Nailers Claw Back to Earn a Point Against Cincinnati

WHEELING, WV- The Wheeling Nailers earned a point for the sixth time in seven games, but on Friday night, they came up empty in their attempt to secure a second point. Jesse Schultz snapped a 3-3 tie at the 1:57 mark of overtime, lifting the Cincinnati Cyclones to a 4-3 win at WesBanco Arena. Reid Gardiner extended his goal streak to five games and his point streak to seven games with the tying goal, as Wheeling earned its tenth point of the campaign.

The first period featured some back-and-forth pace, and when the buzzer sounded, the visitors found themselves ahead, 2-1. The opening goal came on a 3-on-2 rush at the 4:58 mark. Andrew Radjenovic slid a pass into the slot for Rob De Fulviis, who glided to his right, before snapping a shot into the left side of the cage. The Nailers responded with the tying goal less than five minutes later. Cam Brown battled through a check in the trapezoid, then fed Kenny Ryan, who slammed in a one-timer from the low slot for his fifth goal in three games. The Cyclones took the lead back with 7:46 to go. Eric Knodel set up Brandon McNally for a one-timer from the right circle, which he deposited on the power play.

One goal was scored in the second period, and it was an equalizer for Wheeling, which came on the man advantage. Reid Gardiner launched a pass across the ice to Cam Brown on the left side. Brown put the puck into the middle for Derek Army, who slanted into the right circle, before clobbering home a slap shot. Gardiner's assist extended his point streak to seven games, and the Nailers converted on the power play for the seventh consecutive contest.

It took until the 5:41 mark of the third period for Cincinnati to solve Will King, and it took a deflection to do it. Andrew Radjenovic's shot from the left wall was tipped out of the air and into the net by Winston Day Chief. With 2:26 remaining in regulation, the Nailers potent power play forced overtime. Cody Wydo raked a puck out of Jason Kasdorf's control, backing it up for Gardiner, who punched in a goal for the fifth game in a row.

Overtime was settled in 1:57. Justin Danforth intercepted a pass in front of his bench, then flicked a pass into the slot, where a shot was roofed by Jesse Schultz, as the Cyclones skated away with the 4-3 win.

Jason Kasdorf got the victory in goal for Cincinnati, making 24 saves on 27 shots. Will King suffered the overtime loss for Wheeling, despite turning aside 18 of the 20 shots he faced in relief of Sean Maguire, who gave up two goals on six shots.

The Nailers will travel to Indy on Saturday for a 7:35 game against the Fuel, before returning home next weekend. Friday night is Marvel Super Hero Night, when Wheeling takes the ice in Captain America jerseys for the 7:05 tilt with the Toledo Walleye. Fans can meet Captain America, Iron Man, and Black Widow, and the first 1,000 kids will receive a free cape. To purchase tickets, or to get more information about season tickets, flex plans, group tickets, and more, call (304) 234-GOAL.