ECHL Wheeling Nailers

Foster Saves the Day, as Nailers Win Series

Published on April 25, 2016 under ECHL (ECHL)
Wheeling Nailers News Release


Wheeling Nailers Goaltender Brian Foster
Wheeling Nailers Goaltender Brian Foster
(Wheeling Nailers)

ESTERO, FL- One of the keys to playoff success is outstanding goaltending, and in a series which featured 39 goals in five games, Brian Foster's work in game six deserves plenty of accolades. Foster denied 43 of 44 Florida Everblades shots, earning his third straight victory in the Wheeling Nailers cage. With 9:20 remaining in the third period, captain Shane Bakker snapped a 1-1 tie, lifting the Nailers to a 2-1 win in the game, and a 4-2 victory in the Eastern Conference Quarterfinal Series.

The Everblades had a quick start in the first period, as they had an 11-5 shots advantage during the opening 20 minutes of play. One of those attempts found the back of the net, and it came shorty after a successful penalty kill by the home team. Ryan Martindale snagged the puck along the left wing wall, leading a 2-on-1 rush through center ice. When he reached the left circle of the offensive zone, Martindale slid a pass over to Mike Cornell, who deposited a one-timer for the lone tally of the stanza.

Despite a second straight stanza in which the shots were significantly in favor of Florida, the Nailers got an opportunity, and netted the tying goal with 3:38 remaining. Andrew Ammon chipped the puck out to center ice for Ty Loney on the left side. Loney forced his way across the offensive zone, then proceeded to snipe a wrist shot just inside of the left post and crossbar for his third goal in as many contests.

Midway through the third period, Wheeling took its first lead of the night, which turned out to be the only one it needed. Mathew Maione carried the puck into the offensive zone, winding a pass deep for Jordan Kwas in the right corner. Kwas ended up making his way to the goal line, where he centered a pass to Shane Bakker on the left side of the crease. Bakker slammed in the shot for his first of the playoffs. The Nailers killed off two late power plays and held the Everblades scoreless on 15 shots in the period, holding on for the 2-1 triumph to win the series.

Brian Foster was phenomenal in every way for Wheeling, as he stopped 43 of the 44 shots he faced, earning his third straight win. Rasmus Tirronen suffered the loss for Florida, making 20 saves on 22 shots.

The Nailers will have to wait until Tuesday night to find out who they will play in round two. If Wheeling faces Toledo, game one will be Friday on the road. If the Nailers battle the Royals, game one will be Friday at 7:35 at WesBanco Arena. Full details and schedules will be announced on Tuesday night.

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Wheeling Nailers Goaltender Brian Foster
Wheeling Nailers Goaltender Brian Foster
   



ECHL Stories from April 25, 2016


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