Nailers Unable to Answer Fast Start by Walleye
January 25, 2015 - ECHL (ECHL)
Wheeling Nailers News Release
TOLEDO, OH- The Wheeling Nailers made their first trip of the regular season to Huntington Center on Sunday, but the result of the game didn't go in their favor. The Toledo Walleye scored 39 seconds into the contest, as part of a three-goal first period, en route to a 5-2 win over the Nailers. Justin Mercier had two goals and three points for Toledo, while Derek Army extended his point streak to six games for Wheeling.
Following just their sixth regulation loss of the season on Saturday, the Walleye began Sunday's games with some jump in their step, which led to a three-goal outburst during the first period. Martin Frk was the first player to light the lamp, doing so at the 39-second mark of the game. Frk took a pass from Justin Mercier, lifting in a shot from the left side of the crease. Shortly before the six-minute mark, Toledo extended the lead with a power play goal. Mercier rushed down the right side of the ice, taking a shot from the right circle, which flew into the top-right corner of the goal. The third Walleye tally came shorthanded, when Kyle Bonis converted a breakaway attempt, which was set up by Michael Leone. Bonis' shot went in on the left side of the cage.
Toledo connected for a second power play goal at the start of the second period. Anthony Luciani slipped the puck to Alden Hirschfeld in the low slot. Hirschfeld spun a pass around to Mercier, who slammed a one-timer into the top of the net. The Nailers battled back with two goals in a span of 1:27 around the midway mark of the stanza. Shawn Skelly netted the first marker, tapping in the rebound of Derek Army's initial shot. Army's assist extended his point streak to six games, matching his and Riley Brace's season-high. The second goal was potted by Tyler Fernandez, who took a pass from Zack Torquato, lighting the lamp from just above the right side of the goal line.
Unfortunately, Wheeling was unable to get closer than two, as the Walleye tacked on one more insurance goal in the third. AJ Jenks led the home team on an odd-man break through center, which was finished off by Leone, whose left shot slot beat Franky Palazzese against the grain for the 5-2 final score.
Jeff Lerg secured his 19th win in goal for Toledo, making 24 saves on 26 shots. Franky Palazzese took the loss for Wheeling, turning away 28 of the 33 shots he faced.
The Nailers will play two games on the road against the Kalamazoo Wings on Friday and Saturday at 7:35. Wheeling will play a three-game homestand from February 6th-8th, starting at 7:35, 8:05, and 4:05 respectively.
The Nailers will play a three-game homestand on February 6th, 7th, and 8th.
Friday the 6th is a 7:35 game against Toledo, featuring Flat Screen Friday, Frosty Friday, and a player poster giveaway.
Saturday the 7th is Duck Dynasty Night at 8:05 against Cincinnati, with an appearance by Jep Robertson from A&E's highest rated television show.
Sunday the 8th is a 4:05 face-off against Elmira, and after the game, fans can join the Nailers for a post game skate. Kids tickets for that contest will be $5, and the Oglebay Good Zoo will have an exhibit in the concourse.
Wheeling Nailers 2014-15 season tickets, flex tickets, group tickets and single-game tickets are on sale now. For more information, call 304-234-GOAL or visit wheelingnailers.com.
Listen to all Nailers regular season and post-season games live on the Valley's rock station EAGLE 107.5 FM, on www.iheartradio.com or watch live on www.echl.tv. Catch every road game live on WLUTV on Comcast Cable 14.
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