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 Wheeling Nailers

Nailers Fall 3-2 But Still Control Playoff Destiny

April 3, 2009 - ECHL (ECHL)
Wheeling Nailers News Release


Wheeling, WV - The Wheeling Nailers had great shot after great shot on Dayton goalie Paul Drew but weren't able to complete the comeback as they fall 3-2 in a heartbreaker in their home finale. The loss to the Dayton Bombers kept the Nailers from clinching the last playoff spot in the North Division on their Fan Appreciation Night but the Nailers still control their own destiny and will advance to the post-season if they win at the Trenton Devils Saturday night at 7:00 in the last game of the regular season.

Johnstown lost at the Cincinnati Cyclones in overtime 4-3 so the Nailers hold a precious one point lead on the Chiefs with one game remaining. If the Nailers win then they are in. If the Nailers lose at the Devils then they would still advance to the playoffs if the Cincinnati Cyclones defeat the Johnstown Chiefs. The Chiefs hold the tie-breaker advantage over the Wheeling Nailers based on total wins so the Nailers have to finish one point ahead of the Chiefs to advance to the Kelly Cup playoffs for the first time in 3 years. If the two teams finish

Wheeling kept coming and coming at Dayton netminder Drew who made several spectacular saves to somehow steal the game for Bombers. Trailing 1-0 into the 3rd period the Bombers made it 2-0 at 6:39 on a rebound that was flipped home on the backhand from the left circle by Brock Wilson.

The two goal lead lasted less than a minute as Billy Ryan got it back for the Nailers at 7:14 on the from Reid Cashman and Bryan "Boomer" Ewing. Ryan's 12th goal of the year since joining the team a little over a month ago got the Nailers to within 2-1.

Wheeling had more great chances on Drew but somehow couldn't bury the equalizer and then with the Nailers defense pinching forward and trying to make it happen the Bombers were able to race back with a 2-on-1 with Andrew Fournier on the receiving end of a Les Reaney feed at 14:02 for his 8th of the year to give Dayton a 3-1 lead.

The Nailers quickly closed the margin to one taking only a minute twenty-one for Jordan Morrison to bury a power play goal for his 26th of the year slamming home the one-timer from right out in front following some pretty passing by Tommy Goebel and Chris Margott. The lamplighter at 15:23 made the score 3-2.

Brett Dougherty, who earlier in the period was denied by a diving David Brown with his most spectacular save of the night, got a high check on one of the Nailers and took a boarding penalty at 17:42 to give the Nailers the power play. With 1:20 remaining the Nailers added an extra attacker pulling goalie David Brown to set up a 6-on-4 advantage.

The Nailers worked it around the zone well but didn't get too many great challenges on Drew. The Bombers withstood the attack and playing their last games as an organization were able to somehow get a wild and heartbreaking 3-2 decision.

Dayton is playing their last games as an organization. They have been eliminated from playoff contention and the long-time ECHL member announced earlier in the week that they would not be returning to the league next season amidst financial problems. The contest was the last of a long and great rivalry in the North Division. Dayton is only suspending operations though so they could possibly come back to the league in a couple years.

4844 were on hand on Fan Appreciation Night and a great atmosphere prevailed as the fans tried to will their Nailers to clinch the playoff spot. Thanks to all you Wheeling Nailers fans for a fantastic 2008-09 regular season. We hope to see you back here for the post-season if Wheeling can take care of business in their last game at Trenton. The Nailers would play games 1 and 2 of the best of 7 series on the road and then would host games 3, 4 and 5 at WesBanco Arena. The playoffs could begin as early as Thursday, April 9th with game 1 on the road. The earliest the Nailers could play a home playoff game would be Saturday, April 11th.

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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