FORT WAYNE, IN – The Wheeling Nailers received a sparkling goaltending performance from Sean Maguire on Sunday afternoon, as he stopped 41 of 43 shots by the Fort Wayne Komets at Allen County War Memorial Coliseum. Unfortunately, a power play goal by Mike Cazzola at the 26 second mark of the third period was the difference on the scoreboard, as the Komets edged the Nailers 2-1 ending Wheeling’s seven-game road trip.
After a scoreless first period, the two teams exchanged markers in the middle frame. The first club on the scoreboard was Wheeling. Cody Wydo sprayed a pass ahead to Gage Quinney in neutral ice. Quinney proceeded to use his strength to hold off the defense, as he battled his way in on the right side of the slot. After escaping, the rookie forward turned to his forehand, to dribble a shot around Pat Nagle’s right pad. Fort Wayne’s response came with 2:07 left. Mike Cazzola dangled around along the left wing wall, before centering a pass to Brett Perlini, who slammed in a one-timer on the right side of the crease.
At the 26 second mark of the third period, the Komets snapped the deadlock. Jason Binkley kept a clearing attempt alive at the left point, and immediately found Cazzola below the left face-off dot. Cazzola elevated a wrist shot into the top-right corner of the net. The Nailers had three power plays in the final 11:02 of play, but were unable to materialize another goal, as they fell, 2-1.
Pat Nagle backstopped the win for Fort Wayne, making 29 saves on 30 shots. Maguire played extremely well for Wheeling, but got stuck with the tough decision, as he denied 41 of the 43 shots he faced.
The Nailers will head home for their next three games, which all take place next weekend, starting with a Friday matchup with the Quad City Mallards.Game time is set for 7:35p.m.
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