ECHL Kalamazoo Wings

Third Period Surge Gives Wings Decisive Divisional Win

January 23, 2016 - ECHL (ECHL)
Kalamazoo Wings News Release


WHEELING, WV- The Kalamazoo Wings were propelled by a three-goal third period en route to a decisive 4-1 victory over their divisional rivals, the Wheeling Nailers, on Saturday night at WesBanco Arena.

For the second straight night, it was the Wings who would spring out to the early lead over the Nailers. After stripping the puck from a Wheeling defender, Alex Mallet brushed it ahead to create a two-on-zero opportunity with Tanner Sorenson and David Gilbert. Sorenson called his own number on the play and head-faked goalie Casey DeSmith of the Nailers to free up some space and pick the top corner for his 11th goal of the season.

Midway through the first period and facing a one-goal deficit, the Nailers were able to create an opportunity after Andrew Cerretani chipped a puck ahead to the speedy Cody Wydo, who used his speed to sneak behind the Kalamazoo defense and lift a backhand over the glove of Joel Martin to deadlock the game at one.

The Wings dominated the play in the third period and were rewarded for their efforts five minutes in. With Ludwig Blomstrand streaking to the goal, Curtis Valk fed a tape-to-tape feed to the right wing side where Blomstrand dropped to a knee and blasted a one-timer into the back of the goal.

Only 44 seconds passed before Kalamazoo added to their lead, as Justin Taylor slipped through the Wheeling defense and scooped a backhand past the stick side of DeSmith. The goal was Taylor's 100th of his professional career.

Kalamazoo put the nail in the coffin with Mallet's 13th goal of the season at the 9:12 mark of the third. Sorenson's shot from a tight angle was saved by DeSmith, as was Gilbert's follow-up attempt, but Mallet couldn't be denied on his rebound try, giving the Wings a decisive 4-1 lead.

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