Nailers Extend Point Streak, But Fall in Overtime
December 14, 2018 - ECHL (ECHL)
Wheeling Nailers News Release
KALAMAZOO, MI- The Wheeling Nailers battled back from a pair of deficits on Friday night, earning a point against the Kalamazoo Wings at Wings Event Center. However, it was a former Nailer who led his team to the bonus point, as Reid Gardiner snapped a 3-3 deadlock at 1:28 of overtime, winning the game for Kalamazoo. Kevin Spinozzi, Cedric Lacroix, and Michael Phillips scored for Wheeling.
Kalamazoo got off to a quick start offensively, opening the scoring just 20 seconds into the game. Kyle Blaney tossed a pass to the right side of the slot, where a shot was slammed into the top shelf by Tyler Biggs. The Wings upped their lead less than five minutes later. Jordan Ruby made a sparkling save off of Brandon Anselmini's one-timer from Justin Taylor, but the Kalamazoo defender was able to reach out and swipe in the rebound. The Nailers got on the scoreboard at the 8:56 mark of the stanza, when Kevin Spinozzi clobbered home a shot from the top of the left circle. Nick Saracino and Cam Brown recorded the assists, stretching their point streaks to five games.
Wheeling's penalty kill was splendid, thwarting six man advantages for the Wings, while tying the game with a shorthanded goal. Dane Birks kicked the puck ahead to Cedric Lacroix, who drove down the right side and converted. Kalamazoo took the lead back with 2:24 left in the frame, as Biggs slammed in a one-time feed from Anselmini.
With 6:32 left in the third period, the Nailers pulled even for the second time, which earned them a point on the road. Brown drove a shot on goal, which was kicked out by Jake Hildebrand, but the rebound was chipped into the top-right corner by Michael Phillips.
Unfortunately, overtime didn't go Wheeling's way, and it was a former Nailer playing the role of hero. Tanner Sorenson banked a pass off Jordan Ruby to Reid Gardiner, who lifted in the winning goal for a 4-3 final.
Jake Hildebrand picked up the victory for the Wings, blocking 34 of the 37 shots he faced. Jordan Ruby has helped his team earn points in four straight starts. He was saddled with the overtime defeat, despite 24 saves on 28 shots.
The Nailers return home for a big night against the Norfolk Admirals on Saturday at 7:05. WWE Hall of Famer Mick Foley will be the star of the night for NailerMania, which will also feature Black Diamond Wrestling. Saturday is also the annual Teddy Bear Toss - bring a new or gently used stuffed animal and throw it on the ice when the Nailers score their first goal. The stuffed animals will be collected by the Salvation Army, who will gift them to children in the Ohio Valley. Finally, Saturday is Ugly Sweater Night. Family Four Packs are available for NailerMania, as well as a special on 300-level tickets. The Wheeling Nailers, considered one of the top things to do in Wheeling, West Virginia, provide affordable family entertainment for fans throughout the Ohio Valley. For information on season tickets, group tickets, flex plans, and more, call (304) 234-GOAL.
ECHL Stories from December 14, 2018
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- 'Blades Bounce Past Swamp Rabbits for Sixth Straight Win - Florida Everblades
- Labelle's OT Winner Lifts Fuel over Oilers - Indy Fuel
- Newbury Notches Two in Win - Jacksonville Icemen
- Glads Battle to Get Point in OT Loss to Jacksonville - Atlanta Gladiators
- Gardiner Plays Hero against Former Team, K-Wings Take 4-3 OT Victory - Kalamazoo Wings
- Nailers Extend Point Streak, But Fall in Overtime - Wheeling Nailers
- Fuel Top Oilers in Overtime - Tulsa Oilers
- Monarchs Derail Railers, 4-0 - Manchester Monarchs
- Jenks and Moore Pace Walleye Past Admirals - Norfolk Admirals
- Mariners Use Hot Start to Drop Thunder - Maine Mariners
- Royals Capitalize on Americans' Penalties, 5-3 - Reading Royals
- Railers Come up Empty in 4-0 Home Loss to Monarchs - Worcester Railers HC
- Final - Thunder Come up Empty in 5-2 Loss to Mariners - Adirondack Thunder
- Royals Make 2 Roster Moves Ahead of Friday's Puck Drop - Reading Royals
- Grizzlies Add Forward Michael Economos to Roster - Utah Grizzlies
- ECHL Transactions - December 14 - ECHL
- Americans Make a Trade with Maine, Face Reading Tonight - Allen Americans
- Mariners Acquire Forward Greg Chase from Allen - Maine Mariners
- Nailers at Wings Game Day Snap Shot, December 14 - Wheeling Nailers
- IceMen Get Forward and Defenseman in Trade with Komets - Jacksonville Icemen
- Wichita Begins Road Trip Tonight in Fort Wayne - Wichita Thunder
- Game Day: Three-In-Three Begins with Friday Tilt against Wheeling - Kalamazoo Wings
- Game Day: Clothing Drive, Family 4 Pack as Royals Host Americans for First of Three - Reading Royals
- Strong Effort Falls Short as Admirals Fall 2-1 to Cyclones - Norfolk Admirals
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