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ECHL Wheeling Nailers

Nailers Comeback Thriller 4-3 Over Trenton

April 1, 2009 - ECHL (ECHL)
Wheeling Nailers News Release


Wheeling, WV - Jordan Morrison scored with a little over 7 minutes remaining and David Brown made several spectacular saves through the 3rd period, overtime and into the shootout, and the Wheeling Nailers picked up two valuable points to move all alone into 4th place in the ECHL North Division with a 4-3 victory over the Trenton Devils Wednesday night.

Wheeling moved all alone into 4th place in the North Division with the victory as the Johnstown Chiefs lost at Cincinnati 4-3. The Nailers lead the Chiefs by 2 points with just 2 games remaining in the regular season in the battle for the 4th and final playoff spot in the division.

In one of the most exciting games of the year to begin one of the most important weeks of Nailers hockey in several years the fans at WesBanco were treated to a thriller. The Nailers overcame an early 2-0 deficit on goals by Billy Ryan (11th) on the power play late in the 1st period and by Chris Margott on a fine assist by Tommy Goebel in the 2nd period to tie it at 2-2. For the Robert Morris University product Margott who was signed by the Nailers just a couple weeks ago it was first ever professional hockey goal.

Eric Castonguay would break the tie less than a minute later in the 2nd period and Wheeling would find themselves down 3-2. They were challenging Devils goalie Gerald Coleman time and time again but unable to find the back of the net until Tommy Goebel would work his magic again and set up Jordan Morrison for a big one-timer between the circles with 7:08 remaining to get the game back to a tie at 3-3. It was Morrison's 25th goal of the season, 2nd on the team only to Bryan Ewing with 43.

David Brown made a huge save with about 3 minutes left when Trenton raced in on a 2-on-1 and former NHL'er Mike Wilson's drive from right in front would somehow get kicked away by a scrambling Brown.

Wheeling went down a man in the extra period but the Nailers penalty kill came up with several nice plays to stone the Devils on their 4-on-3 power play and David Brown was right there to stop a handful of big one-timers.

Chris Margott, Mitch Ganzak and Chase Watson all lit the lamp on Gerald Coleman to begin the shootout as the Nailers took a 3-0 lead in the 3rd round. Jeff Prough scored in the 3rd round for Trenton to keep it going but when Brown denied Ryan Gunderson in the 4th round it was all over and the Nailers celebrated one of their most exciting wins of the season.

After the game the Nailers learned that the Cincinnati Cyclones were able to hang on for a 4-3 victory over the Johnstown Chiefs thus giving the Nailers sole possession of 4th place in the division.

Trenton got one standings point for the shootout loss and with that point were able to clinch a post-season berth while Cincinnati and Elmira also secured spots in the post-season. All 3 teams are tied for 1st place in the North Division although Cincinnati holds the tie-breaker advantage for the #1 seed. Only one playoff spot remains and it's still possible it could come down to the last game and last shift to determine where Wheeling or Johnstown will be advancing into the post-season.

Wheeling outshot the Devils 42-33 in the contest and went 2 for 4 on the power play while Trenton was 0 for 2.

Wheeling improves to 36-26-8 on the season with 80 points, 2 points ahead of the Chiefs who have 78.

Wheeling is 8-2-1 against the Trenton Devils including 5-0-1 at WesBanco Arena. The two teams will meet again Saturday in New Jersey to close the regular season.

Next up for the Nailers is their last home game of the regular season. Friday, April 3rd the Nailers take on the Dayton Bombers at 7:35 on Fan Appreciation Night. The Nailers will give away special prizes to several fans in attendance and one lucky fan will win the chance to shoot for a new car courtesy of Doan Ford. It's also Little League night. All Little Leagues can get a special $10 Nailers and Wild Things combo ticket. And one lucky Little League organization will win $500 for their program for uniforms and equipment. It's also a Friday Family Four-Pack night. Get 4 tickets, 4 sodas, 4 hotdogs and a large popcorn all for just $44.

A large crowd is expected for the last home game of the regular season and we want your support Nailers fans and want to hear you! Wheeling is aiming for their first playoff appearance in three years and a big crowd against the Dayton Bombers on Friday night can help push them over the top.

A Wheeling victory on Friday combined with a Johnstown loss (in regulation OR in shootout) could clinch a playoff spot for the Nailers on that night.

Saturday night at 7:00 the Nailers play at the Trenton Devils in the last game of the regular season. If Wheeling is unable to clinch on Friday then it could come down to the very last game of the season.

Post-season playoff packages are available now. Purchase your 6-game playoff package that is good for the entire post-season. You get a discount vs. the gate price and any unused playoff credits are forwarded to the following season.

Season tickets are on sale now for the 2009-10 campaign. Reserve your season ticket for as low as $50. There are some great incentives to reserve your season ticket ahead of time. If you pay for your season ticket in full by May 1 the Nailers will give you free parking in the back lot for the season. Those who deposit $100 by May 1 will have the $18 arena fee waived.

For more information contact the Nailers at 304-234-GOAL (that's 234-4625) or log on at wheelingnailers.com.

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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.

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