Sweep Attempt Falls Short in Kalamazoo
January 31, 2015 - ECHL (ECHL)
Wheeling Nailers News Release
KALAMAZOO, MI- The Wheeling Nailers went into Kalamazoo for a two-game series with a one point deficit in the North Division, and came away in the exact same position. After a 4-1 win on Friday, Wheeling was unable to collect the sweep, as Justin Taylor's second goal of the night broke a 3-3 tie in the third period, lifting the Wings to the 4-3 victory at Wings Stadium.
Both teams lit the lamp in the first period, doing so with 2:48 of playing time separating the markers. For the second straight night, the Nailers struck first, capitalizing on a turnover. Tyler Murovich stole the puck on the left side of the offensive zone, before skating in with a wrist shot that beat Joel Martin over the blocker. Kalamazoo's equalizer came off of a friendly bounce from the boards at Wings Stadium. A center ice dump bounced off of the left corner boards, bouncing into the crease. Eric Kattelus chipped the puck to Matt Caria, who connected for the goal on the right side of the net.
The middle frame featured more scoring, as the two sides combined to find the back of the net four times in a span of 6:08. Kalamazoo took its first lead of the evening at the 8:51 mark, when Justin Taylor roofed a backhander off of the rebound of Eric Kattelus' initial shorthanded shot. The Nailers answered with a power play goal, while playing with a two-man advantage. Riley Brace entered on the left side of the offensive zone, dropping a pass to Derek Army, who stepped up, ripping home his 18th goal of the season. Less than two minutes later, Wheeling went back on top, as Chaz Johnson broke down the left side of the ice, lifting a shot over Martin's glove. However, the game became tied shortly after, as Kattelus intercepted a pass behind the net, centering a feed to Dane Fox, who squeezed his chance through Franky Palazzese for a 3-3 score after forty minutes.
Only one goal was scored in the third period, and unfortunately for the visitors, it was the Wings who snapped the deadlock. Sam Ftorek started a power play breakout in his own zone, before springing Taylor into the offensive zone. Taylor ended up breaking free from the defense, shifting the puck from his forehand to his backhand, roofing what turned out to be the game winning goal in the 4-3 final.
Joel Martin was the winning goaltender for Kalamazoo, making 26 saves on 29 shots. Franky Palazzese suffered the loss for Wheeling, turning away 22 of the 26 shots he faced.
The Nailers will conclude their four-game road trip on Wednesday in Reading at 7:30. Wheeling will then play a three-game homestand on February 6th, 7th, and 8th, highlighted by Duck Dynasty Night on Saturday at 8:05.
The Nailers will play a three-game homestand on February 6th, 7th, and 8th.
Friday the 6th is a 7:35 game against Toledo, featuring Flat Screen Friday, Frosty Friday, and a player poster giveaway.
Saturday the 7th is Duck Dynasty Night at 8:05 against Cincinnati, with an appearance by Jep Robertson from A&E's highest rated television show.
Sunday the 8th is a 4:05 face-off against Elmira, and after the game, fans can join the Nailers for a post game skate. Kids tickets for that contest will be $5, and the Oglebay Good Zoo will have an exhibit in the concourse.
Wheeling Nailers 2014-15 season tickets, flex tickets, group tickets and single-game tickets are on sale now. For more information, call 304-234-GOAL or visit wheelingnailers.com.
Listen to all Nailers regular season and post-season games live on the Valley's rock station EAGLE 107.5 FM, on www.iheartradio.com or watch live on www.echl.tv. Catch every road game live on WLUTV on Comcast Cable 14.
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