Nailers Earn Comeback Win in Home Opener

WHEELING, WV- 4,857 fans packed their way into WesBanco Arena on Saturday night, and thanks to the Wheeling Nailers, they left with smiles on their faces. After falling behind 2-0, the Nailers stormed back with four unanswered goals, as they picked up their third consecutive victory, knocking off the Cincinnati Cyclones, 4-2. Derek Army scored the winning goal with 6:34 remaining in the third period, and Cam Brown had a three-point night.

The Nailers had control of the play in the early goings of period one, but a late surge by the Cyclones gave the visitors the lone goal of the stanza. The marker came on a power play with 5:46 remaining. Eric Knodel kept the play alive at the blueline, before finding Jesse Schultz in the right circle. The veteran forward immediately dished a pass into the slot, where it was punched into the net by Justin Danforth.

Cincinnati added to its lead at the 5:28 mark of the second period, converting on a two-man advantage. Shawn O'Donnell set up Eric Knodel, who blasted in a one-timer from the top of the right circle. A power play goal in the other direction got the Nailers rolling, as they battled back to square the score. Cam Brown scraped away at a loose puck in the crease, sending it in over the goal line. Then, with 3:46 remaining, Brown fed Reid Gardiner, who swung in the tying goal from the left circle, while the teams were playing at even strength. Wheeling recorded 22 shots on goal in the middle frame.

With 6:34 left in regulation, the Nailers took their first lead of the night, and captain Derek Army couldn't have picked a better time to net his first of the campaign. Zach Tolkinen's shot from the right side dribbled wide, but Army collected the puck off of the end wall, stuffing it inside of the left post. Kenny Ryan tacked on an empty netter with 28 seconds left, set up by Brown's third point of the evening, giving Wheeling the 4-2 win.

Colin Stevens picked up his second straight victory in net for the Nailers, stopping 30 of the 32 shots he faced. Anthony Peters took the loss for Cincinnati, making 34 saves on 37 shots, before leaving for Jason Kasdorf, who turned away the only shot he faced.

The Nailers will embark on a three-game road trip, starting on Sunday afternoon, when they face the Reading Royals at 4:00. Wheeling's next home game takes place on November 3rd, when the Cincinnati Cyclones return to town for a 7:05 face-off. The next big promotional night is Marvel Super Hero Night on November 10th at 7:05 against the Toledo Walleye. To purchase tickets, or to get more information on season tickets, flex plans, group tickets, and more, call the Nailers at (304) 234-GOAL.