Nailers Game Preview: Wheeling Vs. Elmira
December 26, 2011 - ECHL (ECHL)
Wheeling Nailers News Release
Wheeling Nailers (15-9-1-0 31 Pts) vs. Elmira Jackals (16-11-0-0 32 Pts)
On Monday night, the Wheeling Nailers return to action, following a four-day break for the holidays, as they begin a stretch of four games in six days at First Arena against the Elmira Jackals.
For the second straight contest, first place in the Atlantic Division will be on the line, when the two clubs take the ice. Entering last Wednesday night's game, Wheeling and Elmira were tied with 15 wins and 30 points each. Thanks to a 3-2 overtime victory in that game, the Jackals have pulled ahead of the Nailers by one point, as Elmira enters with a mark of 16-11-0-0, which is good for 32 points, while Wheeling enters at 15-9-1-0, which is good for 31 points. At this point in the season, each day could feature lots of shuffling in the Eastern Conference Standings, as the top team (Gwinnett) and the ninth place team (Reading) are separated by just six points.
The Nailers are currently in the midst of five straight games against the Atlantic Division to conclude the month of December. The first of those games came last Wednesday against Elmira, following their lone non-divisional game of the month - a 4-1 win over the Chicago Express the previous Sunday. So far this month, Wheeling has posted a 5-4-1 record, earning 11 out of 20 possible points (.550 percentage). From an individual standpoint, Zack Torquato is enjoying one of his best months as a pro, as he has at least one point in eight of the ten games. Mickael Bedard has also played well, accumulating at least one point in seven of the ten games. Patrick Killeen has played in eight of the ten games between the pipes, earning four victories.
Monday night will be the first home game for the Elmira Jackals since back-to-back wins over Trenton and Reading on December 2nd and 3rd. After those victories, the Jackals ventured out on a seven-game road trip, and came back with five wins to show for it. Six of the games were played against teams that would make the playoffs if the regular season ended today. Mike Radja continues to be the offensive leader for Elmira, having scored 15 goals and 28 points in 25 games. Dustin Gazley's 22 points are second on the team, while his 17 assists are the most among the Jackals. Although he is fifth on the team in scoring, Louie Caporusso has had one of the stronger runs as of late for Elmira, registering five goals and two assists in his last four games. With Timo Pielmeier on recall to the Albany Devils, the Jackals turned to Nick Niedert in goal on Wednesday. Niedert's 24 saves were enough to earn his first career win.
This will be the fourth of 14 meetings this season between the Nailers and Jackals, but the first at First Arena. Wheeling has earned at least one point in all three games against Elmira thus far, starting with a pair of victories, before falling in overtime in the most recent battle. Patrick Johnson's third period tally broke a 2-2 tie on October 22nd, giving the Nailers a 3-2 win in their home opener. On November 15th, a two-goal and three-point performance by Chris Barton helped Wheeling to a 5-3 win in the team's lone morning tilt of the campaign. Finally, on December 21st, Riley Armstrong's goal at the 3:12 mark of overtime gave the Jackals a 3-2 win, leading into Monday's rematch. Chris Barton's four points are the most in the season series, while Zack Torquato, Zach Hansen, Riley Armstrong, and Craig Rivet each have three points. Patrick Killeen has played in all three games for Wheeling between the pipes, facing three different netminders for Elmira. Game five of the season series takes place on Friday in Elmira.
Catch all the action of tonight's game LIVE on RTV 9 or on the radio at the MIX 97.3 FM.
INSIDE THE NUMBERS
Wheeling Nailers
15-9-1-0, 31 points, 2nd Atlantic Division, T-7th Eastern Conference
86 GF, 71 GA
PP: 19-for-109 (17.4%), 12th
PK: 84-for-104 (80.8%), 13th
Active Leaders
Goals: Barton (15)
Assists: Hansen, Torquato (14)
Points: Barton (26)
Penalty Minutes: Ross (59)
+/-: Merth (+12)
Wins: Killeen (9)
GAA: Delmas (2.40)
Sv%: Delmas (.902)
Elmira Jackals
16-11-0-0, 32 points, 1st Atlantic Division, 3rd Eastern Conference
91 GF, 91 GA
PP: 24-for-109 (22.0%), T-4th
PK: 114-for-137 (83.2%), 6th
Active Leaders
Goals: Radja (15)
Assists: Gazley (17)
Points: Radja (28)
Penalty Minutes: Harvey (110)
+/-: Campanale (+8)
Wins: Stewart (10)
GAA: Stewart (3.16)
Sv%: Stewart (.906)
The Nailers' next home game is on Saturday night, December 31st, when they play host to the Reading Royals at 7:35 PM. 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 smartphone by visiting m.wheelingnailers.com.
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