ECHL Wheeling Nailers

Gilbert's Pair Gives Nailers Series Opening Win

Published on April 16, 2015 under ECHL (ECHL)
Wheeling Nailers News Release


TOLEDO, OH- The Wheeling Nailers experienced their struggles at Huntington Center during the 2014-15 regular season, but Thursday night's playoff opener resulted in a different tune. Former Toledo Walleye forward David Gilbert scored two goals, including the game winner with 8:50 left in regulation, as Wheeling rallied twice, defeating Toledo, 3-2.

Both teams came out hitting in the first period, which also saw two goals get scored 21 seconds apart from each other. Toledo got on the scoreboard first, utilizing its league-leading power play. Shane Berschbach dropped a pass off to Cody Lampl, who wired in a one-timer from the middle of the blueline. The Nailers rebounded with the tying so, doing so from a much closer location. Mike Slowikowski swung the puck around the back wall to Sahir Gill, who immediately centered a pass to David Gilbert at the top of the crease. Gilbert kept his stick on the ice, redirecting in the equalizer.

The second period followed a similar script to the first, with the Walleye scoring on the power play, and Wheeling answering at even strength. The power play marker came with 6:25 left in the frame, when Troy Schwab fed Shane Berschbach in the right circle. Berschbach spun with a shot that found its way through. The tying tally came during the final minute, when Derek Army flicked a puck through the slot to Sahir Gill, who lunged into the right side of the slot, willing a shot into the vacant side of the goal.

The Nailers took their first lead of the evening with 8:50 remaining in the third period. David Makowski batted the puck out through neutral ice, leading to a race between Gilbert and Kevin Clare. Gilbert got a step on the defender, skated in alone, then dragged the puck from his forehand to his backhand, slipping a shot through Jeff Lerg's legs. Toledo mustered eight shots during the last stanza, as Wheeling went on to the 3-2 win.

Franky Palazzese was the victorious netminder for Wheeling, making 26 saves on 28 shots in his postseason debut. Jeff Lerg took the loss for Toledo, turning away 27 of the 30 shots he faced.

The Nailers and Walleye will play game two of their series on Saturday night in Toledo at 7:35, before going to Wheeling for game three on Wednesday night at 7:05.

The Nailers will play a maximum of three home games during their opening round playoff series against Toledo. Fans can get a free kids ticket with the purchase of an adult ticket at the Nailers office for game three on April 22nd . McDonald's Friends & Family Tickets will be available for games four and five (if necessary) on April 24th and 25th, giving fans the opportunity to receive four tickets, four hats, and four McDonald's Value Meal coupons for $39.99. April 24th will also be a Frosty Friday .

Wheeling Nailers 2015-16 season tickets, as well as flex tickets, group tickets and single-game tickets for 2014-15 are on sale now. For more information, call 304-234-GOAL or visit wheelingnailers.com.

Listen to all Nailers regular season and post-season games live on the Valley's rock station EAGLE 107.5 FM, on www.iheartradio.com or watch live on www.echl.tv. Catch every road game live on WLUTV on Comcast Cable 14.

Check out the Wheeling Nailers Statistics

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ECHL Stories from April 16, 2015


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