ECHL Wheeling Nailers

Nailers at Wings Game Day Snap Shot

November 6, 2013 - ECHL (ECHL)
Wheeling Nailers News Release


Both Teams Came Back

When the Wheeling Nailers and Kalamazoo Wings last hit the ice, they both found themselves trailing as they entered the third period. However, both squads were able to find some magic during their final frames, earning points in the standings. On Saturday night, the Nailers were down 3-1 to Greenville, before rallying for four unanswered goals, defeating the Road Warriors, 5-3. On Sunday afternoon, Kalamazoo was in a 4-2 hole to Cincinnati, until it scored twice to force overtime and a shootout, before the Cyclones ultimately grabbed the bonus point.

Almost Even

Entering Tuesday morning, Wheeling and Kalamazoo are separated by just one point in the standings, with the Nailers owning a 2-3-0-0 record, while the Wings are 1-3-0-1. Oddly enough, both teams have lit the lamp 12 times in their first five contests, while Wheeling has allowed 17 goals to Kalamazoo's 16. The two sides have experienced similar results early on, especially when it comes to offense, as the Nailers have scored eight goals in their two wins, to four goals in their three losses. The Wings have scored ten goals in the two games in which they've gotten at least one point, compared to just two goals in their three regulation losses.

Another Day at the Zoo

For the third consecutive season, the Nailers will make just one regular season visit to Wings Stadium, and for the third year in a row, that contest will begin while the sun is still in the sky. Dating back to the 2010-11 season, this will be Wheeling's fourth straight regular season day game in Kalamazoo, and the visitors have come out on top in each of the previous three, winning 5-3, 4-2, and 3-2. In addition, the Nailers will be in search of their fourth straight win in a morning game, after defeating Reading, Elmira, and Greenville over the course of the past three seasons at WesBanco Arena. Speaking of streaks, Wheeling currently owns a four-game regular season winning streak against the Wings, which has tied the all-time series, 12-12.

Young and Old

At first glance at averages, the Nailers and Wings appear to be on relatively even terms when it comes to age, as Kalamazoo's 25 years edge Wheeling's 24. However, when looking in depth, the rosters couldn't be more different. The Nailers currently have 23 players on their roster, and eleven of those are currently playing in their first professional seasons, while Chaz Johnson serves as the squad's oldest member (29). The Wings have 21 players on their current roster, with only three rookies, but four players over age 30, including Sam Ftorek, who is the league's oldest member (38).

Power Plays Gone Missing

Despite connecting at a 24.0% success rate (6-for-25) during the preseason, the Nailers' power play has struggled during the regular season, going 1-for-19 (5.3%) in five games. Wheeling narrowly missed netting a power play goal on Saturday, as Cody Sylvester's first tally came just a fraction of a second after JM Rizk's double-minor had expired. On the flip side, the Nailers continue to perform admirably when shorthanded, killing off 19 of 21 opposition power plays (90.5%). The three combined power play goals (1 for, 2 against) are the fewest in the ECHL, leading Orlando, who has been involved in five power play goals (3 for, 2 against). San Francisco has been involved in the most power play goals, with 13 (3 for, 10 against).

Check out the Wheeling Nailers Statistics



ECHL Stories from November 6, 2013


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