Komets Claw Back for 4-3 Win

FORT WAYNE, IN- The Wheeling Nailers had two different leads in their game on Sunday afternoon, but the final lead went in the other direction, and resulted in a regulation loss. The Fort Wayne Komets erased 2-0 and 3-2 deficits, scoring three times in the second period, including twice on the power play, as they rallied for a 4-3 win. Cody Wydo, Garrett Meurs, and Johnny Daniels were the goal scorers for the Nailers.

The first period featured a quick spurt of offense, as the teams combined to light the lamp three times in a span of 3:14. Wheeling was the first side to strike, utilizing a power play at the 10:07 mark. Gage Quinney took the puck out of the left corner, and teed up Cody Wydo, who launched in a one-timer from the left circle. Garrett Meurs assisted on the tally, then proceeded to score a goal of his own 1:07 later. Meurs wheeled his way into the slot, whipping a wrist shot past his former teammate Pat Nagle on the blocker side. Fort Wayne's lone marker occurred with 6:39 left. Trevor Cheek stole the puck in the right corner, battled his way to the front, and hacked in a shot at the top of the crease.

Early in the second period, the Komets pulled even with a power play goal. Gabriel Desjardins won a right circle draw to Jason Binkley, whose blueline shot was stopped, but the rebound was popped in by Mason Baptista. The Nailers regained their lead a few minutes later. Danny Fick's right point shot was denied, but Johnny Daniels pounced on the rebound at the bottom of the right circle, lifting a shot over the sprawled out defense and goaltender. A second power play goal by Fort Wayne brought things square for a second time. Szydlowski tipped a left circle try by Cheek to Desjardins in the right circle, where he swept a shot into the cage. Less than three minutes after that, the Komets went ahead for the first time. Cheek busted in on the right side of the slot, where his wrist shot went through Sean Maguire's legs.

Neither team was able to put a puck in the back of the net in the third period, as the Komets held on for the 4-3 win.

Pat Nagle secured the victory for Fort Wayne, making 27 saves on 30 shots. Sean Maguire was the losing goalie for Wheeling, as he gave up four goals on 20 shots, before Doug Carr stopped all ten shots he faced in relief.

The Nailers will head right back on the road next week for three games, with the first one taking place on Friday against the Indy Fuel at 7:35. The next homestand at WesBanco Arena will take place on March 10th, 11th, and 12th. The 10th is a Flat Screen Friday and Frosty Friday at 7:35 against Quad City. The Mallards are the opponent on the 11th at 7:05, which is Duck Dynasty Night, starring John Godwin and Justin Martin. Finally, the weekend wraps up on the 12th, which is Youth Hockey Day at 5:05 against Toledo. To purchase tickets, or to get more information about season tickets, mini plans, group tickets, and more, call (304) 234-GOAL.