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ECHL Wheeling Nailers

Gladiators Need 58 Shots to Beat Wheeling

February 9, 2008 - ECHL (ECHL)
Wheeling Nailers News Release


DULUTH, GA - Curtis Darling and Martin Houle combined to stop 53 shots for the Wheeling Nailers but the Gwinnett Gladiators still managed to pull out a 5-3 win Saturday night at Arena at Gwinnett Center.

The Gladiators came out firing in the first period, peppering Darling with 21 shots in the opening 20 minutes. Only one of those shots found the back of the net. During four-on-four action, Matt Anderson walked out from the corner and slid the puck backdoor for Mike Hamilton. He touched it home for his 15th goal of the season.

The second period saw the Nailers and Gladiators doubling up on goals. First Wheeling scored twice in the opening 2:46 and later Gwinnett added a pair in a 1:31 span. The Nailers got on the board at 2:23 of the second on Kevin Croxton's team-leading 16th goal of the season. BJ Radovich won an offensive-zone faceoff back to Chris Brooks at the point whose shot generated a rebound for Croxton to put home. Only 23 seconds later, Joe Guenther gave Wheeling the lead. On a two-on-one break, his shot lead to a scramble in the slot that Croxton and Radovich each had a chance on but Guenther slid it past Kowalslki to make it 2-1.

Gwinnett responded with three unanswered goals before the end of the period. Miles Stoesz buried a two-on-one at 12:45, Ryan Mahrle banged in a rebound on the power play at 14:16, and Hamilton slid one home with just 5.5 seconds left on the clock. The Gladiators led 4-2 headed to the third courtesy of 26 second period shots.

Darling, who made 43 saves on 47 shots, was replaced by Houle to start the third period. Houle stopped each of the 10 shots he faced but it wasn't enough.

Radovich pulled Wheeling within one just 3:44 into the final period. Guenther pushed the puck to Croxton behind the net who made a nice backhand pass to Radovich for his second goal of the season. The Nailers had chances down the stretch with back-to-back- power plays at 11:53 and 14:28 but couldn't beat Kowalski.

Andy Brandt added an empty-netter at 18:59 to push the final to 5-3.

Wheeling will be back in action on Sunday at 4pm in South Carolina to face the Stingrays. Their next home game is February 22 at 7:35pm against the Elmira Jackals. Call 304-234-GOAL for more information or visit www.wheelingnailers.com.

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