ECHL Wheeling Nailers

Wheeling Battles Back, But Falls Short in the End

Published on March 24, 2012 under ECHL (ECHL)
Wheeling Nailers News Release


CINCINNATI, OH- The Wheeling Nailers earned wins in 12 of the 13 buildings they played in this season, with U.S. Bank Arena in Cincinnati being the lone troublesome location. The Nailers were in Cincinnati on Saturday, and managed to erase a 3-0 deficit, tying the score at three. However, the Cyclones retook the lead moments later, and went on to pick up a 5-3 victory, sweeping the home-and-home series.

The Cyclones got out to a blazing start in the opening period, scoring three times in a span of 4:31, as they opened up a 3-0 lead. Ondrej Roman started the scoring at the 3:25 mark, when he rifled in a slap shot from the top of the left circle, while skating in on a 2-on-1 rush. A little less than four minutes later, Cincinnati added to the lead, as Anthony Luciani sped past the defense, and snuck a backhander through Peter Delmas. 41 seconds after that, the Cyclones took a 3-0 lead, as Mathew Sisca found daylight with a wrist shot from the bottom of the right circle. Wheeling got on the board 24 seconds later, as Paul Crowder took the puck from behind the goal, wrapped it around in front, and slipped a shot past Chet Pickard. Cody Chupp and Peter Lenes assisted on Crowder's 21st of the season.

The Nailers started out the second period strong, battling back to even the score at three. Matt Schepke cut the deficit to one at the 4:17 mark of the frame, when he took a pass off the right wing wall from Chris Barton, cut to the middle, and scored on the far side of the net. Then, with 9:07 remaining, Cody Chupp got the equalizer, finishing off a fantastic end-to-end rush by Zach Hansen. Peter Delmas became the first Wheeling goaltender to record a point in the 2011-12 season, picking up the second assist. However, the Cyclones regained the lead with 7:10 left to go, as Keith Seabrook chipped the puck over Delmas' left shoulder.

Cincinnati's Anthony Luciani picked up the lone marker in the third period, potting an empty netter with three seconds remaining, giving the Cyclones a 5-3 win on home ice.

Chet Pickard got the win for Cincinnati, stopping 31 of the 34 shots he faced. Peter Delmas took the loss for Wheeling, making 17 saves on 21 shots.

The Nailers return to WesBanco Arena on Sunday afternoon, where they will meet up with the Elmira Jackals at 4:05. For ticket information or to purchase tickets call 304-234-GOAL (4625) or online at shop.wheelingnailers.com. You can now purchase Nailers game tickets on your smartphone by visiting m.wheelingnailers.com.

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ECHL Stories from March 24, 2012


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