Nailers Battle, But Fall in Game Two
April 30, 2011 - ECHL (ECHL)
Wheeling Nailers News Release
KALAMAZOO, MI - Ryan Nie stopped 37 of 38 shots to help lead the Kalamazoo Wings to a 4-1 victory over the Wheeling Nailers in game two of the Eastern Conference Finals played at Wings Stadium Saturday night. The best-of-seven series is now tied at 1-1.
Kalamazoo took a commanding lead in the first period of play. Justin Taylor started the scoring off as he slipped in behind the defense and beat Nailers goaltender Peter Delmas five-hole to give the Wings an early 1-0 lead 2:45 into the game. A.J. Thelen made it 2-0, on a blast from the point on the power play to make it 2-0 at 8:19.
The Wings again converted on the power play on a quick tic-tac-toe passing play which was capped off by Dean Strong's sixth goal of the postseason extending the lead to 3-0. Nearly two minutes later, Sam Ftorek fired a shot from behind the blue line, that was stopped for a moment by the paddle of Delmas, but the puck deflected in the blue paint and slid slowing across the line for the goal Wings took a 4-0 lead into the first period.
A different Nailers team emerged from the tunnel in the second, as Wheeling outshot Kalamazoo 18-5 in the period. However, Wings netminder Ryan Nie stopped all 18 shots, while the Nailers just missed the on on server opportunities hitting three posts.
In the third the Nailers got on the board on a turnover by Nie from behind the net. Nie rushed a pass from the behind the net to the circle which was immediately fired into the wide open net by Tim Crowder to make it 4-1 at 2:52 in. Wheeling continued to press outshooting the Wings 12-5 in the third, but Nie came up with the rest of the saves to seal the game two win 4-1.
The Nailers outshot Kalamazoo 38-23 in the game, including a 30-10 shots on goal advantage ih the final two periods. Ryan Nie earns his eighth win of the postseason making 37 saves, while Peter Delmas takes the loss allowing four goal on 13 shots. Patrick Killeen came in relief at the start of the second stopping all 10 shots faced.
The series now shifts to WesBanco Arena as the two teams will meet again for game three on Thursday, May 5 beginning at 7:05 p.m. To purchase tickets call (304) 234-GOAL, or (304) 234-4625.
The two teams will meet again for game two tomorrow at Wings Stadium beginning at 7:30 p.m. Fans may watch the game on RTV9 courtesy of America One, or on listen to the game on The Mix 97.3 or online at www.wheelingnailers.com. The following is a complete schedule of the Eastern Conference Finals Series.
(3) Kalamazoo Wingss vs. (4) Wheeling Nailers (Best-of-Seven Series) Series tied 1-1 Game #1 - Wheeling - 3 at Kalamazoo-2 (overtime) (Friday, April 29) Game #2 - Wheeling - 1 at Kalamazoo - 4 (Saturday, April 30.) Game #3 - Kalamazoo at Wheeling (Thursday, May 5, 7:05 p.m.) Game #4 - Kalamazoo at Wheeling (Saturday, May 7, 7:35 p.m.) Game #5 - Kalamazoo at Wheeling (Sunday, May 8, 5:05 p.m.) Game #6 - Wheeling at Kalamazoo (Tuesday, May 10, 7:00 p.m)** Game #7 - Wheeling at Kalamazoo (Wednesday May 11, 7:00 p.m.)**
For Tickets: To purchase playoff ticket packages, call the Nailers office at (304) 234-GOAL, or (304) 234-4625 to speak to a ticket representative.You may receive discounted tickets rates by participating in one of our group ticket packages
Individual tickets are on sale now through The Wheeling Nailers Office, Ticketmaster and the WesBanco Arena Box Office. Office hours are Monday-Friday 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. For Weekend game days, the office opens four hours before game time. For more information on ticket packages call the Nailers at 304-234-GOAL or online at www.wheelingnailers.com.
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ECHL Stories from April 30, 2011
- Alaska takes 3-0 series lead with 6-2 victory over Victoria - Victoria Salmon Kings
- Nailers Battle, But Fall in Game Two - Wheeling Nailers
- Not Getting Mad, Getting Even - Kalamazoo Wings
- ECHL Today - April 30 - ECHL
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