ECHL Wheeling Nailers

Nailers Sweep Through South Carolina

Published on October 15, 2011 under ECHL (ECHL)
Wheeling Nailers News Release


CHARLESTON, SC- The Wheeling Nailers made their lone trip to South Carolina count, sweeping through the Greenville Road Warriors and South Carolina Stingrays. On Saturday night, the rookies made their mark on the big stage, as Chris Barton scored twice, and Patrick Johnson tallied once, as the Nailers knocked off the Stingrays, 4-1 at the North Charleston Coliseum.

Midway through the opening stanza, the Nailers drew first blood. Chris Barton stole the puck away from a South Carolina defender back behind the net. He immediately brought the puck to the top of the crease, before sliding a backhand shot through Daren Machesney, who was caught off guard on the play.

The Stingrays evened the score at the 9:33 mark of the second period, while enjoying a two-man advantage. Chris Higgins had his initial shot from the left circle stopped. However, Patrick Killeen lost control of the rebound, allowing Matt Pope to pot the rebound. However, the tied score didn't last long, as Wheeling answered with a shorthanded goal 1:17 later. Chris Barton picked up a loose puck at center ice and was off to the races. Barton faked to the backhand, slipping a goal underneath Machesney's pads. A little less than two minutes after that, the Nailers doubled their lead. Ben Winnett dropped a pass off to Patrick Johnson, who skated deep into the slot, before snapping a wrist shot glove side on Machesney.

The third period was controlled by the visiting Nailers, who outshot South Carolina 16-3. One of those 16 shots found the back of the net, as Wheeling converted on the power play for the first time. Tim Crowder slid a pass through the slot to Matt Lombardi, who hammered a one-timer past Machesney for a 4-1 final score.

For the second night in a row, Patrick Killeen was the winning goaltender, as he stopped 17 of the 18 shots he faced for the Nailers. Daren Machesney took the loos for the Stingrays, making 30 saves on 34 shots.

The Nailers will now have four straight home games at WesBanco Arena, beginning on Saturday night at 7:35, when they face the division rival Elmira Jackals.

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