WHEELING, WV- The Wheeling Nailers and Idaho Steelheads played a tight game on Friday night at WesBanco Arena, which was decided by one break. That came from an Anthony Luciani breakaway with 7:31 left in regulation, as the Steelheads prevailed over the Nailers, 3-2. Kale Kerbashian had a goal and an assist, giving him points in all six games since being dealt to Wheeling.
One goal was scored during the first period, and it went to the Steelheads, who had a defenseman step up, while the teams were playing 4-on-4. Michael McMurtry swung a pass ahead to Brandon Anselmini, who broke down the right side of the ice. When he got to the face-off dot inside of the circle, Anselmini roofed a wrist shot into the top-left corner of the net.
The Nailers pulled even at the 5:29 mark of the middle frame. Johnny Daniels sped ahead to create a play off of the rush, then ended up with the lead assist a few passes later. The feed went to Kale Kerbashian, who drove his way down the slot, and slammed a one-timer into the left side of the cage. Idaho retook the lead with 7:11 remaining, while playing on the man advantage. Sean Maguire made a sparkling left pad save on Will Merchant, but the Steelheads battled away for the rebound, which was potted by Kellen Lain.
The score got deadlocked for a second time at the 4:04 mark of the third. Kerbashian carried the puck into the offensive zone, where the play eventually made its way to the top of the left circle. That's where Garrett Meurs teed up a slap shot, drilling it through Landon Bow. With 7:31 remaining, the Steelheads took their third and final lead, which turned out to be the difference. Anthony Luciani stole the puck at the defensive blueline, broke away, and just trickled a shot in over the goal line for the 3-2 final score.
Landon Bow returned from the AHL and got the win for Idaho, making 27 saves on 29 shots. Sean Maguire suffered the defeat for Wheeling, despite turning away 25 of the 28 shots he faced.
The Nailers and Steelheads will conclude their three-game series on Saturday night at 7:05. The promotion is Nailers Fight Cancer, featuring special jerseys, which will be auctioned off to benefit the Team Ryan Charitable Foundation. It will also be Ladies Night, there will be a trading card set giveaway, and a post game autograph session with the entire team. To purchase tickets, or to get more information about season tickets, group tickets, and more, call (304) 234-GOAL.
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