Steelheads Snap Late Deadlock, Prevailing 4-1

WHEELING, WV- For the second night in a row, the Idaho Steelheads found some late magic to break a tie, and work their way into the win column. Gage Quinney knotted the contest at one in the third period for the Wheeling Nailers, before three straight tallies for the Steelheads in the final 5:56 gave them the 4-1 triumph at WesBanco Arena. Wheeling is seven points out of the last playoff spot in the North Division with five games remaining.

After a scoreless first period, the Steelheads snapped the deadlock during the opening minute of the middle frame. Jefferson Dahl swept a puck out of the left corner, which dribbled toward the top of the left circle. Will Merchant stepped up to the squibbing puck, drilling a slap shot into the left side of the net.

The Nailers pulled even at the 8:15 mark of the third period. Gage Quinney powered his way around the back of the cage, then found a gap on the right side, where he tucked in a wraparound. Cody Wydo and Alexandre Carrier assisted on the tally. Unfortunately, that was the lone celebration for the home squad, as Idaho went ahead and added insurance late. The tie was snapped with 5:56 left. Jefferson Dahl twirled around at the bottom of the left circle, before shelving a wrist shot into the top-right corner of the goal. 3:09 later, Aaron Harstad had his left point shot stopped, but the rebound was willed in by Brian Nugent. Anthony Luciani added an empty netter in the final minute for a 4-1 Steelheads win.

Landon Bow backstopped the win for Idaho, making 23 saves on 24 shots. Doug Carr suffered the loss for Wheeling, turning away 24 of the 27 shots he faced.

The Nailers will play two more home games next weekend. First is a Flat Screen Friday and Frosty Friday against the Brampton Beast at 7:35. Then, on Sunday, fans can bring their dogs to the game for Pups & Pucks Night at 5:05 against the Reading Royals. Kids tickets will be $6 for the Sunday game, which will also feature the final post game skate of the season, starring the entire team. The final home game of the regular season is Fan Appreciation Night on April 7th against the Kalamazoo Wings at 7:35. To purchase tickets, or to get more information about season tickets, group tickets, and more, call (304) 234-GOAL.