Stevenson's OT Winner Completes Six-Point Week
Published on March 16, 2014 under ECHL (ECHL)
Wheeling Nailers News Release
READING, PA- Dustin Stevenson created lots of pleasant memories during the 2012-13, when he won a Kelly Cup with the Reading Royals. On Sunday afternoon, he created another great memory in Reading, except this time, it was as a member of the Wheeling Nailers. Stevenson broke a 2-2 tie at the 27-second mark of overtime, lifting the Nailers to a 3-2 triumph over the Royals at Santander Arena.
The Royals opened the scoring at the 11:52 mark of the first period. Ryan Cruthers sprayed a pass through the slot for Yannick Tifu, who wristed in a shot from the bottom of the right circle, after a couple of offensive chances for the home team. Exactly two minutes later, the Nailers tied the score. Chaz Johnson raced up the left side of the ice, before letting a wrist shot go, which split through the legs of goaltender Riley Gill. Matt Grassi and Paul Cianfrini recorded the assists for Wheeling.
Early in the second period, Reading retook the lead, courtesy of a power play goal. Carter Rowney had an opportunity in the offensive zone, but broke his stick on the shot, leading the Royals in the opposite direction with an odd-man rush. Josh Brittain dropped a pass off to Domenic Monardo, who snapped in a shot from the right side of the slot.
At the 13:11 mark of the third period, the Nailers drew even, thanks to a friendly bounce from the boards. Tom Kuhnhackl rimmed a dump-in around the right corner, which deflected off of a partition and directly into the slot. The fortunate Wheeling player was leading goal scorer Cody Sylvester, who potted his fifth goal of the weekend, smacking a shot through Gill's legs, ultimately forcing overtime.
The extra session lasted for just 27 seconds, before Wheeling secured its sixth win in seven tries in the five-minute period. Mike Ratchuk entered in on the right side of the offensive zone, connecting with Carter Rowney, who worked the puck to Dustin Stevenson. The former Reading blueliner drilled a shot into the vacant side of the cage, lifting the Nailers to the 3-2 victory.
Eric Hartzell earned his second straight win in goal for Wheeling, stopping 25 of the 27 shots he faced. Riley Gill suffered the shootout loss for the Royals, making 23 saves on 26 shots.
The Nailers will continue their three-game road trip in Toledo on Wednesday night at 7:15. Wheeling's next home game takes place on March 28th at 7:00, also against the Walleye.
ECHL Stories from March 16, 2014
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- Stevenson's OT Winner Completes Six-Point Week - Wheeling Nailers
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- Game Preview: Road Warriors vs. Stingrays Sunday, March 16, 2014 - Greenville Swamp Rabbits
- Olkinuora Heads to St. John's Following Hutchinson Recall - Ontario Reign
- Penguins Assign Hartzell to Nailers - Wheeling Nailers
- ECHL Today - March 16 - ECHL
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- Royals Win Sixth Straight at Santander Arena, 4-0 - Reading Royals
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