Last Minute Goal Gets Nailers One Point in Cincinnati

CINCINNATI, OH- The Wheeling Nailers showed some heroics during the final ten seconds of regulation on Thursday night, as a power play goal evened their match with the Cincinnati Cyclones, 3-3. Unfortunately, Wheeling was unable to take a second point out of US Bank Arena, as Andrew Yogan scored on the man advantage for Cincinnati at the 2:56 mark of overtime, lifting the Cyclones to the 4-3 win.

The two teams played to a scoreless first period, with both sides recording eight shots on goal. The deadlock finally got broken at the 6:09 mark of the middle frame, thanks to a power play strike by the Nailers. Gage Quinney took the puck along the right wing wall, tossing a saucer pass to Garrett Meurs in the left circle. Meurs stepped into a wrist shot, lifting it just underneath the crossbar. Later in the period, Cincinnati pulled even. Joe Manno forced a turnover in his offensive zone, then proceeded to set up Jordan Sims, who squeezed in a shot from the left dot. 2:57 after that, the Cyclones went ahead. Nick Huard gave the puck to Brandon McNally, then got a return feed, which he buried in the top-right corner, while his squad was playing on the man advantage.

Wheeling lit the lamp in the opening and closing minutes of the third period, which were sandwiched around a tally from Cincinnati. At the 46-second mark, Gage Quinney played the puck into the slot for Cody Wydo, who turned to his backhand, shoveling a shot into the left side of the cage. The Cyclones temporarily regained the lead with 2:47 to go in regulation, when Dylan Nowakowski jammed a loose puck over the left side of the goal line. With under ten seconds left, the Nailers rallied back to earn a point, with their third power play marker of the evening. The puck found its way to Jarrett Burton on the left side of the slot, where he slipped in a shot along the ice to force overtime.

In the extra session, Andrew Yogan drew a penalty to put Cincinnati on the power play, and at the 2:56 mark, he deposited the game winning goal, firing home a shot from the slot.

Michael Houser got the win in goal for the Cyclones, as he stood on his head, making 40 saves, while also assisting on the deciding goal. Sean Maguire suffered the overtime defeat, after turning aside 18 of the 22 shots he faced.

The Nailers will travel to Kalamazoo for a 7:05 game on Friday against the Wings, before returning home on Saturday night. That will be Princesses & Pirates Night at 8:05 against the Reading Royals. Kids are encouraged to dress up like their favorite princess or pirate, while getting a chance to meet characters from popular movies and television shows. Later in the month, on February 18th, it's a Valley Divided - Steelers vs. Browns Night. Fans are invited to wear their favorite football team's attire, while being able to meet Merril Hoge and Earnest Byner. To purchase tickets, or to get more information about season tickets, mini plans, group tickets, and more, call (304) 234-GOAL.