Nailers Earn First Division Win in Comeback Fashion

WHEELING, WV- The Wheeling Nailers earned their first divisional victory in with a thrilling come-from-behind decision on Sunday afternoon at WesBanco Arena. The Cincinnati Cylones jumped ahead 2-0, but a former teammate did them in, as Winston Day Chief tipped home the go-ahead tally with 4:10 left, giving the Nailers the 3-2 win. Nick Saracino posted a three-point day with one goal and two assists.

Cincinnati scored a pair of goals in the first period, while holding off three outstanding shorthanded chances by the Nailers to carry a 2-0 lead into the intermission. The first goal came at the 4:48 mark, when Brady Vail whirled around the offensive zone, before whipping in a wrist shot from the left side of the high slot. With 5:30 remaining, the Cyclones added to their lead. Vasili Glotov stole the puck behind the net, then proceeded to feed Pascal Aquin for an open shot from the left side.

Wheeling tallied the lone goal in the middle frame, starting its comeback with 8:17 left on the clock. Nick Saracino won a battle for the puck along the right wall, before powering his way toward the net. Saracino ended up setting up Alex Rauter, who snapped home his third goal of the season from the bottom of the right circle. Dane Birks was credited with the second assist.

The third period belonged to the Nailers, who outshot Cincinnati, 16-5, while netting the tying and winning goals. The tying strike came at the 1:10 mark, when Troy Josephs led Nick Saracino in behind the defense, where he faked to the backhand, sliding a shot through Jonas Johansson. Josh Couturier picked up an assist as well for his first professional point. With 4:10 to go, Wheeling went ahead for the first time, grabbing the only lead it needed. Dan Fick fired a shot from the blueline that was tipped into the cage by Winston Day Chief for the winning goal in a 3-2 Nailers triumph.

Matt O'Connor was the winning netminder for the Nailers, as he made 20 saves on 22 shots. Jonas Johansson lost for the first time in six games for the Cyclones, stopping 27 of the 30 shots he faced.

The Nailers will take a quick trip to Kalamazoo for a 7:30 game on Tuesday, before returning to WesBanco Arena for a pair of games over the weekend. Friday night will be a Frosty Friday, as Wheeling hosts Indy at 7:05. Then, on Saturday, it's Nailers Fight Cancer Night, as Kalamazoo comes to town at 7:05. The next big promotional game is NailerMania on December 15th, starring WWE Hall of Famer Mick Foley. Teddy Bear Toss and Ugly Sweater Night will also be part of that fun-filled night. Family Four Packs are available for NailerMania, thanks to WTRF - for $60, fans get four tickets, four hats, and four McDonald's Meal Vouchers. 2018 Holiday Packages are now available as well. 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.