Two Late Goals Propel Road Warriors to 5-3 Win
December 20, 2014 - ECHL (ECHL)
Wheeling Nailers News Release
WHEELING, WV- The Wheeling Nailers potted one goal of each type on Saturday night, as they closed out a quick two-game set against the Greenville Road Warriors. Unfortunately for them, a pair of even strength goals in the final seven minutes of regulation resulted in the two points going the other way. Greenville picked up a 5-3 win in the final game with the original scoreboard at WesBanco Arena.
The two teams wasted little time in opening the scoring, as the contest became tied 1-1 in a matter of less than four minutes. Wheeling got onto the scoreboard first, connecting on a pinpoint passing play with the man advantage. David Gilbert snapped the puck through the bottom of the slot to Derek Army, who slammed in a one-timer on the left side of the crease for his team-leading tenth goal of the season. 42 seconds later, Greenville tied the score. Vinny Saponari trickled a shot on goal from the right side, which was padded away by Franky Palazzese. However, the rebound kicked out to Trevor Parkes, who tapped in the equalizer.
The scoring exchanges continued in the middle frame. The Road Warriors needed just 15 seconds to take their first lead of the game, as Andrew Himelson received a drop pass from Paul Rodrigues, roofing a shot into the left side of the goal. The Nailers pulled even at the 7:30 mark, as Zack Torquato pushed a face-off through for David Gilbert, who tapped the centering pass into the gaping side of the net. The back-and-forth battle saw two more goals in a span of 80 seconds later in the frame, as Andrew Himelson's bullet from the left point put Greenville ahead 3-2, before Tyler Murovich capitalized on a turnover for a shorthanded tally, sending the tilt into intermission all square.
With 6:41 remaining in the third period, the visitors retook the lead. Trevor Parkes worked his way down the right side of the offensive zone, ramping a shot off a defender's stick to float it through for the go-ahead goal. Josh Nicholls added an insurance marker 2:46 later on a wrist shot from the right circle for a 5-3 Road Warriors win.
Jason Missiaen completed his perfect 4-0 week for Greenville, thwarting 34 of the 37 shots he faced. Franky Palazzese suffered the loss for Wheeling, making 19 saves on 24 shots.
The Nailers will play six straight games on the road, beginning on December 27th at South Carolina at 7:05. Wheeling's next home game takes place on January 9th at 7:35 against Reading.
The Nailers will have a three-game homestand from January 9th-11th.
Reading comes to town on the 9th for Faith & Family Night, which will also be a Flat Screen Friday, courtesy of The Highlands, as well as the Law Firm of Bordas and Bordas. In addition, a player poster will be given to the first 2,000 fans in attendance, thanks to RSQP Print & Design.
Elmira is the opposition on the 10th, as the Nailers will be holding a Princess Party from 6-7. Only 100 tickets are available for the party. That game will also be the annual Girl Scout Night.
Finally, Indy pays a visit on the 11th for a Family Funday with $5 kids tickets, a post game skate with the team, and another Oglebay Good Zoo Day.
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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