Stingrays Take Series Lead Home with 3-1 Win
Published on May 21, 2016 under ECHL (ECHL)
Wheeling Nailers News Release
WHEELING, WV- The Wheeling Nailers will have to have a repeat of round two if they hope to advance to the Kelly Cup Final, as they trail the South Carolina Stingrays, 3-2, after a 3-1 setback in game five on Saturday night at WesBanco Arena. Wheeling took a 1-0 lead, outshooting the Stingrays 12-9 in the first period, but South Carolina rallied with three straight goals, as well as a 29-16 shots advantage in the final forty minutes to prevail.
The Nailers played a very energetic first period, getting lots of chances, while throwing their bodies around. Wheeling had to weather a two-man disadvantage, but did so successfully, which led to a power play conversion of their own. Jarrett Burton gave Mathew Maione the puck, as he glided his way to the middle of the blueline. That's where Maione let a wrist shot go, getting a tip from Cody Wydo to put the home team on top at 11:11.
A power play goal went the other way in the second period, as the Stingrays battled back to square the score. Kelly Zajac won a face-off in the right circle of the offensive zone to Colton Saucerman, who got an open shot off from the high slot, finding the top-right corner of the cage for the equalizer.
The tie got snapped with 7:17 left in regulation, and it was South Carolina getting a 4-on-4 goal to take its first lead of the night. Austin Fyten swung a shot toward the front of the net. A rebound ended up kicking out to David Pacan, who poked it back in over the line for what turned out to be the game winning marker. Stephan Vigier added an empty netter with 1:01 remaining, as the Stingrays came back to win for the second straight evening, 3-1.
Vitek Vanecek backstopped the win for South Carolina, making 28 saves on 29 shots. Brian Foster faced lots of rubber for Wheeling, and despite turning away 35 of 37 shots, he didn't get the decision he was hoping for.
The Nailers and Stingrays will travel to North Charleston Coliseum for game six on Monday at 7:05, followed by game seven on Tuesday at 7:05.
Download the Nailers new smartphone app presented by Panhandle Cleaning and Restoration. Available in the iTunes and Google Play Store. Use promo code "Leader" to receive 100 Nailers points.
ECHL Stories from May 21, 2016
- Americans' Big Comeback Leads to 6-5 Overtime Win - Allen Americans
- Komets Drop Game 4 in OT 6-5 - Fort Wayne Komets
- Stingrays Grab 3-2 Series Lead with Game 5 Victory - South Carolina Stingrays
- Stingrays Take Series Lead Home with 3-1 Win - Wheeling Nailers
- Nailers vs. Stingrays Game Day Snap Shot - Wheeling Nailers
- Americans Look to Rebound After 2-1 Loss in Game 3 - Allen Americans
- Eastern Conference Finals: Game 5 Preview- South Carolina at Wheeling, 7:35 p.m. - South Carolina Stingrays
- ECHL Today - May 21 - ECHL
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
