Effort There, Victories Not
WHEELING — They will take the effort. It’s the result that has the Wheeling Nailers sick to their stomachs. The Nailers (2-7-1 — 5) played 50 minutes of good hockey Friday night at WesBanco Arena, but a pair of miscues during the other 10 cost them a 2-1 loss to defending Kelly Cup champion South Carolina (5-2-2 — 12). ‘‘We still had some turnovers, but I think all in all our effort was better,’’ Wheeling coach Greg Puhalski said. ‘‘It was close all the way, and we didn’t give up at any point. ‘‘We still have to finish.’’ Trailing 2-0 with less than 2 minutes remaining, Wheeling pulled goaltender Jordan Parise for an extra attacker. Seconds later the Stingrays’ Joe Finley went off for a cross-checking penalty, giving the Nailers a 6-on-4 advantage. ‘‘I had one go right across my skate and I missed the net,’’ Wheeling’s Aaron Clarke said. ‘‘Luckily the guys were crashing and banging there and we got one.’’ Indeed they did. Wheeling pulled to within a goal when Jordan Fox, back in the lineup after sitting out a month’s worth of games with a shoulder injury suffered in the opener, slammed a rebound past Stingrays goaltender Todd Ford. The Nailers had a couple more chances but they couldn’t get another past Ford, who stopped 27 of 28 shots as Wheeling outshot an opponent for the first time this season. ‘‘Everybody’s kind of shaking their heads right now and have their heads hanging low,’’ Clarke said.
» Full StoryNailers Still Seeking Answers
WHEELING — Changes were promised by the Wheeling Nailers coaching staff and they’re coming in different forms. The organization added forward Chris Capraro on Monday, but the big difference has been the practices.
» Full StoryHammer About To Fall Down
WHEELING — As a former player, Wheeling Nailers assistant coach Doug Doull says you can sense when the hammer is about to come down. For that reason there are some guys on the current team who should know their time in Wheeling is about to run out.
» Full StoryNailers Show Lack of Hunger in 6-3 Defeat
WHEELING — Doug Doull got his first chance to sit at the pro coaching head table Saturday night and quickly realized the vantage point isn’t any prettier from there.
» Full StoryNailers Fall in Shootout
WHEELING — The Wheeling Nailers showed flashes offensive brilliance Friday night as six players registered at least two points. Unfortunately, the defense wasn’t up to par.
» Full StoryNailers, WesBanco Agree to New 1-Year Lease
WHEELING -- The Intelligencer has learned that officials from the Wheeling Nailers and WesBanco Arena have agreed to a new 1-year lease, ensuring the franchise will remain here for the rest of this seaso.
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