Nailers Snap Skid Thanks to Cerretani's OT Magic
January 22, 2016 - ECHL (ECHL)
Wheeling Nailers News Release
Andrew Cerretani of the Wheeling Nailers Celebrates a Goal vs. the Kalamazoo Wings
(Wheeling Nailers)
WHEELING, WV- Fresh off of the all-star break and an exciting day on Thursday in which David Gove was named head coach, the Wheeling Nailers were more than ready to get back to their winning ways, when they took the ice at WesBanco Arena on Friday. Despite falling behind, the Nailers battled back, tying the game in the third period, then picking up the victory in overtime, as Andrew Cerretani's backhander found the right side of the net at 2:17 of the extra session. Casey DeSmith backstopped his first triumph with the club, turning in a 27-save effort.
Defense was the story of the first two periods of the game, as only one goal was scored on 40 combined shots. Wheeling had the better offensive period in the first, as it outshot the Wings, 16-7. However, Kalamazoo responded in the middle frame, collecting a 12-5 advantage in the shots category, while turning on the red light for the first time. Anton Cederholm's shot from the blueline flew wide off of the end boards. The rebound hopped out to Dane Fox, who lofted a shot over a scrambling Casey DeSmith in the Nailers net.
Wheeling played a much better third period, and it resulted in the tying goal with 15:46 remaining. Andrew Cerretani took the puck in the right circle, and slipped a pass through the slot to Connor Leen, who redirected it in on the left side of the crease. The connection between Leen and Cerretani was the first of the season for the two players who were teammates at the University of Maine. The Nailers went on to outshot the Wings, 13-9 in the stanza, while also killing a penalty in the final five minutes, as the tilt stayed tied, forcing overtime.
Shots on goal came fast and furious during the extra session, and on Wheeling's fourth attempt, the game ended. Cody Wydo jammed the puck toward the left side of the net, where it was kept out by Joel Martin, but the rebound was lifted in on the backhand by Andrew Cerretani. Cerretani's third goal and sixth point in eight games with the Nailers gave them their first overtime win of the campaign.
Casey DeSmith secured his first victory in a Wheeling uniform, stopping 27 of the 28 shots he faced. Joel Martin took the overtime loss for Kalamazoo, despite making 36 saves on 38 shots.
The Nailers and Wings will do battle again on Saturday at 7:35 on Pittsburgh Pirates Night, starring Francisco Cervelli. Then, on Sunday, Wheeling will play a 4:05 home contest against Brampton, with McDonald's $5 Kids Tickets and a Post Game Skate with the Team, presented by KoSports Hockey.
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 Andrew Cerretani of the Wheeling Nailers Celebrates a Goal vs. the Kalamazoo Wings |
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