Melindy Muscles Nailers Past Americans in Third Period
June 1, 2016 - ECHL (ECHL)
Wheeling Nailers News Release
WHEELING, WV- After two explosive offensive games to start the Kelly Cup Final, the Wheeling Nailers and Allen Americans played a more physical, tight checking type of game, as the series shifted to WesBanco Arena for game three on Wednesday night. The Nailers never trailed in the contest, and ended up taking three separate leads, before holding off the Americans for good. James Melindy had the final tiebreaking goal, as he slid in a shot with 12:35 left for a 3-2 Wheeling triumph.
After a scoreless first period, the Nailers got on the board first at the 3:18 mark of the middle frame. Ty Loney poked the puck away from an Allen defender, leading to a 2-on-1 rush. Loney kept the puck to himself as he sped down the right side of the ice. When he reached the right circle, he took a wrist shot, which whizzed into the net. The Americans had a quick answer to tie the game. Chad Costello dropped a pass off to Gary Steffes, who powered in a slap shot from the top of the left circle. Wheeling went back on top with 6:14 left, thanks to a power play strike. Riley Brace carried the puck in off of the right wall, directing a shot toward the cage. Anton Zlobin got a tip on the attempt for his fifth tally in five games.
The visitors pulled even with a power play goal at the 4:22 mark. Chad Costello buzzed a pass into the slot from the left wing half boards, connecting with Greger Hanson, who deposited his league-leading 13th marker of the playoffs. The tie lasted for 3:03, before the Nailers took the lead for the third and final time. Riley Brace handed the puck to James Melindy, while Jarrett Burton crashed hard to the front of the net. Melindy used excellent patience to let the traffic set up, then proceeded to slide a shot in along the ice for what turned out to be the deciding goal in a 3-2 Nailers victory.
Franky Palazzese was excellent in goal for Wheeling, making 28 saves on 30 shots, including a huge stop in the final seconds off of a one-time feed in front. Riley Gill suffered the loss for Allen, despite turning away 24 of the 27 shots he faced.
The Nailers and Americans will play games four and five in Wheeling on Friday and Saturday, with both tilts beginning at 7:35.
ECHL Stories from June 1, 2016
- Americans Fall 3-2, in Game 3 of the Kelly Cup Finals - Allen Americans
- Melindy Muscles Nailers Past Americans in Third Period - Wheeling Nailers
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