Nailers Game Preview: Elmira Vs. Wheeling
Published on December 21, 2011 under ECHL (ECHL)
Wheeling Nailers News Release
Elmira Jackals (15-11-0-0 30 Pts) vs. Wheeling Nailers (15-9-0-0 30 Pts)
On Wednesday night, the Wheeling Nailers will play their final game before Christmas, when they welcome the Elmira Jackals to WesBanco Arena for the third time this season.
First place in the Atlantic Division will be on the line, when the two clubs hit the ice, as both sides enter the contest with 15 wins and 30 points. Entering this week, the Nailers have played in two fewer games than the Jackals, and thus hold the lead in points percentage with their 15-9-0-0 record, compared to Elmira's mark of 15-11-0-0. Wheeling also has more regulation wins (13) than Elmira (9), while currently holding a 2-0 lead in the season series, meaning they have the edge in both tie breaking scenarios as well.
After two difficult losses to the Reading Royals on Friday and Saturday, the Nailers responded on Sunday, defeating the Chicago Express 4-1 in the first ever meeting between the two clubs. Rookie defenseman Tim Priamo picked up his first career multiple point game with two assists in the victory, while Cody Chupp, Paul Crowder, and Denver Manderson had one goal and one assist each. In goal, Patrick Killeen made 26 saves on 27 shots, earning his ninth win of the season.
The Elmira Jackals have been one of the hottest teams in the ECHL as of late, winning eight of their last ten contests. Wednesday night will be the final leg of a seven-game road trip for the Jackals, that has produced a 4-2 record thus far. Elmira kicked off the trip with a shootout victory in Trenton, then traveled to Florida, where they picked up two wins in three games against the Everblades. Last weekend, the Jackals took the ice twice, falling 5-3 to Chicago on Friday, before answering with a 4-3 win against Kalamazoo on Saturday. Leading scorer Mike Radja could be on his way back to Elmira, following a brief stint with the AHL's Peoria Rivermen. In 24 ECHL games this season, Radja has 14 goals, 12 assists, and 26 points. Dustin Gazley leads the Jackals with 15 assists, while former Nailer Mario Larocque's 15 points are the most amongst Elmira blueliners. Brian Stewart has racked up ten wins in 16 appearances between the pipes for the Jackals, posting a 3.16 GAA, and a .906 Sv% as well.
This will be the third of 14 meetings this season between the Nailers and Jackals, with all three taking place at WesBanco Arena. Wheeling has picked up the two points in each of the first two contests, winning 3-2 in the home opener on October 22nd, then taking a 5-3 decision in a morning battle on November 15th. Chris Barton, who was recently returned to the Nailers from the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, leads all scorers with two goals and four points in the two head-to-head tilts. Three Wheeling players and four Elmira players are tied for second with two points each. Patrick Killeen has earned the win in both games, defeating Brian Stewart and Timo Pielmeier once each.
INSIDE THE NUMBERS
Wheeling Nailers
15-9-0-0, 30 points, T-1st Atlantic Division, T-3rd Eastern Conference
84 GF, 68 GA
PP: 17-for-103 (16.5%), 16th
PK: 80-for-100 (80.0-%), T-14th
Active Leaders
Goals: Barton (15)
Assists: Hansen, Torquato (13)
Points: Barton (26)
Penalty Minutes: Torquato (54)
+/-: Merth (+14)
Wins: Killeen (9)
GAA: Delmas (2.40)
Sv%: Delmas (.902)
Elmira Jackals
15-11-0-0, 30 points, T-1st Atlantic Division, T-3rd Eastern Conference
88 GF, 89 GA
PP: 24-for-105 (22.9%), 3rd
PK: 111-for-132 (84.1%), 5th
Active Leaders
Goals: Radja (14)
Assists: Gazley (15)
Points: Radja (26)
Penalty Minutes: Harvey (108)
+/-: Campanale (+6)
Wins: Stewart (10)
GAA: Stewart (3.16)
Sv%: Stewart (.906)
The Nailers will play on home ice again on Wednesday night, when they welcome the Elmira Jackals to town for a 7:05 face-off at WesBanco Arena. For ticket information or to purchase tickets call 304-234-GOAL (4625) or online at shop.wheelingnailers.com. You can now purchase Nailers game tickets on your smart phone by visiting m.wheelingnailers.com.
ECHL Stories from December 21, 2011
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