ECHL Wheeling Nailers

Wheeling Nailers Weekly Report

Published on April 6, 2015 under ECHL (ECHL)
Wheeling Nailers News Release


Last Week

Wed. 4/1 WHEELING NAILERS 1 @ Elmira Jackals 4

J. Burton (Ratchuk, Brace)

Hartzell- 33/37, Whitney- 2/2

Fri. 4/3 Evansville IceMen 6 @ WHEELING NAILERS 1

Torquato (Gill)

Hartzell- 20/24, Whitney- 14/16

Sat. 4/4 WHEELING NAILERS 2 @ Kalamazoo Wings 5

Krause (Brace, Makowski)

Army (Ratchuk, Slowikowski)

Palazzese- 35/39

Last week, the Wheeling Nailers saw their lead for the final playoff spot in the North Division evaporate, as they struggled, dropping three games in four days, while the Cincinnati Cyclones won all three of their contests. On Wednesday night, the Nailers grabbed a 1-0 lead on a goal by Jarrett Burton, but that was the only time on 57 shots that they were able to solve Elmira goaltender Travis Fullerton. The Jackals tied the game during the final second of the opening stanza, then took the lead in the second period, before tacking on two more in the third for a 4-1 final score at First Arena. On Friday night, things turned especially sour for Wheeling, who watched the Evansville IceMen roll out of WesBanco Arena as 6-1 victors. The IceMen scored four times on their first 24 shots in 25:02 of action, setting the tone for the evening. Zack Torquato was responsible for the Nailers' lone tally, as he connected on the power play during the middle frame. On Saturday night, Adam Krause's first professional goal gave Wheeling a quick 1-0 advantage at the 76-second mark. Unfortunately, the Kalamazoo Wings rebounded with five of the next six goals for a 5-2 win on home ice. Derek Army recorded the other marker for the Nailers.

The Nailers currently find themselves in a tie for fifth place in the North Division, trailing the Cincinnati Cyclones by three points, while holding one game in hand. On Saturday night, Adam Krause became the second new face in as many weeks to score his first professional goal, after Cody Wydo achieved the feat on the previous Friday. Tommy Fallen also made his pro debut over the weekend. Wheeling's streak of perfection on the penalty kill ended at 20 kills in six games, before Evansville lit the lamp during its first man advantage on Friday. The 57 total shots and 24 during the first period on Wednesday were both season-highs, beating the previous marks of 46 and 22. The Nailers have completed their regular season schedule against the North Division, going 12-15-1 (6-6-1 home, 6-9-0 away).

This Week

Wed. 4/8 WHEELING NAILERS @ Reading Royals, 7:30

Fri. 4/10 Elmira Jackals @ WHEELING NAILERS, 7:35

Sat. 4/11 WHEELING NAILERS @ Elmira Jackals, 7:05

Sun. 4/12 WHEELING NAILERS @ Brampton Beast, 2:00

This week, the Wheeling Nailers will take the ice four times, needing a minimum of two victories to have a chance at their 13th postseason appearance in 23 seasons. On Wednesday night, Wheeling will attempt to become the first road team to win a game in the season series between it and the Reading Royals. The Nailers went 6-0-0 at WesBanco Arena, while the Royals have gone 5-0-0 at Santander Arena, entering the finale. Reading has clinched a spot in the playoffs, but still has something to play for, as home ice advantage in round one against South Carolina is still up in the air. On Friday and Saturday, Wheeling will play a home-and-home series against the Elmira Jackals, starting in West Virginia and finishing in New York. The Jackals have won three of the last four meetings between the two clubs, but the Nailers have locked up the season series with a 7-4 lead and two games remaining. Elmira was eliminated from postseason contention over the weekend. Finally, on Sunday, Wheeling will conclude its 23rd regular season with a make-up game against the Brampton Beast at Powerade Centre. The Nailers took two of three games from the Beast in January, outscoring them 13-5. Brampton's fate has long been decided, as it will finish in the Central Division's cellar.

Upcoming Home Games/Promotions

Fri. 4/10 vs. Elmira- Fan Appreciation Night, Flat Screen Friday, Frosty Friday, Player Poster Giveaway (2,000), Blades for Grades, Team Awards

Kelly Cup Playoffs

Nailers Leaders

Goals: 27, Derek Army

Assists: 44, Riley Brace

Points: 62, Riley Brace

Penalty Minutes: 235, Patrick McGrath

Plus/Minus: +10, David Makowski

Wins: 17, Franky Palazzese

Goals Against Average: 2.77, Eric Hartzell

Save Percentage: .913, Eric Hartzell

Shutouts: 1, Eric Hartzell & Franky Palazzese

North Division Standings

1. Toledo Walleye 103 (vs. CIN, at KAL, vs. KAL)

2. Fort Wayne Komets 98 (vs. CIN, at KAL, vs. CIN)

3. Kalamazoo Wings 73 (at IND, vs. FW, vs. TOL, at TOL)

4. Cincinnati Cyclones 71 (at FW, at TOL, at FW)

5. WHEELING NAILERS 68 (at REA, vs. ELM, at ELM, at BRM)

6. Indy Fuel 68 (vs. KAL, at REA, at REA)

7. Evansville IceMen 38 (at GWT, at GRN, at SC)

The Nailers have one home game remaining in the 2014-15 regular season, with a 7:35 battle against the Elmira Jackals on April 10th . That night will be a Flat Screen Friday, Frosty Friday, and Player Poster Giveaway, in addition to Fan Appreciation Night.

Wheeling Nailers 2015-16 season tickets, as well as flex tickets, group tickets and single-game tickets for 2014-15 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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