CINCINNATI, OH- The Wheeling Nailers ran into a hot goaltender on Saturday night, and nearly came away with a point in their first road game of the regular season. Garrett Meurs tied the contest for Wheeling at two minutes of the third period, but with 2:09 to go, Dominic Zombo snapped the deadlock, lifting the Cincinnati Cyclones to the 2-1 win at US Bank Arena. Michael Houser came up with 39 saves in net for the home team.
The first period featured lots of activity, as the two teams combined for 23 shots on goal. However, the contest remained scoreless until the final minute, when the Cyclones went ahead. Kenny Ryan slid a pass through the slot to Craig Dalrymple in the right circle. Dalrymple took advantage of the quick pass, depositing a shot into the right side of the cage. Andrew Yogan also assisted on the marker.
Wheeling played a magnificent second period, outshooting Cincinnati, 17-8. Unfortunately, the Nailers were unable to crack Michael Houser, who had 29 saves in the first two frames, including a remarkable glove save in the middle stanza.
The Nailers got the tying goal at the two-minute mark of the third period. Sam Windle directed a shot on net from the left point, which was stopped by Houser. However, the rebound jiggled loose for Garrett Meurs, who lifted a backhander over the netminder's right shoulder. The score stayed tied until 2:09 remained in the stanza, when the Cyclones netted the go-ahead marker. Yogan and Ryan chased down a loose puck on the right side of neutral ice, rushing into the zone for a scoring chance. The first attempt was denied, but Dominic Zombo crashed the net, tipping in the rebound for what turned out to be the winning tally in a 2-1 decision in favor of the Cyclones.
Michael Houser played an outstanding game in goal for Cincinnati, as he made 39 saves on 40 shots in the win. Doug Carr also turned in a great performance for Wheeling, turning away 27 of the 29 shots he faced.
The Nailers will head to Kalamazoo on Friday for a 7:00 game, before hosting the Wings on Saturday at 8:05. That night will be Kids Halloween, featuring Trick-or-Treat and a Costume Contest. To purchase tickets, or to get more information on season tickets, mini plans, group tickets, and more, call the Nailers at (304) 234-GOAL.
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