Fuel Get Fortunate in Final Minutes, Win 3-2
January 10, 2016 - ECHL (ECHL)
Wheeling Nailers News Release
WHEELING, WV - On Sunday afternoon, the Wheeling Nailers put forth an effort that was more than deserving of at least one point in the standings, as they played host to the Indy Fuel. Unfortunately, the frustrating homestand came to and end in crushing fashion, as a collision with less than three minutes to go in the game opened the chance for Peter Schneider's game winning goal. Shane Owen made 39 saves on 41 Wheeling shots, as the Fuel escaped with a 3-2 victory at WesBanco Arena.
Both teams found the back of the net during the first period of play. The first marker went Indy's way at the 4:47 mark of the stanza. Adam Lapsansky pounced on a loose puck in the slot, but had his initial shot blocked by a Wheeling defender. However, Lapsansky continued to press, ultimately netting his second goal in three games. The Nailers responded later in the period, clicking on the power play for the second straight game. After a scrum along the near wall, the puck was wrestled out to Mathew Maione in the right circle. Maione made a perfect pass, setting up Anton Zlobin for a one-timer, which he blasted into the cage.
The middle frame followed a similar script, as the Fuel went ahead, before Wheeling pulled even. Indy's tally came at the 6:55 mark, when Alex Lavoie found Garett Bembridge in the slot. Bembridge shifted the puck from his forehand to his backhand, slipping a shot under Franky Palazzese's right pad. With less than one minute remaining in the period, the Nailers picked up the equalizer. Jarrett Burton curled into the high slot from the right side, letting a wrist shot go, which found its way in along the ice. Zlobin and Maione had the assisted on Burton's team-leading 14th of the season.
The score remained deadlocked until the last five minutes of regulation, when a freaky situation put Indy back on top. Mathew Maione and a linesman collided at the Wheeling defensive blueline. The Fuel ended up gaining possession of the puck, ultimately working the play to Peter Schneider at the top of the right circle. Schneider roofed his opportunity, which turned out to be the deciding goal with 2:23 left in a 3-2 win.
Shane Owen turned in a splendid performance in goal for Indy, earning the win with 39 saves on 41 shots. Franky Palazzese received the tough luck loss for Wheeling, despite turning away 24 of the 27 shots he faced.
The Nailers will play two games on the road Saturday and Sunday against the Toledo Walleye and Indy Fuel, before returning to WesBanco Arena for three games on January 22nd, 23rd, and 24th. The 22nd is a Flat Screen Friday presented by The Highlands and Bordas & Bordas, in addition to a Frosty Friday, and the first 2,000 fans will receive a hat, courtesy of Main Street Bank. The 23rd is Pittsburgh Pirates Night, and the 24th is a Family Funday with McDonald's $5 kids tickets and a post game skate with the team.
ECHL Stories from January 10, 2016
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- Royals Stymie Stingrays to Snap Skid, 3-1 - Reading Royals
- Indy Completes Flawless Weekend with Win in Wheeling - Indy Fuel
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- Americans Host Colorado Today at 4:05 pm - Allen Americans
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- ECHL Transactions - January 10 - ECHL
- Rush Add Scofield - Rapid City Rush
- Nailers vs. Fuel Game Day Snap Shot - Wheeling Nailers
- Mallards Game Day - Quad City Mallards
- Game Preview: South Carolina at Reading, 4:00 p.m. - South Carolina Stingrays
- ECHL Today - January 10 - ECHL
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