ECHL Wheeling Nailers

Nailers Win Third Consecutive Game

January 12, 2008 - ECHL (ECHL)
Wheeling Nailers News Release


WHEELING, WV - The Wheeling Nailers (12-20-2-2=28) strong play continued in Saturday night's 4-1 win over the Dayton Bombers (17-11-4-3=41) at WesBanco Arena. They have now won three games in a row and are unbeaten in regulation (3-0-1) under new head coach Greg Puhalski.

Special teams was the determining factor in the game with the Nailers able to completely shut down a dangerous Bombers power play and account for two power-play goals of their own. Wheeling opened the scoring on the man-advantage just under three minutes into the game.

Vadim Slivchenko scored his first goal of the season at 2:40 of the first, converting a one-time feed from David Laliberte. Chris Snavely was also credited with his first of two assists on the night. It marked Slivchenko's first goal as a Nailer since the 1999-2000 season.

Before the end of the first period, the Nailers had struck again. Matt Johnson, in only his second game as a Nailer, added to Wheeling's lead at 10:31 of the first period to make the score 2-0 Wheeling. Aaron Boogaard dropped the puck to Johnson on a 3-on-2 who wristed it through traffic and Bombers goaltender Jeremy Duchesne. Francois Leroux picked up an assist for his first point of the year on the play.

The Nailers once again, effectively executed their power play for their third goal of the night at 13:18 of the second period. Kevin Croxton, who scored twice in Friday night's win over Reading, backhanded home his 12th goal of the season on a rebound from Sean Collins shot.

The Bombers spoiled Martin Houle's bid for a shut out with a goal late in the third period at 14:24. Yannick Tifu, who leads the league in assists, notched his 38th of the season when he passed to Matt Beaudoin beside the net as he knocked one in passed Houle to make the score 3-1.

The Nailers added a shorthanded empty-netter with 43 seconds left in the game to secure the 4-1 win. Aaron Clarke slid the puck from his own end into the vacant net for his sixth tally of the season.

When all was said and done the Bombers were 0-for-9 on the power play while the Nailers finished 2-for-5. Houle stopped 32 shots to post his fourth win of the season while Duchesne made 16 saves and was charged with the loss.

The Nailers are back in action Sunday evening when they will face off against the Trenton Devils. It is Mascot Mania at WesBanco Arena as Spike and Buck will have company that includes Steely McBeem from the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Washington Wild Thing, and many more. Sunday's are Family Fun Days which means you can take advantage of the 4 for $44 deal which includes four tickets, four hot dogs, and four sodas. Kids can skate with the Nailers after the game. Tickets are available by calling 304-234-GOAL or by going online at www.wheelingnailers.com.

Check out the Wheeling Nailers Statistics



ECHL Stories from January 12, 2008


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