampton Beast 38
Last Week
Wed. 2/3 WHEELING NAILERS 3 @ Cincinnati Cyclones 1
Tabrum (Ciotti)
Ciotti (Bakker, Cianfrini)
Zlobin (J. Burton, Army)
Palazzese- 25/26
Fri. 2/5 Reading Royals 2 @ WHEELING NAILERS 3
Wydo (Maione, Cerretani)
Tabrum (Ciotti, Stern)
Ciotti (Fick, Tabrum)
DeSmith- 24/26
Sat. 2/6 Reading Royals 6 @ WHEELING NAILERS 0
Palazzese- 20/25 (L)
DeSmith- 4/5
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