Beast Win Rubber Match of Season Series, 5-2

BRAMPTON, ON- The Wheeling Nailers and Brampton Beast need all 11 head-to-head meetings to decide their 2016-17 season series. On Wednesday night, the Beast won the decisive contest on their home ice at Powerade Centre. Chris Auger and David Vallorani both scored twice, while Andrew D'Agostini made 35 saves in the 5-2 Brampton triumph. Nick Sorkin and Riley Bourbonnais had the goals for the Nailers.

One goal was scored in the first period, and it went Brampton's way with 1:13 left on the clock. The Nailers had an opportunity to take the lead themselves, as Tyler Currier dangled around the defense, but his right circle shot was thwarted. The Beast proceeded to rush back in the other direction, with David Vallorani leading the way. When he got to the left dot, Vallorani let a wrist shot fly, roofing it into the top-right corner of the cage.

The home team added to its lead in the middle frame, lighting the lamp three times in a span of 3:25. After a Wheeling power play ended, Connor Crisp rushed out of the penalty box and beat out an icing call. He gathered in the puck and set up Willie Corrin, who cruised down a lane on the left side, burying a wrist shot. 1:45 later, Chris Auger banked in a shot from an awkward angle on the left side, as the puck trickled in over the right side of the goal line. 1:40 after that, Auger found the back of the net again, converting on a give-and-go with David Pacan, as he drove down the slot.

The Nailers attempted to rally back in the third period, closing the gap to as few as two. The first goal came at the 3:57 mark, when Nick Sorkin batted Cody Wydo's pass out of the air on the left side of the crease. Sorkin was also involved in setting up the next tally, as his one-timer from the right point was stopped, but the rebound was hammered home by Riley Bourbonnais. Kevin Schulze also assisted on that goal, setting up Sorkin's slapper. However, a power play strike from Vallorani at the bottom of the left circle with 7:33 prevented the comeback from being achieved, as the Beast prevailed, 5-2.

Andrew D'Agostini earned the win in goal for Brampton, making 35 saves on 37 shots. Sean Maguire took the loss for Wheeling, giving up five goals on 33 shots.

The Nailers will play their final home game of the season on Friday night at 7:35, when they face the Kalamazoo Wings. Prizes will be given away throughout the game for Fan Appreciation Night, plus it's a Flat Screen Friday and Frosty Friday. Wheeling and Kalamazoo will close out the campaign the following night at Wings Event Center. To purchase tickets, or to get more information about 2017-18 season tickets, group tickets, and more, call (304) 234-GOAL.