Kalamazoo Capitalizes on Three-Goal Third
January 23, 2016 - ECHL (ECHL)
Wheeling Nailers News Release
WHEELING, WV- The Wheeling Nailers appeared to be headed on the right track, when they defeated the Kalamazoo Wings, 2-1 in overtime on Friday night. However, they were unable to create a streak out of it, as Kalamazoo scored three times in the third period, snapping a 1-1 tie for a 4-1 victory at WesBanco Arena. Cody Wydo netted the lone marker for Wheeling.
One goal was scored in the first period, and for the second night in a row, it was the Wings who struck first, as they capitalized on an unfortunate break by the Nailers. Alex Mallet forced a turnover on the right side of his club's defensive zone, which ultimately led to a 3-on-0 rush for Kalamazoo. Mallet's stick was slashed in half, as he made a pass to Tanner Sorenson in neutral ice. Sorenson elected to keep the puck to himself, going to the forehand and lifting a shot over Casey DeSmith's glove.
In the second period, the Nailers battled back and got the equalizer with 8:24 remaining. Cody Wydo picked up the puck on the left side of center ice, before charging into the offensive zone with a step on the defense. Wydo dragged the puck from him forehand to his backhand, shoveling a shot over Joel Martin's left pad. Andrew Cerretani picked up his seventh point in nine games with one assist, while Connor Leen got the other.
Unfortunately for Wheeling, the positive middle frame didn't carry into the third, as Kalamazoo went back on top with three goals. At the five-minute mark, Curtis Valk and Ludwig Blomstrand connected on a 2-on-1 break, with Blomstrand rifling in a one-timer from the right side of the slot. 44 seconds later, Justin Taylor got some separation, going to his backhand to score into the left side of the cage. Then, with 10:48 left, Alex Mallet dented the twine, after David Gilbert and Tanner Sorenson were denied. The Nailers successfully killed a five-minute penalty, but still fell, 4-1.
Joel Martin got the win in goal for the Wings, making 32 saves on 33 shots. Casey DeSmith suffered the loss for Wheeling, blocking away 27 of 31 attempts sent his way.
The Nailers' originally scheduled game for Sunday got postponed until March 8th, meaning they will be off until Friday night at 7:05, when they start a four-game road trip in Elmira against the Jackals. Wheeling will play a pair of home games on February 5th and 6th, both against the Reading Royals. The 5th is a Flat Screen Friday, presented by The Highlands and Bordas & Bordas, in addition to a Frosty Friday. The 6th is Pittsburgh Steelers Night, with a special 8:05 face-off and a guest appearance by Brett Keisel.
Download the Nailers new smartphone app presented by Panhandle Cleaning and Restoration. Available in theiTunes and Google Play Store. Use promo code "Leader" to receive 100 Nailers points.
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ECHL Stories from January 23, 2016
- Oilers Hand Mavericks First Home Loss this Season, a 6-3 Victory - Tulsa Oilers
- Mavericks Fall 6-3 to Oilers at Home - Kansas City Mavericks
- Eagles Sweep Weekend Series in Rapid City with 4-2 - Colorado Eagles
- Rush Fall to Eagles - Rapid City Rush
- Jackals Drop Anchor in Norfolk - Elmira Jackals
- Allen Slides Past Thunder, 3-1 - Wichita Thunder
- IceMen Overcome Second Period Hiccup, Win Thriller in Atlanta - Evansville IceMen
- Monarchs Strike Down Thunder, 2-1 - Manchester Monarchs
- Kalamazoo Capitalizes on Three-Goal Third - Wheeling Nailers
- Fuel Down Mallards, Move into Second Place - Indy Fuel
- Swamp Rabbits Outduel Stingrays in Saturday Night Showdown - Greenville Swamp Rabbits
- Elmira Scores Late to Top Admirals 3-2 on Pink in the Rink Night - Norfolk Admirals
- Third Period Surge Gives Wings Decisive Divisional Win - Kalamazoo Wings
- Gracel, Yogan Pace Cyclones to Victory - Cincinnati Cyclones
- Fuel Completes Sweep of Mallards - Quad City Mallards
- Toledo's six game winning streak snapped by Utah 5-3 - Toledo Walleye
- Evansville Scores Two in the Third to Beat Atlanta 4-3 - Atlanta Gladiators
- Nailers, Beast Game Sunday Postponed Due Weather - Wheeling Nailers
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- ECHL Transactions - January 23 - ECHL
- Game Day Capsule: Allen at Wichita, January 23rd - Wichita Thunder
- ECHL Announces Fine, Suspension - ECHL
- Game Notes - January 23 vs Ft. Wayne - Cincinnati Cyclones
- Faille Recalled from Solar Bears to Marlies - Orlando Solar Bears
- Nailers vs. Wings Game Day Snap Shot - Wheeling Nailers
- Carruth Recalled to IceHogs Ahead of Fuel Game with Mallards - Indy Fuel
- Game Preview: Pack the House Night-Greenville at South Carolina, 7:05 p.m. - South Carolina Stingrays
- Jackals See the Scope for the Final Time this Season - Elmira Jackals
- Monarchs Game Day Capsule - Manchester Monarchs
- Oilers at Mavericks: Game Preview - Tulsa Oilers
- Michalek Recalled by Iowa - Quad City Mallards
- ECHL Today - January 23 - ECHL
- Mallards Game Day - Quad City Mallards
- Americans Rally Twice, Beat Wichita 4-3 in Overtime - Allen Americans
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