Nailers Take Down Toledo Again, 5-2

WHEELING, WV- The Wheeling Nailers made another big statement on Wednesday night, as they took down the league-leading Toledo Walleye for the second time in five days and the third time this season. Tyler Currier, Christian Hilbrich, and Gage Quinney all recorded a goal and an assist, while Sean Maguire made 31 saves, as the Nailers ran their home point streak to seven games with a 5-2 triumph at WesBanco Arena.

The Nailers and Walleye played to a scoreless deadlock in the first period, with the home team holding an 11-9 lead in the shots on goal department. The first goal of the night went to Toledo, and it came on a power play at the 2:40 mark of the middle frame. Nolan Zajac let a shot fly from the center of the blueline, which was deflected into the cage by Evan Rankin. Wheeling responded with the tying goal, utilizing a man advantage of its own with 10:21 remaining in the stanza. Jarrett Burton came out of the right corner, and tossed a pass through the slot to Jordan Kwas, who hammered in a one-timer from the left circle. Nick Sorkin also assisted on Kwas' 11th tally of the campaign.

The scoring ramped up in the thrid period, and the Nailers took charge of the contest. Wheeling took its first lead at the 7:10 mark with a second power play goal. Kevin Schulze threaded a pass to for Tyler Currier, who busted through the defense, drilling home his first marker with the team. 38 seconds later, the red light got turned on again. Gage Quinney attempted to set up Currier, but the puck went right back to him for a tap-in on the right side. Mathew Santos made things interesting for the Walleye with 9:16 remaining, when he whipped in a shot from the high slot. The Nailers had an answer with 4:12 to go. Christian Hilbrich intercepted a pass at his own blueline, then broke in a lone, stashing a shot through Steve Racine. Ryan Segalla iced the 5-2 win, when he fired in an empty netter from deep in his own end.

Sean Maguire picked up his fifth win on home ice for Wheeling, tossing aside 31 of the 33 shots he faced. Steve Racine took the loss for Toledo, making 27 saves on 31 shots.

The Nailers will face the Walleye on Friday in Toledo at 7:15, before returning home to take on the Kalamazoo Wings on Saturday at 7:05. Saturday is Star Wars Night, featuring Star Wars Characters, Jedi jerseys worn by Wheeling, and a backpack giveaway for the first 1,000 kids in attendance. The Nailers will also have a big promotional night later in the month on January 28th, when Pascal Dupuis comes to town on Pittsburgh Penguins Night. To purchase tickets, or to get more information about season tickets, mini plans, group tickets, and more, call (304) 234-GOAL.