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ECHL Wheeling Nailers

Nailers Week in Review

January 17, 2012 - ECHL (ECHL)
Wheeling Nailers News Release


Last week, the Wheeling Nailers took the ice four times against the two teams from the State of Ohio, and came away with points in three of the four contests. Wheeling won both of their home games, edging Toledo in overtime on Wednesday, before getting past Cincinnati in a shootout on Sunday. While on the road, the Nailers fell in regulation to the Walleye on Friday, before picking up a point in an overtime setback against the Cyclones on Saturday. The 2-1-1 week kept Wheeling in second place in the Atlantic Division, with a 20-13-2-1 record, which is good for 43 points. In the Eastern Conference Standings, the Nailers are currently in sixth place, as just three points separate second place from seventh.

On Wednesday night, the Nailers began their last season series of the season, as the nearby Toledo Walleye finally appeared on the schedule for the first time in 2011-12. It was a back-and-forth battle at WesBanco Arena, that only saw the Walleye have the lead for 4:47, while the Nailers were unable to take the lead during regulation. However, Wheeling did get the final say, as their lone lead of the contest was the one that mattered most. Zack Torquato broke a 2-2 tie at the 23-second mark of overtime, giving him his second overtime winner of the year, and lifting the Nailers to victory. That goal was one of two points in the game for the second-year forward, while Peter Delmas made 24 saves for his ninth win of the season.

Wheeling and Toledo renewed their acquaintances on Friday night, when the two teams shifted to Huntington Center for the back end of their home-and-home series. Unfortunately for the Nailers, the Walleye were able to capitalize on their home ice, as Joey Martin's two goals and Kyle Rogers' tally were enough for a 3-0 win. Patrick Killeen made 30 saves for Wheeling, but was defeated by Rob Nolan, who was perfect on 19 shots.

The Ohio trip continued on Saturday, when the Nailers made their way to Cincinnati for a battle with the Cyclones. The visitors got out to a blazing hot start on Saturday night, as Joe Tolles and Mickael Bedard picked up first period markers, with Tolles netting the first of his professional career. The Cyclones fought back in the second period, ultimately taking the lead on three consecutive goals, before Peter Lenes tied the game with a power play tally. Cincinnati took a 4-3 lead at the 6:37 mark of the third on Robert Slaney's goal, but Lenes came to the rescue again, knotting the game at four with 3:26 remaining. At the 2:36 mark of overtime, the Cyclones broke the tie on Slaney's second goal of the night, as the home team escaped on top, 5-4. Chet Pickard defeated Patrick Killeen in goal, while Wheeling's star of the game was Lenes, who had four points in just his third game with the club.

The Nailers and Cyclones clashed again on Sunday afternoon, with this meeting taking place at WesBanco Arena. For the second straight day, 60 minutes weren't enough. Cincinnati broke out to an early 2-0 lead, before Peter Lenes put Wheeling on the board late in the opening frame. Matt Lombardi tied the score at the 7:03 mark of the second period, only to have Jonathan Hazen put the visitors back on top 40 seconds later. At the 6:33 mark of the third period, Olivier Dame-Malka drilled home the tying goal, ultimately forcing overtime, and then a shootout. Matt Lombardi and Mathieu Aubin exchanged goals in the first round of the shootout, before Chris Barton gave the Nailers the lead in round three. Patrick Killeen made that lead stand up, as he denied Michael Pelech, Garrett Wilson missed his shot wide, and Killeen poke checked Hazen to finish off the victory. The Wheeling backstop made 32 saves for his 11th win of the year, beating out Brad Fogal, who stopped 26 shots for the Cyclones. Lenes and Lombardi both had two-point games.

Notable Statistics

- After being acquired in a trade with Trenton on Tuesday, Peter Lenes picked up seven points (4g, 3a) in four games, including a four-point performance on Saturday.

- Joe Tolles netted his first professional goal on Saturday at Cincinnati, playing in his home state of Ohio.

- Patrick Killeen made three straight starts in goal over the weekend, stopping 30-plus shots in all three contests.

- With two wins last week, the Nailers are now 4-1 in five January games played at WesBanco Arena.

- Sunday afternoon's victory marked the first time this season that Wheeling won a shootout, and also the first time that they won a game when trailing after two periods.

This Week

Fri. 1/20 - Toledo Walleye @ WHEELING NAILERS 7:35 PM at Cambria County War Memorial Arena

Sat. 1/21 - Elmira Jackals @ WHEELING NAILERS 7:05 PM at Cambria County War Memorial Arena

This week, the Nailers will go fishing for Walleye for the third time in ten days, when the two teams meet up at Cambria County War Memorial Arena in Johnstown on Friday night. The home team has won each of the first two tilts between the two clubs, with Wheeling winning 3-2 in overtime at WesBanco Arena, and Toledo winning 3-0 at Huntington Center. Despite picking up points in four straight games, the Walleye remain at the bottom of the North Division, as they enter the week with a 15-18-1-2 record, which is good for 33 points. With a strong offensive performance last week, Joey Martin has added to his scoring lead for Toledo, as he now has 12 goals and 25 points in 32 games. Bryan Rufenach remains the squad's top defensive scorer with nine goals and 17 points in 29 games, while Rob Nolan earned his first victory in a Walleye uniform last week, and is now 7-11-2 overall this season, with a 3.09 GAA, and an .892 Sv%.

On Saturday night, the Nailers will play in Johnstown once again, as they will welcome the Eastern Conference leading Elmira Jackals in for an Atlantic Division collision. The Jackals' record currently stands at 24-12-1-0, which is good for 49 points. Wheeling and Elmira have met five times this season, with four of the five games being decided by one goal. The Nailers won the first two games, but the Jackals have won the most recent three, including one overtime victory, and one win in a shootout. With Mike Radja currently on recall to the AHL, Dustin Gazley has the active scoring lead to himself for Elmira, as he has 24 assists and 34 points in 37 games. Artem Demkov's 11 goals are the most among current Jackals, while Mario Larocque leads the blueline with 21 points in 34 games. In goal, Brian Stewart and Timo Pielmeier have combined for 22 of Elmira's 24 wins, with both posting goals against averages below 2.90, and both sporting save percentages over .910.

Atlantic Division Standings

1- Elmira Jackals 24-12-1-0, 47 pts

2- WHEELING NAILERS 20-13-2-1, 43 pts

3- Reading Royals 15-15-3-3, 36 pts

4- Trenton Titans 13-17-3-3, 32 pts

Last Week

Wed. 1/11 - Toledo Walleye 2 @ WHEELING NAILERS 3 (OT)

Fri. 1/13 - WHEELING NAILERS 0 @ Toledo Walleye 3

Sat. 1/14 - WHEELING NAILERS 4 @ Cincinnati Cyclones 5 (OT)

Sun. 1/15 - Cincinnati Cyclones 3 @ WHEELING NAILERS 4 (SO)

The Nailers will be back in action on Friday night, when they play host to the Toledo Walleye at Cambria County War Memorial 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.

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