Nailers End Six Year Playoff Drought
March 10, 2004 - ECHL (ECHL)
Wheeling Nailers News Release
The Nailers clinched the playoffs last night with a win over the Reading Royals 3-0, setting a ECHL season high 11 consecutive wins. This is the first time the Nailers reached the postseason since 1997-98 when Peter Laviolette (the current coach for the NHL Carolina Hurricanes) coached the Nailers to the Northern Conference Finals.
The win also continues the Nailers ECHL season high of seven consecutive road wins, and ties the franchise season high win total of 46 set in 1994-95. However, the Nailers are not content with just making the playoffs,
"We're pleased with the milestone that we achieved here tonight, but just making the playoffs hasn't been the goal for these guys. They want to win a championship and tonight was the first step toward that,'' said Head Coach Pat Bingham after the game last night.
The Nailers have achieved all that they have this season often with a shortened roster, as the Nailers have been very active in player transfers to and from their affiliate Wilkes-Barre Penguins.
"We are very fortunate to be affiliated with the Penguins organization, I think it has been a win-win situation throughout the organization this year", said Nailers President Rob Brooks. "One stat we are very proud of is that we as a franchise have sent more players to the NHL (24) than any other team in the ECHL".
The Nailers look to set the franchise season high for wins tonight as they face the second place Boardwalk Bullies in Atlantic City.
In celebration to the end of the six year playoff drought, the Nailers with the help of Clear Channel Communications and WTOV 9 are offering six dollar tickets for Fan Appreciation Night, Saturday March 27th. The Nailers play host to second place Atlantic City on Friday March 12th at 7:30 at Wesbanco Arena and Peoria on Sunday March 14th at 2:00 at Wesbanco Arena.
ECHL Stories from March 10, 2004
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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.
