Cyclones Rally for 4-2 Win in Preseason Finale
October 9, 2015 - ECHL (ECHL)
Wheeling Nailers News Release
Wheeling Nailers vs. Cincinnati Cyclones in Preseason Play
(Wheeling Nailers)
WHEELING, WV- The Wheeling Nailers got off to a stellar start on Friday night, scoring twice in the first 2:23 of play. Unfortunately, the lead didn't last, and the Cincinnati Cyclones rebounded with four unanswered goals for a 4-2 win at WesBanco Arena. Former Nailer Christiaan Minella registered a goal, an assist, and a fight, earning him a Gordie Howe Hat Trick for Cincinnati.
The first period began in fast and furious fashion, as the two teams combined for three goals in the first 3:45 of action. The Nailers struck first at the 1:18 mark. Mike Donnellan took a shot from the right point off of a face-off win, which was stopped by Neil Conway. Connor Leen pounced on the rebound, tapping it in for the opening marker. 1:05 later, Wheeling added to the lead with a little help. Christophe Lalancette's breakaway was halted, but Cincinnati defender Kevin Lind put the puck in his own net. Christiaan Minella found the correct net for his club 1:22 after that, slamming in a one-timer from the right circle, off of a pass from Joe Wilson.
The Cyclones turned the game in their favor during the second period, starting with a pair of power play goals. The first came off of a back door play, as Branden Gracel held onto the puck on the right side of the ice, allowing Steve Weinstein to sneak in on the left side and tie the score at two. A little more than two minutes later, Cincinnati converted again, as Garrick Perry's backhand wraparound had just enough power on it to roll up and over Brian Foster's left pad. The visitors tallied once more in the middle frame, with Gabriel Levesque's wraparound making for a 4-2 Cyclones lead after forty minutes of play.
Neither team could light the lamp in the third period, giving Cincinnati the 4-2 win. The teams followed regulation by experimenting with the new 3-on-3 overtime, which resulted in a goal for the Nailers, as Cody Wydo completed a 2-on-1 rush with Matt Papineau.
Both teams used their two goaltenders in the game, with the starters receiving the decisions. Neil Conway got the win for Cincinnati with nine saves on 11 shots, while Brian Foster suffered the loss for Wheeling, turning away 12 of 15 shots. The no-decisions went to Brandon Whitney, who was perfect on 18 shots for the Cyclones, and Casey DeSmith, who made nine saves on ten shots for the home team.
Individual tickets, season tickets, mini plans, and group tickets are on sale now, with prices starting as low as $10 per seat. The Nailers will begin the 2015-16 regular season on October 16th and 17th in Norfolk, before the home opener takes place on October 24th against Brampton at 7:35. For tickets and more information, call the Nailers at (304) 234-GOAL or online at wheelingnailers.com.
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 Wheeling Nailers vs. Cincinnati Cyclones in Preseason Play |
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