CINCINNATI, OH- Heritage Bank Center has been a challenging building for opposing teams, and despite earning a win on Friday night, the Wheeling Nailers were unable to duplicate the feat on Saturday. The Cincinnati Cyclones scored four goals on 50 shots and got a shutout from Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, as they bested the Nailers, 4-0.
The Cyclones got an early save by Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen on a 3-on-1 break by the Nailers, and that helped them grab some momentum, which led to two goals in the first period. At the 7:52 mark, Cincinnati capitalized on Wheeling having a player without a stick. Tobie Bisson moved the puck to Andrew DeBrincat, who swept in a wrist shot from the left circle. Later in the stanza, a power play goal extended the lead, when Pascal Aquin and Mason Mitchell tipped Justin Baudry's point shot. Mitchell's deflection was the final one, as he got credit for the marker.
The home side added to its lead with a pair of goals in the middle frame. John Edwardh turned in a wrist shot from the slot at the 2:49 mark, then Aquin rushed out of the penalty box, took a lead pass from Ben Johnson, and buried a shot from the right circle.
The Nailers mustered ten shots on goal in the third period, but neither team was able to find the back of the net, as the Cyclones completed their 4-0 win.
Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen earned his third career shutout for Cincinnati, blocking all 21 shots he faced. Jordan Ruby turned in a season-high 46 saves in the defeat for Wheeling.
The Nailers will return home on Sunday for a 4:05 game against the Toledo Walleye. Following the game, the even-numbered players will be on the ice skating with the fans. After that, the next Big Six Promotional Night is Nickelodeon Night featuring Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles on January 11th, when Wheeling battles the Fort Wayne Komets at 7:05. Holiday Packages are currently 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, partial plans, and more, call (304) 234-GOAL.
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