ECHL Wheeling Nailers

Checkers Escape with Win Over Nailers

February 12, 2008 - ECHL (ECHL)
Wheeling Nailers News Release


Charlotte, NC - The Wheeling Nailers outshot the Charlotte Checkers 42-27, including 18-10 in the third period, but Charlotte held off Wheeling 4-3 Tuesday night at Charlotte Bobcats Arena. Mike Ayres turned aside a flurry of shots in the final 7:19 to keep the Nailers from tying the game and the game ended with the puck sliding through his crease.

Wheeling struck first in the game but not until the second period. During four-on-four play, Vadim Slivchenko beat Ayres over his right shoulder directly off a faceoff win from Aaron Clarke at 2:44 of the frame but the lead was short-lived. A mere 32 seconds later, Jeff Kyrzakos tied the game at 1-1. Mark Lee slipped a pass behind the defense for Kyrzakos in alone on Martin Houle. He scored his 15th of the season at 3:16.

The lone power-play goal of the game was scored at 7:24 of the second to give Charlotte a 2-1 lead. With both Clarke and Kelly Miller in the penalty box, it took the Checkers just 12 seconds of the five-on-three advantage for Ryan Murphy to put the puck in the net.

Justin Chwedoruk scored his second shorthanded goal in as many games only 39 seconds following the Checkers tally. Sean Collins one-handed a pass over the Chwedoruk who slipped it past Ayres for his third shorthanded goal of the season and 13th overall.

The Checkers took the lead back 2:45 before the end of the second period. Mike Bayrack was the open man on a three-on-two and he blasted a slapshot home from just below the faceoff dot. He finished the night with a goal and an assist and was named the number one star of the game.

The third period began with the Checkers ahead 3-2 and Lee Falardeau expanded Charlottes' lead at 8:20. He walked the puck out of the corner and held it long enough to drop Houle to the ice and shoot it around him into the net. Ryan Gibbons and Dusty Jamieson were given assists on the play.

Collins' second assist of the game set up Kevin Croxton for his team-leading 17th of the year at 12:41. Collins sent the puck from behind the net to a streaking Croxton who one-timed it home to make the game 4-3 Checkers.

The Nailers controlled the puck and poured the pressure on for the rest of the game but couldn't sneak one past Ayres. One of his most acrobatic saves ended with him lying on his back, covering the puck with just 3.5 seconds to play.

Wheeling has 10 days before their next game on February 22 against the Elmira Jackals. The game will start at 7:35pm at WesBanco Arena and the first 2,500 fans receive a Nailers t-shirt. It is also Faith and Family Night with discounts offered to church groups. Call 304-234-GOAL for more information or visit www.wheelingnailers.com.

Check out the Wheeling Nailers Statistics



ECHL Stories from February 12, 2008


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