Nailers Game Preview: Kalamazoo Vs. Wheeling
November 4, 2011 - ECHL (ECHL)
Wheeling Nailers News Release
Tonight, the Wheeling Nailers conclude their four-game homestand at WesBanco Arena, as they welcome the Kalamazoo Wings to town for a rematch of last season's Eastern Conference Final.
Both teams enter tonight's game at the top of their respective divisions, as each squad has gotten off to a strong start in 2011-12. The Nailers own sole possession of the top spot in the Atlantic Division, having won each of their first five contests, including three victories on home ice. On the other side of the ice, the Wings have the lead in the North Division, having won four of their first five contests to open up a two-point lead over the Chicago Express. Chicago dealt Kalamazoo their lone setback of the season, as the Wings split their only two road games at Sears Centre Arena.
Last weekend, the Nailers took the ice twice, and came away with four points, as they knocked off the Gwinnett Gladiators and Trenton Titans. Friday night's tilt was Wheeling's first trip to overtime in 2011-12, and with less than one minute remaining in the extra session, Zack Torquato provided the heroics with a power play tally. On Saturday night, the Nailers turned to rookie Chris Barton, who netted his first career hat trick in just his sixth professional game. Matt Lombardi also chipped in with two goals against his former team, who he and the Nailers will face once again this Saturday.
The Wings took to the ice twice as well last weekend, going 1-1. On Friday night, Kalamazoo got revenge on Chicago for the previous week's defeat, scoring once in each period for a 3-1 victory over the host Express. Then, on Saturday night, offense was the name of the game, as the Wings jumped out to a 6-1 lead, before holding on for a 6-5 win on home ice against the Cincinnati Cyclones. Patrick Asselin and Steven Anthony both tallied twice in Saturday's victory for Kalamazoo, while defenseman Sam Ftorek had three helpers.
In terms of familiar faces, the Wings had former Wheeling defenseman Elgin Reid on the roster, but he was recently recalled to the AHL by the Houston Aeros.
INSIDE THE NUMBERS
Wheeling Nailers
5-0-0-0, 10 points, 1st Atlantic Division, 2nd Eastern Conference
22 GF, 10 GA
PP: 4-for-28 (14.3%), 19th
PK: 17-for-22 (77.3%), 13th
Active Leaders
Goals: Barton (5)
Assists: Johnson (5)
Points: Johnson (7)
Penalty Minutes: Merth (7)
+/-: Bedard, Hansen, Plastino, Torquato (+6)
Wins: Killeen (4)
GAA: Delmas (1.87)
Sv%: Delmas (.913)
Kalamazoo Wings
4-1-0-0, 8 points, 1st North Division, 3rd Eastern Conference
20 GF, 14 GA
PP: 4-for-22 (18.2%), 10th
PK: 23-for-31 (74.2%), 16th
Active Leaders
Goals: Asselin (5)
Assists: Daavettila (7)
Points: Asselin, Daavettila, Svendsen (7)
Penalty Minutes: Bootland (45)
+/-: Sova (+8)
Wins: Gill (4)
GAA: Gill (2.60)
Sv%: Gill (.919)
The Nailers return to WesBanco Arena this Friday night when they host the Kalamazoo Wings. Face-off is set for 7:35pm. Friday night marks the return of Frosty Friday's. $1 drafts will be served untilt he end of the 1st intermission. For more information or to order tickets call 304-234-GOAL or 877-NAILTIX. Order tickets online at shop.wheelingnailers.com or on your smartphone at m.wheelingnailers.com.
ECHL Stories from November 4, 2011
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- Royals Explode in Greenville for 7-3 Win - Reading Royals
- K-Wings Hand Nailers First Loss - Kalamazoo Wings
- Road Warriors Derailed By Royals - Greenville Swamp Rabbits
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- Aces Sign Kremyr, Release Schafer - Alaska Aces
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- Scrivens and Teubert Increase Number of Former ECHL Players to Play in NHL to 471 - ECHL
- Jackals Game Preview: Elmira at Trenton - Elmira Jackals
- Stingrays Gameday: Country Night and Canned Food Drive Tonight Against Everblades - South Carolina Stingrays
- ECHL Today - November 4 - ECHL
- Countdown to Face-Off - Kalamazoo Wings
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