ECHL Wheeling Nailers

Wheeling Completes Perfect Weekend in Kalamazoo

February 26, 2012 - ECHL (ECHL)
Wheeling Nailers News Release


KALAMAZOO, MI- Paul Crowder put the exclamation point on a fantastic weekend for both he and the Wheeling Nailers on Sunday afternoon. The Wheeling captain netted a pair of goals, including the game winner with 10:21 left in the third period, as the Nailers knocked off the Kalamazoo Wings 4-2 at Wings Stadium. Wheeling has now defeated all eleven of their opponents in the Eastern Conference.

The offenses were busy in the first period, as both teams put a pair of goals on the board. However, the game started out with a huge save, as Peter Delmas stopped Justin Taylor's penalty shot at the one-minute mark of regulation. Shortly after that, the scoring began, as Paul Crowder stole the puck in the left circle, and proceeded to wrist a shot into the top part of the net, giving the Nailers a 1-0 lead. The Wings answered 36 seconds later, as Kory Karlander spotted Nick Sirota, who stepped up, and scored on a one-timer. 1:08 after that, Wheeling regained the lead. Riley Gill turned the puck over behind the net, and Matt Schepke took advantage, setting up Chris Barton, who slipped in his 25th goal of the season. The Nailers remained in the lead until the final minute of the first, when Darryl Bootland banked a shot in off of Delmas.

Neither team was able to score in the second period, as the game went to the third, still deadlocked at two. Midway through the third, the tie was broken, thanks to a power play goal for Wheeling. Paul Crowder took the puck in the left circle, stickhandled a bit, then wound up with a wicked slap shot that flew past Riley Gill and into the top-left corner of the net. Crowder's goal was his second of the night, and fifth of the weekend. Later in the period, the Nailers got some insurance, thanks to yet another goal on the man advantage. Chase Watson slipped a pass through the slot to Kyle Bushee, who slammed in a shot from the left side, as Wheeling went on to the 4-2 victory.

Peter Delmas was magnificent in goal for the Nailers, stopping 39 of the 41 shots he faced, for his third win of the weekend. Riley Gill took the loss for the Wings, making 38 saves on 42 shots.

The Nailers will continue their road trip on Wednesday night at 7:05, when they battle the Elmira Jackals at First Arena. 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 February 26, 2012


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