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ECHL Wheeling Nailers

Nailers to Open Playoffs against Everblades

April 10, 2016 - ECHL (ECHL)
Wheeling Nailers News Release


WHEELING, WV- The Wheeling Nailers, proud ECHL affiliate of the Pittsburgh Penguins, have announced their opponent and schedule for the Eastern Conference Quarterfinal Round of the 2016 Kelly Cup Playoffs. The Nailers will face the Florida Everblades in a best-of-seven series, beginning on Friday night at Germain Arena.

During the 2015-16 regular season, the Nailers posted a 37-26-5-4 record, earning 83 points for a seven-point improvement over a year ago. Thanks to a weekend sweep over the Reading Royals, Wheeling was able to hurdle Reading and Adirondack, while keeping Kalamazoo at bay, locking down the fifth seed in the Eastern Conference. The opposition for round one is the fourth place Florida Everblades, who went 46-23-1-2 for 95 points, which were three fewer points than South Division Champion South Carolina compiled.

The Nailers and Everblades had the opportunity to meet for a three-game set back in November, with Wheeling winning two of the three contests, which were all played in the Sunshine State. The first affair saw the Nailers land a powerful early blow, as they scored three goals in each of the first two periods in what turned out to be a 6-5 triumph. John McCarron dented the twine twice, and Harrison Ruopp netted his first pro goal. Two nights later, Wheeling took care of business yet again, thanks to a 48-save effort by Brian Foster. Four different players turned on the red light in the 5-3 victory, including Zack Torquato, who did so twice, and Evan Wardley, who scored for the first time in his pro career. Florida salvaged the finale, 5-2, scoring five straight goals after Wheeling had jumped out to a 2-0 advantage. Foster and Franky Palazzese each won once for the Nailers, while Anthony Peters started all three games in net for the Everblades.

This is the first time that the Nailers and Everblades will meet in the postseason, despite it being the 24th season of hockey in Wheeling and the 18th year for the squad from Estero. The Everblades will be the second ever Floridian opponent for the Wheeling in the postseason, as it faced off with the Tallahassee Tiger Sharks back in 1996. Meanwhile, Florida has never drawn a team from West Virginia for a playoff series.

There have been a pair of recent connections between these two clubs. Forward Chris Kushneriuk began his professional career with the Nailers in 2010-11, and ended up retiring as an Everblade after last season. In 2012, defenseman Mike Ratchuk won a Kelly Cup with Florida, prior to spending two seasons in Wheeling from 2013-15.

The 2016 Eastern Conference Quarterfinal Series between the Wheeling Nailers and Florida Everblades will begin at Germain Arena on Friday and Saturday, before heading to WesBanco Arena on April 20th, 22nd, and 23rd (if necessary). The 20th will begin at 7:05, while the 22nd and 23rd will see the puck drop at 7:35.

Eastern Conference Quarterfinal

Wheeling Nailers vs. Florida Everblades

Game 1 - Fri. Apr. 15th at Florida, 7:30

Game 2 - Sat. Apr. 16th at Florida, 7:00

Game 3 - Wed. Apr. 20th AT WHEELING, 7:05

Game 4 - Fri. Apr. 22nd AT WHEELING, 7:35

Game 5 - Sat. Apr. 23rd AT WHEELING, 7:35 (if necessary)

Game 6 - Mon. Apr. 25th at Florida, 7:30 (if necessary)

Game 7 - Wed. Apr. 27th at Florida, 7:30 (if necessary)

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ECHL Stories from April 10, 2016


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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