K-Wings play-off bound

KALAMAZOO , Mich. – The Kalamazoo Wings probably won’t be content with just clinching a Kelly Cup play-off spot. The team sits just a point behind Cincinnati for the top spot in the Northern Division, and if the on-ice grit they showed in their 5-2 win over Wheeling in the first game of a home and home is any indication, this K-Wing team is hungry and built to make a run in the play-offs.

The K-Wings got a solid, 32 save performance out of Goaltender Ryan Nie. Added three power play goals, and remained one of the hotter teams in the ECHL with a 7-2-1-0 record in their last 10 games.
Kalamazoo Captain Sam Ftorek (18 goals to date) netted the first goal of the night 4:27 into the second frame. The Nailers answered back later in the period when T.J Fox (24) beat Nie for one of the Wheelers two scores on the night. By the time Wheeling would score the other goal the K-Wings were well in control and on their way to the win after power play goals by Andrew Fournier (22) and Mathieu Curadeau (18). Aaron Clarke (23) had the Nailers’ only other goal and Brian McGuirk (14) added the K-Wings other power play goal.
Nie remains close to the top in the league in most goaltending categories, and currently leads the ECHL with his 24 wins. If the K-Wings plan to make a serious run at a championship in their inaugural ECHL season, Nie will have to remain stellar.
The pieces are in place. Savvy goal scorers and playmakers, big defensemen with good reach, good vision, and hockey sense. Grinding forwards who can take over a penalty kill, or wear down an opposing scoring line. The pieces are in place to not only win the North Division, but also make an impact in the Kelly Cup play-offs.
The K-Wings have seven of their last eight games against North Division opponents. Twice the K-Wings will match up against leader Cincinnati, once at home. Then, three games remain with both Toledo and Wheeling. Elmira is the lone foe that does not call the North Division home; the Jackals currently lead the eastern division. There are no easy nights left for the K-Wings, on the other hand, the K-Wings control their own destiny. Win and the division title is theirs for taking. Stumble and they have no one to blame but the faces in the mirror.
Contact the writer at Tim.Driscoll@prohockeynews.com Photos by Larry.Burdick@prohockeynews.com