ECHL Wheeling Nailers

Donati Scores Twice to Lead Elmira Past Wheeling

March 2, 2011 - ECHL (ECHL)
Wheeling Nailers News Release


ELMIRA, NY ‚¬" Justin Donati scored twice to lead the Elmira Jackals to 5-2 victory over the Wheeling Nailers at First Arena Wednesday Night. The win was the fourth straight for the Jackals who improve to 4-0 under new coach Robbie Nichols.

Third time was the charm for the Nailers on the power play, as Wheeling took a 1-0 lead on their third power play opportunity of the night. Alex Grant blasted a hard shot off the pads of goaltender Marco Cousineau. The rebound was poked into the net by newcomer Paul Crowder who scored his sixth goal of the season, and his first with the Nailers. Wheeling held onto the 1-0 lead at the end of the first period.

Elmira tied the game at two on a power play goal of their own, as Eric Lampe streaked into the zone on the left wing said and flipped a backhand shot that squeezed past Wheeling netminder Patrick Killeen. Wheeling grabbed the lead back at 6:53 of the second period, utilizing the power play again. Mikael Bedard picked up the puck off the end wall and stuffed it past Cousineau on the backside post to give the Nailers a 2-1 lead. The see-saw battle continued as the Jackals tied the game at two at 18:49 of the period. Dale Mahovsky feathered a pass across the ice to Billy Siers who tapped it past the glove Killeen and into the net.

The ECHL's leading scorer Justin Donati, scored his 20th goal of the season halfway through the third to give the Jackals a 3-2 lead. A.J Perry tipped in a shot in front nearly three minutes later to extned the Elmira lead to 4-2. Donati later added an empty net goal with less than a second remaining to seal the game 5-2. Wheeling outshot Elmira 35-27 in the game.

The Nailers return to WesBanco Arena on Friday against division rival Cincinnati. Game time is 7:35 p.m. The first 2,500 fans will receive a free Brad Paisley Bobble Head. To purchase tickets call 304-234-GOAL, or (304) 234-4625.

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ECHL Stories from March 2, 2011


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