Nailers' Week in Review
January 3, 2012 - ECHL (ECHL)
Wheeling Nailers News Release
Last week, the Wheeling Nailers concluded the 2011 portion of their schedule with a busy week, playing four games in six days, with all four contests taking place against the Atlantic Division. The Nailers were able to pick up three points, turning the calendar five games above .500, at 16-11-1-1, which is good for 34 points, second place in the division, and seventh place in the conference.
The week began on Monday in Elmira, with a goaltending showdown between the Patrick Killeen and Nick Niedert. During regulation, Kevin Harvey and Peter Merth were the only two players able to find the twine, as the game headed to overtime, and eventually a shootout, tied at one. In the shootout, one goal was scored on nine shots, as the Jackals' Mike Radja picked the top corner in the second round, lifting his team to victory. Killeen received the tough luck shootout loss in goal for Wheeling, despite a 30-save performance.
On Wednesday night, the Nailers continued their road trip in Trenton, and this time, offense was the name of the game. The Titans got out to a 2-0 lead, before Wheeling answered with four consecutive tallies. Matt Lombardi and Kyle Bushee both netted power play goals, Denver Manderson scored his second shorthanded goal of the year, and Ben Farrer put in an even strength goal, lifting the visitors to a 4-2 advantage. Trenton tied the game in the third period, but the Nailers ended up with the final say, as Christiaan Minella's power play goal with 1:45 remaining clinched the two points. Patrick Killeen made 29 saves for his tenth win of the season.
Elmira marked both the first and last destination on the trip, as the Nailers returned to First Arena on Friday. After a scoreless first period, Zack Torquato and Paul Crowder put Wheeling ahead 2-0 after 40 minutes of play. Unfortunately, the Jackals turned the contest around in the third, scoring three times in a span of 7:05, before holding off the Nailers' red hot power play in the final two minutes of the game. Kyle Bushee had two helpers in the game for Wheeling, while Patrick Killeen stopped 22 of 25 shots in goal.
The week and the calendar year both came to an end on Saturday, as Wheeling returned to WesBanco Arena to take on the Reading Royals. The game was knotted at one after the first period as Matt Lombardi had a quick answer for Yannick Riendeau's opening goal. Denver Manderson gave the Nailers their lone lead of the game at the 46-second mark of the second, before the Royals tied the game less than three minutes later. With 3:43 left in the middle frame, Ryan Cruthers scored what proved to be the game winning goal in a 3-2 victory for Reading. Wheeling peppered the net with 48 shots, but ran into a strong goaltending performance by Mark Owuya, who made 46 saves. Patrick Killeen made 23 saves on 26 shots for the Nailers.
Notable Statistics
- Zack Torquato concluded the month of December by scoring at least one point in 11 of 14 games.
- Denver Manderson scored two goals in the first minute of a period last week, while also scoring his second shorthanded goal of the season.
- Patrick Killeen started all four games last week, and made 12 appearances in 14 December games, going 5-5-2, with a 2.58 GAA, and a .901 Sv%.
- David Brownschidle made his ECHL debut on Saturday, and received a five-minute major for fighting Reading's Todd Griffith.
- The Nailers have successfully killed off 25 consecutive penalties, dating back to December 17th, moving up to a tie for sixth place in the league.
- After playing 13 of 14 games against the Atlantic Division, Wheeling will start January with eight straight games against the North and South.
This Week
Fri. 1/6 - Cincinnati Cyclones @ WHEELING NAILERS 7:35 PM at WesBanco Arena
Sat. 1/7 - South Carolina Stingrays @ WHEELING NAILERS 7:35 PM at WesBanco Arena
Sun. 1/8 - Greenville Road Warriors @ WHEELING NAILERS 4:05 PM at WesBanco Arena
This week, the Nailers will hit the ice three times, taking on three teams that will be making their season debuts at WesBanco Arena.
On Friday night, Wheeling welcomes in their former divisional rivals, as the Cincinnati Cyclones come to town. Cincinnati has played by far the fewest games in the ECHL thus far, only taking the ice 25 times, while the next closest teams (Wheeling & Toledo) have played in 29 games. Despite that, the Cyclones are playing good hockey as of late, having won five straight games and eight of their last ten. Overall, Cincinnati's record is 13-9-0-3, which is good for 29 points, and third place in the North Division. Mathieu Aubin is the Cyclones' offensive leader, having scored 14 goals and 26 points in 23 games. Anthony Luciani and Michael Pelech are tied for second with 22 points each, while Maury Edwards and David Leaderer have both contributed ten points from the blueline. Chet Pickard has appeared in 13 games between the pipes for Cincinnati, but Brian Foster has had more success, going 7-1 in eight games.
On Saturday night, the Nailers see a team headed in the opposite direction, as the South Carolina Stingrays have lost four straight games, and seven of their last ten. Wheeling and South Carolina met up on October 15th, with the Nailers picking up a 4-1 win at North Charleston Coliseum. Despite their recent struggles, the Stingrays currently own a 15-15-1-1 record, which is good for 32 points, and the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. Defense and goaltending are South Carolina's biggest strengths, led by rookie netminder Philipp Grubauer, who has a 10-7-2 record, a 2.35 GAA, and a .917 Sv% in 19 games. Offensively, Pierre-Luc O'Brien leads the way with 12 goals and 20 points, along with Sean Dolan, who has 13 assists and 20 points. Zach Tarkir is South Carolina's top offensive defenseman, as he has 13 points in 32 contests.
Finally, on Sunday afternoon, Wheeling will have a rematch from opening night, when they turn their attention to the Greenville Road Warriors, who they defeated 6-1 on October 14th at BI-LO Center. Despite being tied for second place in the South Division, the Road Warriors have the second best points percentage in the Eastern Conference, at .633. Greenville's record currently stands at 18-10-1-1, which is good for 38 points. Brendan Connolly has been the Road Warriors' most productive offensive player this season, as he has 18 goals and 35 points in 27 games. He is followed by Justin Bowers, who hasn't been shy with the helpers, as 26 of his 32 points have been via assists. Wes Cunningham's 13 assists and 14 points are the most among Greenville defensemen, leading the way in front of goaltenders Nic Riopel and Jason Missiaen. Riopel has more wins, with 11, but three of Missiaen's six victories have been shutouts.
Atlantic Division Standings
1- Elmira Jackals 20-11-0-0, 40 pts
2- WHEELING NAILERS 16-11-1-1, 34 pts
3- Reading Royals 13-13-3-3, 32 pts
4- Trenton Titans 11-15-2-3, 27 pts
The Nailers will be back in action on Friday night, when they play host to the Cincinnati Cyclones at WesBanco Arena, with opening face-off scheduled for 7:35. For ticket information or to purchase tickets call 304-234-GOAL (4625) or online at shop.wheelingnailers.com. You can now purchase Nailers game tickets on your smartphone by visiting m.wheelingnailers.com
NEXT HOME GAME: Fri. Jan., 6th - 7:35PM
vs.
RONALD McDONALD HOUSE CHARITY NIGHT
Friday January 6th, the Wheeling Nailers will host theCincinnati Cyclones at WesBanco Arena. The Nailers will be wearing special red jerseys to help raise funds for the Morgantown Ronald McDonald House. Following the game there will be a LIVE jersey auction.
FREE YOUTH SKI CAP GIVEAWAY JAN. 7TH
Saturday January 7th, the Wheeling Nailers will host the South Carolina Stingrays at WesBanco Arena. The first 1,000 kids 14 & under through the gates will receive a free Nailers Ski Cap courtesy of the WesBanco
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