Nailers Rebound to Trounce Toledo, 5-2

TOLEDO, OH- The Wheeling Nailers made the necessary adjustments from their game the night before, and came back with a strong performance on Saturday night. After falling behind the Toledo Walleye 2-0 at a sold out Huntington Center, the Nailers rallied with five straight goals, coming from behind to end Toledo's seven-game winning streak with a 5-2 triumph. Josh Shalla had a three-point night, Jordan Kwas chipped in with a pair of goals, and Nick Sorkin netted the winning goal, helping Doug Carr to the victory between the pipes.

The start of the game didn't go as planned for the Nailers, who fell behind with two goals in the first 4:35 by Toledo. The first tally came while the teams were playing 4-on-4 hockey, and the Walleye activated both of their defensemen on the rush. Matt Caito fed a pass through the slot to Scott Czarnowczan, who tapped in a shot on the left side. 3:26 later, the home team struck again. AJ Jenks dropped a pass off to Shane Berschbach, who stepped in with a shot from the left circle. After delivering the feed, Jenks went to the net, where he got a piece of Berschbach's attempt, tipping in his second marker in as many nights.

The secone period was incredibly better for Wheeling, who turned around the 2-0 deficit, taking a 3-2 lead into the intermission. The first strike came on a two-man advantage. Josh Shalla fed Brett Stern for a one-timer at the top of the left circle, which was redirected into the net by Gage Quinney. The equazlier was recorded at the 8:29 mark. Michael Webster sent a wrist shot on goal from the top of the right circle, which was stopped by Jake Paterson. However, the rebound kicked out to Jordan Kwas, who deposited it into the cage, tying the contest at two. But the Nailers weren't done there, as they notched the go-ahead goal during the final minute of the stanza. Shalla blazed in on the right side of the ice, then slid a pass across to Nick Sorkin, who buried an attempt on the left side of the crease.

A strong defensive performance helped Wheeling maintain its lead, which it added to during the closing minutes of play. With 3:53 remaining in the third period, Shalla came back to haunt his former teammates, banking in an insurance goal from the right side of the net. Kwas added his second of the evening into an empty net, giving the contest its 5-2 final score in favor of the Nailers.

The Nailers return to home ice on Sunday for a 5:05 game against the Kalamazoo Wings. The promotion is Family Funday, featuring McDonald's $6 Kids Tickets, in addition to a post game skate with the team (odd-numbered players). The first celebrity appearance will take place on December 3rd, when Clint Hurdle visits WesBanco Arena on Pittsburgh Pirates Night. To purchase tickets, or to receive more information about season tickets, mini plans, group tickets, and more, call (304) 234-GOAL.