ESTERO, FL – Patrick Killeen made 23 saves in goal to help lead the Wheeling Nailers to a 3-1 victory over the Florida Everblades at Germain Arena Wednesday night. The win pulls the Nailers one step closer to securing a spot in the ECHL playoffs.
The Nailers started the road trip putting the Blades on their heels in the first period. The pressure worked, as a turnover in front was picked up by Tyler Murovich in the slot. Murovich made a spin move and fired the puck through the five-hole of Florida goaltender Bobby Geopfert to give Wheeling a 1-0 lead. The Nailers made it 2-0 off the stick of Chris Kushneriuk. Kushneriuk received a pass and broke out in front of the net and fired a backhand high on the blocker side past Geopfert to extend the Nailers lead to 2-0. Kushneriuk has now scored a goal in all three of his first professional games.
Florida responded with goal late in the first, as Ross Carlson tipped a Kyle Lawson shot past Patrick Killeen to pull the Everblades with one at the end of the opening period.
Neither team lit the lamp in the second, but Florida had some quality scoring chances in the period, that were snuffed out by Killeen who stopped all ten shot faced in the period.
Nearly three minutes into the third, Joey Haddad took advantage of a turnover in the slot. Haddad took the puck uncontested to the crease, and lifted a shot off the crossbar and into the net to give the Nailers some breathing room at 3-1. Wheeling buckled down defensively, and killed off two Florida power plays in the third, to preserve the 3-1 victory.
The two teams will meet again on Friday beginning at 7:30 p.m. Tune into the game on The Mix 97.3 or online at www.wheelingnailers.com Fans may watch the game on RTV9 courtesy of America One.
Upcoming Schedule:
The Nailers returns to WesBanco Arena on Thursday March 31st at 7:05pm. It is another Dog and Grog night with $1 hot dogs and special drink considerations through the 1st intermission. There will also be a post game concert featureing Mace Ballard. On Saturday April 2nd the Nailers will wrap up their 2010-11 regular season against the Toeldo Walleye. It is Fan Appreciation night with prizes being given away throughout the night. Face-off is set for 7:35pm.
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