Nailers Fall 4-1 in Cincinnati

CINCINNATI, OH- Zac Lynch put the Wheeling Nailers on the scoreboard in Saturday night's game against the Cincinnati Cyclones, but unfortunately, that was the lone goal for the visiting team at U.S. Bank Arena. Cincinnati scored twice each in the first and third periods, and rode a 33-save effort by Michael Houser to a 4-1 win.

The Nailers got off to a quick start, opening the scoring at the 3:24 mark of the first period. Cam Brown curled around the defense on the right side of the ice, before slipping a pass into the low slot. Zac Lynch drove toward the net, and tapped in a backhander. Cincinnati tied the score a little more than seven minutes later. Vasili Glotov twisted with a shot from the left side of the high slot, which was tipped into the cage by Jordan Sims. Justin Vaive gave the Cyclones the lead with 5:20 to go, when he redirected a slap pass from Jesse Schultz on the power play.

After a scoreless second period, Cincinnati tacked on two more special teams goals in the third. At the 59-second mark, Nate Mitton's rush created a shorthanded chance. His initial shot was stopped, but the rebound was deposited by Spencer Dorowitz. Eric Knodel tallied the last marker of the night with a slap shot from the blueline for a 4-1 final score.

Michael Houser earned the victory in his season debut for the Cyclones, turning aside 33 of the 34 shots he faced. Matt O'Connor suffered the loss for Wheeling, making 21 saves on 25 shots.

The Nailers will play two more road games next weekend, when they visit the Reading Royals on Saturday at 7:00 and Sunday at 4:00. Wheeling's first home game will take place on November 3rd against the Indy Fuel, featuring a pregame concert by Logan Wojcik, the induction of the Wheeling Hockey Hall of Fame's Class of 2018, and the debut of the team's new alternate jersey. The Wheeling Nailers, considered one of the top things to do in Wheeling, West Virginia, provide affordable family entertainment for fans throughout the Ohio Valley. For information on season tickets, group tickets, flex plans, and more, call (304) 234-GOAL.