Nailers Fall Short in Front of Third Sellout Crowd
April 1, 2016 - ECHL (ECHL)
Wheeling Nailers News Release
WHEELING, WV- Nail-biting season has officially begun for the Wheeling Nailers, who now have four games remaining on the regular season docket for 2015-16. Unfortunately, Wheeling didn't get the result it was hoping for, and in the process, dropped to eighth place in the Eastern Conference. The Reading Royals scored twice in the first period and twice in the third, sandwiched around a Brett Stern goal for the Nailers, as Wheeling fell 4-1 in front of 5,295 fans - the third sellout crowd of the season.
The Nailers didn't have their best first period of the season, but only trailed by one when the opening buzzer sounded. Reading got on the scoreboard first at the 3:25 mark. Jesper Pettersson took a wrist shot from the left point, which was blocked, but the rebound was backhanded in by Kevin Sundher. The Royals added to their lead with a power play marker at 12:21, with the teams playing 4-on-3. Justin Crandall sent the puck in front of the goal for Michael Pelech, who dragged a shot around Franky Palazzese's right pad. Wheeling ended the stanza on a positive note, cutting the deficit to one. Ty Loney's right circle shot was gloved away, but Brett Stern batted the rebound out of the air and into the net.
Riley Brace and Connor Leen rang shots off of the post during the first two periods, but neither team was able to find the back of the cage in the middle frame, as the score stayed 2-1 after 40 minutes. In the final frame, Reading added two insurance goals off of odd-man rushes. The first tally came at the 6:05 mark, when Cam Reid sprung Brandon Alderson and Justin Crandall on a 2-on-1 break. Alderson ended up dishing a pass over to Crandall, who converted a one-timer from the left side of the slot. Crandall got the helper on the final marker in the 4-1 result, setting up Kevin Goumas while the Royals were playing shorthanded.
Adam Morrison got the win in goal for Reading, as he turned aside 27 of the 28 shots he faced. Franky Palazzese suffered the loss for Wheeling, despite making 37 saves on 41 shots.
The Nailers will play host to the Manchester Monarchs on Saturday at 7:35. Miller Lite presents an appearance by the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders. Fans can purchase a Miller Lite VIP Ticket Package, including a meet and greet with the cheerleaders. Next Friday, Wheeling will take the ice for its final regular season home game on Main Street Bank's Fan Appreciation Night. One lucky fan will also have the chance to shoot for a car from Whiteside.
Download the Nailers new smartphone app presented by Panhandle Cleaning and Restoration. Available in the iTunes and Google Play Store. Use promo code "Leader" to receive 100 Nailers points.
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