The Wheeling Nailers took the ice three times this past week, and came away with four out of six possible points, as they posted a 2-1 record against the Elmira Jackals and Trenton Titans.
The week began on Tuesday, when the Nailers took on the Elmira Jackals in the lone morning game of the year at WesBanco Arena. After falling behind 1-0, Tuesday’s game became a special one for a certain player, as Ben Farrer tied the score with his first professional goal. In the second period, Wheeling broke out to a 3-1 lead, as Chris Barton and Christiaan Minella scored 21 seconds apart. Maxime Gratchev brought Elmira within one at the four-second mark of the third, before Cody Chupp answered, as the Nailers regained their two-goal edge. Kyle Reeds followed by making it a 4-3 score for the Jackals, but the visitors couldn’t get any closer, as Barton iced the game with an empty netter. Patrick Killeen made 32 saves in the victory, defeating Timo Pielmeier, who stopped 31.
On Friday, the Nailers continued their winning ways, as they played host to the Trenton Titans at Cambria County War Memorial Arena in Johnstown. Peter Lenes put the Titans ahead with a power play goal in the first, but the Nailers answered quickly on Paul Crowder’s deflection goal 1:32 later. Trenton regained the lead 4:36 into the second on Andy Bohmbach’s power play tally, but once again, Wheeling responded, as Chris Barton lit the lamp with 1:55 left in the frame. After a scoreless third period, Ben Farrer provided the heroics, netting the overtime winner with 51 seconds to play. Farrer’s second goal in as many games made a winner out of Peter Delmas, who turned aside 27 shots. Dave Caruso took the loss, despite a 38-save effort.
Unfortunately, the Nailers were unable to make it a perfect week, as the Titans exacted revenge on Sunday. Wheeling started the scoring late in the first period, as Ben Farrer produced his third marker of the week. Late in the second period, Trenton evened the score, as Rob Bordson connected on a 2-on-1 with Chase Langeraap. Those two hooked up again in the third, this time with Langeraap getting the goal, as the Titans took the lead. However, Chris Barton had an answer, tying the game 1:09 later on his 11th goal of the season. With 4:15 left in regulation, Adam Presizniuk broke the deadlock, giving Trenton their first win against the Nailers in four tries this season. Brad Phillips made 31 saves for the win, defeating Patrick Killeen, who turned away 11.
Notable Statistics
– Chris Barton has at least one point in nine straight games, and 11 of 13 games on the season.
– Peter Delmas has won four of five decisions this season, and has allowed two-or-fewer goals in five of six appearances.
– Ben Farrer has one goal in each of the last three games – the first three tallies of his professional career.
– Peter Merth has assisted on each of the last three Nailers goals, earning his first three points of the season.
– The Nailers have outshot the opposition in all 13 games this season..
This Week
Thu. 11/24 – WHEELING NAILERS @ Gwinnett Gladiators 7:05 PM at Gwinnett Center
Fri. 11/25 – WHEELING NAILERS @ Gwinnett Gladiators 6:05 PM at Gwinnett Center
This week, the Nailers will play a pair of games in Georgia, as they will face the Gwinnett Gladiators on Thursday and Friday. Wheeling and Gwinnett have met once thus far this season, with the Nailers picking up a 3-2 overtime win back on October 28th. The two sides alternated goals throughout the contest, with Chris Kushneriuk, Andrew Hotham, and Zack Torquato scoring for Wheeling, while Corey Fienhage and Chris Clackson scored for Gwinnett. The Gladiators enter this week with an 8-5-2-2 record, which is good for 20 points, and a second place ranking behind the South Carolina Stingrays in the South Division. After going unbeaten in regulation in five straight games, Gwinnett lost two straight tilts in regulation against South Carolina this past weekend at North Charleston Coliseum. The Gladiators are led offensively by former Nailer Joey Haddad, who has seven goals, nine assists, and 16 points in 17 games. In goal, Marc Cheverie and Jeff Jakaitis are both on recall, leaving the crease to Billy Sauer, who is 1-3.
Atlantic Division Standings
1- WHEELING NAILERS 9-4-0-0, 18 pts
2- Reading Royals 7-7-1-1, 16 pts
3- Elmira Jackals 7-8-0-0, 14 pts
4- Trenton Titans 5-9-1-0, 11 pts
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