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ECHL Wheeling Nailers

Solar Bears Steal One in Wheeling

January 8, 2016 - ECHL (ECHL)
Wheeling Nailers News Release


Wheeling Nailers vs. the Orlando Solar Bears
Wheeling Nailers vs. the Orlando Solar Bears
(Wheeling Nailers)

WHEELING, WV- The Wheeling Nailers put forth a dominant performance in the first period of Friday night's game against the Orlando Solar Bears. Unfortunately, that was the lone bright spot of the evening, as the Solar Bears roared back, scoring five unanswered goals, coming from behind for a 5-2 victory at WesBanco Arena. Connor Leen assisted on both Wheeling goals - one by Anton Zlobin and the other by Jarrett Burton.

The Nailers brought their offense to the game early, jumping on the Solar Bears with a 13-5 advantage in shots on goal, while also building a 2-0 lead on the scoreboard. The first goal came at the 5:50 mark, when Connor Leen sprang Anton Zlobin on a partial breakaway. Zlobin kept the puck on his forehand, swiping a shot through Ryan Massa's legs for his fifth tally in his last four games. A little more than three minutes later, Wheeling added to its advantage. The trio of Leen, Cody Wydo, and Jarrett Burton powered their way to the front of the net, with Wydo ultimately landing the final whack to inch the puck over the goal line. Burton had hit the right post moments earlier on another tremendous scoring chance for the home team.

The middle frame went in a different direction, as the Solar Bears battled back to even the score. At the 1:20 mark, Orlando completed a beautiful passing play as it entered the offensive zone. Jack Rodewald slid the puck to Rylan Schwartz, who immediately connected with Max Nicastro, who cruised to the net from his position at the right point. Nicastro kept his stick on the ice, redirecting the feed into the right side of the cage. Shortly before the midway mark of the period, the tying goal came from Johnny McInnis, who caught a home run pass from Nicastro, got stopped on a partial breakaway, before banging home his own rebound.

With the game deadlocked, the momentum took a large swing in the Solar Bears' favor early in the third period, when they successfully killed a five-minute Wheeling power play, allowing very few opportunities. A few minutes later, a delayed penalty was upcoming against the Nailers, and thanks to a lucky bounce, the visitors took their first lead of the night. Rylan Schwartz let a wrist shot go from the top of the right circle, banking it off of a Wheeling skate and into the cage with 9:02 to go in the game. Johnny McInnis put Orlando ahead by two with 4:22 remaining, as he protected the puck on his backhand, before lifting it into the top-left corner. Max Nicastro completed the scoring in the 5-2 win for the Solar Bears, connecting on a power play goal in the final minute.

Ryan Massa got the win in net for Orlando, making 25 saves on 27 shots. Franky Palazzese suffered the loss for Wheeling, allowing five goals on 24 shots.

The Nailers will play host to the Solar Bears again on Saturday at 7:35 on Princesses & Pirates Night, which features a pregame dinner and party prior to the game. In addition, the first 2,000 fans will receive a Cheer Scarf, courtesy of WesBanco Bank. Finally, Saturday is the annual Girl Scout Game. On Sunday, Wheeling will host Indy at 4:05 on a Family Funday with McDonald's $5 kids tickets and a post game skate with the team.

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Wheeling Nailers vs. the Orlando Solar Bears
Wheeling Nailers vs. the Orlando Solar Bears
   



ECHL Stories from January 8, 2016


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