ECHL Wheeling Nailers

Brace's Third Period Pair Lifts Nailers in Brampton

February 19, 2016 - ECHL (ECHL)
Wheeling Nailers News Release


BRAMPTON, ON- The Wheeling Nailers continued their season-long six-game road trip on Friday night against the Brampton Beast, and while the games have continued, so have the victories. With 13:12 left in the third period, Riley Brace broke a 2-2 deadlock, then added an empty net goal in the dying seconds, as the Nailers defeated the Beast, 4-2, for their fourth win in five contests. Franky Palazzese backstopped his third victory of the trip with 27 saves.

The Nailers took the lead in the blink of an eye, scoring their fastest goal of the season at the 14-second mark of the opening stanza. Mathew Maione skated the puck out of his own zone, leading a rush through center ice for Adam Krause on the right side. Krause skated his way to the top of the right circle, before wiring a slap shot into the left side of the cage. Paul Cianfrini also picked up an assist, setting a new career-high with his 16th of the year.

The tide turned a bit in the early stages of the second period, as Brampton pulled even, then took the lead 33 seconds later. The tying goal came toward the end of a four-minute power play, as Scott Jacklin set up Chris Auger for a wrist shot from the left side of the slot, which flew into the top-right corner of the net. The second marker was tallied by Luc-Olivier Blain, whose backhand rode up and under the crossbar. With 2:48 to go in the frame, Wheeling netted a power play to bring the score back to a deadlock. Brett Stern and Ty Loney exchanged passes upon entry into the zone, with Stern cranking a shot on goal. Kenny Reiter made the save, but the rebound went right to Jordan Kwas, who roofed a shot into the top pocket.

At the 6:48 mark of the third period, the Nailers regained the lead for good, thanks to perfect execution of an odd-man rush. Adam Krause carried the puck in on the right side of the offensive zone, where he had a quick passing exchange with Cody Wydo. Once he got the puck back, Krause slipped a pass through the slot to Riley Brace, who pounded in a shot on the left side of the net. Brace added an empty netter with less than five seconds remaining, closing out a 4-2 win for the visitors.

Franky Palazzese was Wheeling's winning netminder for the sixth time in his last seven starts, as he turned aside 27 of the 29 shots he faced. Pittsburgh native Kenny Reiter took the loss in his season debut for Brampton, making 22 saves on 25 shots.

The Nailers will conclude their six-game road trip on Saturday with another tilt against Brampton at 7:15. Wheeling will then play three home games on February 26th, 27th, and 28th. Friday the 26th is a Flat Screen Friday, presented by The Highlands and Bordas & Bordas, in addition to a Frosty Friday. Saturday the 27th is Disney Night, starring Corey Fogelmanis, who plays the character "Farkle" from Girl Meets World. That night will also be Pink in the Rink, while also featuring a Wine Tasting Event. Sunday the 28th is a Family Funday. Thanks to McDonald's, kids tickets are $5 for that afternoon's tilt, and there will be a post game skate with the team.

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ECHL Stories from February 19, 2016


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