ECHL Wheeling Nailers

Nailers Rally for a Point, But Fall in Overtime

Published on December 31, 2015 under ECHL (ECHL)
Wheeling Nailers News Release


WHEELING, WV - Fans were ringing their cowbells at WesBanco Arena on Thursday night, but unfortunately for the Wheeling Nailers, one ring from the game will stick out in their heads. Wheeling hit the post on a 3-on-1 rush in overtime, and the Brampton Beast rushed back the other way, with Brandon Marino scoring on a breakaway for a 4-3 final score in favor of the visitors. The Nailers forced overtime by erasing a 3-1 deficit, tying the game on Andrew Cerretani's first professional goal.

Both teams notched a goal in the opening period, with both tallies barely finding their ways into the net. Brampton got the first marker of the evening, utilizing the power play at the 12:34 mark. Luke Pither jammed the puck to the front of the goal, where it was fended off by Franky Palazzese. However, Scott Howes crashed in for a second and third opportunity, which he ultimately flipped into the top shelf. The Nailers got their goal with 1:44 remaining. Anton Zlobin's left side shot was sticked away to the right corner. Matia Marcantuoni flew in to retrieve the puck, banking it off of Edward Pasquale's skate and in over the line.

The middle frame went the way of the visitors, who built a two-goal advantage. At the 11:29 mark, Angelo Miceli set up Jordan Henry, who drove a one-timer into the top-left corner of the cage. 4:45 later, the Beast struck again, as Jeff Brown finished off a scramble in the crease. Steven Kaunisto and Scott Jacklin picked up the assists.

Not to be discouraged, the Nailers battled back in the third period, earning a point. With his team on the power play, Anton Zlobin took the opportunity to rush the puck into the offensive zone, splitting through the defense, before deking to his backhand, and jamming a shot between Pasquale's pad and the post. Then, with 9:07 remaining Mathew Maione registered his second helper of the stanza, as he dashed over the offensive blueline, before setting up a wide open opportunity for Andrew Cerretani on the right side of the crease. Cerretani deposited the marker in his pro debut, which ultimately forced overtime.

Wheeling nearly came away with the victory on a 3-on-1 rush in the extra period, but Matia Marcantuoni's shot rang off the post. The rebound rocketed out to Brandon Marino, who went the other way on a breakaway, going to his forehand, and sliding a shot around Franky Palazzese's left pad for a 4-3 Beast win.

Edward Pasquale stopped 31 of the 34 shots he faced in the win for Brampton, including 12 saves in the third period and overtime. Franky Palazzese was saddled with the overtime loss for Wheeling, after denying 22 of 26 attempts directed his way.

The Nailers and Beast will do battle again at WesBanco Arena on Saturday night at 7:35 on Throwback Night. Wheeling will be wearing vintage Thunderbirds jerseys, and all tickets for the game are $7. On Sunday, the Nailers will play host to the Norfolk Admirals at 4:05, in which McDonald's offers $5 kids tickets, and there will be a post game skate with the team.

Check out the Wheeling Nailers Statistics

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ECHL Stories from December 31, 2015


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