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ECHL Wheeling Nailers

Late Goal Lifts Mallards in Pre-Holiday Finale

December 19, 2015 - ECHL (ECHL)
Wheeling Nailers News Release


MOLINE, IL - The Wheeling Nailers showed great resiliency in Saturday night's game against the Quad City Mallards, battling back from a two-goal deficit, which nearly earned them a point. Unfortunately, a goal with 1:56 left in regulation prevented that from happening, as Olivier Archambault snapped a 3-3 deadlock, lifting Quad City to the 5-3 victory at iWireless Arena. Riley Brace had three points for the Nailers.

Quad City got off to a quick start, scoring two goals in a span of 38 seconds to open up a 2-0 lead. The first goal came from Ryan Tesink, who wrapped the puck around the back of the net on his backhand, before propelling it toward the front of the net. An unlucky bounce occurred, as the puck bounced off of a Wheeling skate and in over the line. Sam Warning recorded the second tally, after Olivier Archambault chased down a loose puck along the left wall. Archambault fed a wide open Warning, who sifted a shot through from the left circle. After a fight between Patrick McGrath and Anthony Collins, the momentum took a swing towards the visitors, who climbed within one. Riley Brace stole a pass, setting up a 2-on-1, which was completed by Jarrett Burton on the left side of the low slot.

The Mallards regained their two-goal edge at the 4:33 mark of the middle frame, when Austin Coldwell snapped a shot through traffic and in from the left circle. However, Wheeling didn't get discouraged, battling back to even the score. Exactly seven minutes into the stanza, Riley Brace lifted a stick to grab a loose puck on the left side, allowing him to roof a shot from the circle. The Nailers were then forced to kill a penalty, which they did successfully, and nine seconds later, an equalizing tally was the result. Brace and Zack Torquato led the charge into the offensive zone, with a pass ultimately landing on John McCarron's stick on the right side of the slot. McCarron buried the chance for his fourth goal in three games.

The score remained tied until the final minutes of the game, when Quad City avoided overtime with a go-ahead goal. Mike Koules shook his way down the right wing wall, before centering a pass to Olivier Archambault in the slot. Archambault immediately peppered a shot into the top-right corner of the cage, putting the home team back on top. Vladimir Nikiforov added an empty netter in the last minute, making for the 5-3 final score in favor of the Mallards.

Brody Hoffman remained unbeaten at home for Quad City, making 39 saves on 42 shots in the win. Franky Palazzese took the loss for Wheeling, stopping 26 of the 30 shots he faced.

Following the holidays, the Nailers will visit Toledo on December 26th at 7:15. Wheeling will begin a season-long seven-game homestand on December 27th, when the Kalamazoo Wings visit for a 4:05 face-off. New Year's Eve (December 31 - Cowbell Giveaway), Throwback Night (January 2 - $7 tickets, Thunderbirds Jerseys), and Princess & Pirates Night (January 9th) are all featured on the upcoming schedule.

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