Morrison Backstops Royals to Win in Game Three
May 4, 2016 - ECHL (ECHL)
Wheeling Nailers News Release
READING, PA - For the second series in a row, the Wheeling Nailers won the opening game, but fell short in the next two, and will have to come from behind to get the job done. On Wednesday night, they ran into a hot goaltender, as Adam Morrison made 37 saves for the Reading Royals, only getting beaten on a Shane Bakker breakaway in the second period. Morrison got four goals of support, as they took the lead in the series with a 4-1 win at Santander Arena.
The majority of the first period was played without a score, despite a flurry of chances for the Nailers, who ended the stanza with 16 shots on goal. Adam Morrison was on his game early in the Reading crease, stopping a pair of 2-on-1 breaks. The Royals ultimately broke the deadlock with 1:12 remaining, two seconds after a Wheeling penalty expired. Michael Pelech entered the offensive zone, then dropped a pass to Mike Marcou, who trailed the play on the right side. Marcou took a shot from the top of the slot, picking the top-left corner of the cage.
Wheeling pulled even during the opening minute of period two. Shane Bakker flew out of the penalty box with a breakaway, which he converted, jamming a shot through Morrison's legs. Reading had a better performance in the middle frame, scoring twice to take a 3-1 advantage. The go-ahead goal came at the 6:48 mark. Justin Crandall fed Cam Reid, whose shot from the right side of the slot got blocked. However, Reid followed up his attempt, finishing the play with a tally. With 7:25 to go, the lead increased, when Todd Perry dished a pass to Michael Pelech, who powered in a one-timer from the right face-off dot.
The Nailers attempted to push back in the third period, but couldn't break through, and the Royals iced their 4-1 victory with Scott Tanski's empty netter in the last minute.
Adam Morrison was outstanding in the win for Reading, as he stopped 37 of the 38 shots he faced. Brian Foster took the loss for Wheeling, despite making 26 saves on 29 shots.
The Nailers and Royals will tangle in game four on Thursday at 7:00. Wheeling's next home contest would be game six on Monday at 7:05.
• Discuss this story on the ECHL message board...
ECHL Stories from May 4, 2016
- Americans Grab Series Lead - Allen Americans
- Mavericks Fall 5-1 in Game 3 to Allen Americans - Kansas City Mavericks
- Morrison Backstops Royals to Win in Game Three - Wheeling Nailers
- ECHL Transactions - May 4 - ECHL
- Americans Return to Allen with Home-Ice Advantage After the Split in Missouri - Allen Americans
- Nailers at Royals Game Day Snap Shot - Wheeling Nailers
- ECHL Today - May 4 - ECHL
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
