ECHL Wheeling Nailers

Wheeling Nailers Game Preview

February 24, 2009 - ECHL (ECHL)
Wheeling Nailers News Release


WHEELING, W.Va. - Fresh off a thrilling 5-4 shootout victory over the Trenton Devils, the Wheeling Nailers have the opportunity tonight to inch closer to a playoff spot if they are able to defeat the Devils. Faceoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.

Tonight's game is the fourth between the Devils and Nailers since Feb. 20. Wheeling has gone 1-2 against Trenton in the past three games. The two clubs will meet four more times this season after tonight's game including twice this weekend at WesBanco Arena in Wheeling.

The Nailers have a 3-game home stand this weekend (Feb. 27-March 1) when they host Trenton and Dayton. The Feb. 27 game is Friday Family Four Pack Night, where families receive four tickets, four sodas, four hotdogs and one large popcorn for just $44. In addition, a collector poster will be given away to the first 2,500 fans in attendance. A Coal Miner Spike bobble head will be given away to the first 2,500 fans in attendance at the Feb. 28 game. The March 1 game is Sunday Family Funday, where fans have the opportunity to skate with the Nailers. Fans must provide their own skates and gloves.

For complete game notes, click here.

2008-09 Records

Wheeling: 26-20-2-5, 59 points (5th place, North Division)

Trenton: 29-19-2-3, 63 points (3rd place, North Division)

Last Time Out

Kelly Miller slid the puck past the right skate of goaltender Charlie Effinger in the sixth round of a shootout Sunday night, and the Nailers defeated the Trenton Devils, 5-4. Sunday's win was a total team effort. Bryan Ewing scored a pair of goals and made a sweet pass to Billy Ryan, who scored his first professional goal. Goaltender Jordan Alford earned his first win as a Nailer, turning away 46 of Trenton's 50 shots. Matt Cohen, Scott Bartlett, Brad Snetsinger and Jeremy Akeson all scored goals for Trenton.

Nailers v. Devils, Head-to-Head in 2008-09

Wheeling is 4-2-0-1 this season against Trenton this season after Sunday's 5-4 shootout win over the Devils. Wheeling is 15-10-1-2 against Trenton over the last five years.

Head Coaches

Wheeling: Greg Puhalski (2nd season)

Trenton: Rick Kowalsky (3rd season)

NHL Affiliate

Wheeling: Pittsburgh Penguins

Trenton: New Jersey Devils

AHL Affiliate

Wheeling: Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins

Trenton: Lowell Devils

Top Scorers

Wheeling: Bryan Ewing's 68 points are the second most in the league (35G, 33A). Jordan Morrison is Wheeling's second leading scorer with 19 goals and 42 assists (61 points).

Trenton: Eric Castonguay leads the Devils with 15 goals and 30 assists (45 points) in 38 games. Defenseman Ryan Gunderson is second best in the league among defensemen with 43 points (3G, 40A).

Winner Winner Chicken Dinner

Recently back from an injury, Wheeling veteran Kelly Miller gave the Nailers their first win of the weekend on Sunday when he scored in the sixth round of a shootout to defeat Trenton, 5-4.

Firsts

Recently signed winger Billy Ryan scored his first professional goal Sunday in the Nailers' 5-4 victory over Trenton. Ryan scored the goal on a sweet pass Bryan Ewing. Ryan and Ewing were childhood friends played high school hockey together. ... Goaltender Jordan Alford stopped 46 of 50 Trenton shots to earn his first win as a Nailer on Sunday against Trenton.

Nailers Currently With AHL Teams

Tommy Goebel (Wilkes-Barre/Scranton); Nick Johnson (Wilkes-Barre/Scranton); Cliff Loya (Portland); Rob Sirianni (Philadelphia); Shane Willis (Springfield).

Notes

Nailer Bryan Ewing is second in the ECHL with 68 points. ... Ewing is tied for the league lead with five shorthanded goals, and he is the top rookie with 68 points and 35 goals. ... Nailer Jordan Morrison is fifth in points in the league (61) and is first among rookies in assists (42). ... Trenton's Ryan Gunderson is second in the ECHL among defensemen with 43 points. ... Wheeling's Mitch Ganzak is seventh among defensemen in points with 33 (5G, 28 A). ... Wheeling is 20-2-0-0 when leading after two periods of play. ... The Nailers own the fourth best power play in the league at 20.9 percent; Trenton leads the league with a power play percentage of 22.6 percent. ... The Devils are ninth on the penalty kill in the league at 83.9 percent; Wheeling is 15th at 80.9 percent.

Check out the Wheeling Nailers Statistics



ECHL Stories from February 24, 2009


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