ECHL Wheeling Nailers

Nailers Clinch Playoff Spot with 4-1 Win

March 30, 2012 - ECHL (ECHL)
Wheeling Nailers News Release


TRENTON, NJ- For the second consecutive season, the Wheeling Nailers will be playing playoff hockey. Matt Schepke netted a pair of goals, and Patrick Killeen made 24 saves on Friday night, as the Nailers defeated the Trenton Titans 4-1 at Sun National Bank Center, locking up a postseason berth.

The Nailers got out to a dazzling start in the opening period, controlling the play with a 19-7 advantage in shots on goal, as well as a 2-0 lead on the scoreboard. Wheeling's opening goal came with 1:56 left in the period, when Andrew Hotham worked his way through center ice, before handing the puck off for Matt Schepke, who scored with a wrist shot from high in the offensive zone. Peter Merth also picked up an assist on Schepke's 15th goal of the season. 1:19 later, the Nailers added to their lead, as Paul Crowder took a feed from Cody Chupp, and found the bottom part of the net with a wrist shot from the bottom of the right circle. Crowders 22nd of the year was also his team-leading seventh marker on the power play.

Wheeling added to the lead late in the second period. Ben Farrer wrapped the puck around the back of the goal on his backhand, before slipping a pass into the slot. The pass found Christiaan Minella, who knocked the puck into the back of the cage for his ninth goal of the season. With less than ten seconds to go, the Titans picked up their first goal of the season, and did so while playing shorthanded. Drew Akins gained the offensive blueline on the left side, before dropping a pass back to Andy Bohmbach, who skated in and scored from the bottom of the left circle.

Late in the third period, the Nailers finished off their victory, while also locking up their playoff spot, as Matt Schepke buried his second goal of the night into an empty net, assisted by Zack Torquato and Eric Kroshus. Kroshus' helper was the first point of his professional hockey career.

Patrick Killeen earned the win in goal for Wheeling, stopping 24 of the 25 shots he faced. Dave Caruso took the loss for Trenton, making 37 saves on 40 shots.

The Nailers will conclude the 2011-12 regular season on Saturday night, when they play host to the Elmira Jackals at WesBanco Arena at 7:35. For ticket information or to purchase tickets call 304-234-GOAL (4625) or online at shop.wheelingnailers.com. You can now purchase Nailers game tickets on your smartphone by visiting m.wheelingnailers.com.

Check out the Wheeling Nailers Statistics



ECHL Stories from March 30, 2012


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central