CINCINNATI, Ohio – The Wheeling Nailers and Cincinnati Cyclones put forth a tremendous defensive battle on Thursday night, which resulted in both teams earning a point in a 1-1 tie after three periods. At the 2:47 mark of overtime, it was the Nailers who picked up the bonus point. Cody Wydo made a filthy move on a defender to set up Mathew Maione in the right circle for the winning goal. Brian Foster backstopped the victory with 21 saves.
After a scoreless opening period, the Nailers got on the scoreboard first at the 1:59 mark of the second period. Jordan Kwas won an offensive zone face-off back to James Melindy, who teed up a slapper from the right point. His first attempt got blocked, but the puck went right back to him, so he wound up and fired again, drilling it into the cage. Cincinnati drew even shortly before the midway mark of the stanza. Tommy Mele threw a crunching check on the left side, freeing up the puck for Jack Downing, who walked in alone, and scored on a forehand shot.
Defense got back to being the name of the game, as the final 30 minutes of regulation were played without a goal being scored. The two sides each guaranteed themselves a point with overtime, which got decided in favor of the visitors. Cody Wydo made a remarkable move in the left circle, faking out a defender, before slipping a pass through the slot to Mathew Maione for a one-time tally from the right circle and a 2-1 Nailers triumph.
Brian Foster was the winning netminder for Wheeling in his first game against his former club, making 21 saves on 22 shots. Brad Thiessen also faced his ex-team, taking the overtime loss, despite a 29-for-31 effort for Cincinnati.
With Wheeling Nailers release
Contact the photographer: Shawn.Conkle@prohockeynews.com
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