Nailers Blow Past Cyclones, 7-1

CINCINNATI, Ohio – The Wheeling Nailers (20-16-0-2) scored six unanswered goals, including three in the third period, to earn a 7-1 win over the Cincinnati Cyclones (16-15-5-2) at U.S. Bank Arena on Tuesday night.

Wheeling’s Nick Petersen found the net for the eighth time in eight games against Cincinnati when he sent a shot past Chet Pickard (L, 18, 4-8-2-0) at the 4:54 mark, making it 1-0 Nailers.  However, just 32 seconds later, a Scott Reynolds shot from behind the net banked off of a Nailer defender and rolled behind goalie Peter Delmas (W, 29 saves, 2-0-0-0) to knot the score.  But after a turnover at the Cincinnati blue line, Wheeling forward Kelly Miller picked up the loose puck and wristed home the go-ahead goal at 15:47 to put his team up 2-1 after 20 minutes.

The Nailers padded their lead midway through the second frame when, at the 8:11 mark, Joey Haddad sent a backhanded shot over the shoulder of Pickard and into the net for a 3-1 lead.  With less than two minutes left in the frame, Alex Smigelski tipped home a David Urquhart blast to extend Wheeling’s lead to 4-1 at the second intermission.

In the third period, the Nailers began to pour it on; with just 0:51 gone in the final stanza, Ben Street tapped in a goal to make it 5-1.  Then, goals from Michael Bedard and Petersen at 4:22 and 12:29 respectively capped the scoring – sending the Wheeling to a 7-1 win.

The Cyclones Radio Network Three Stars of the Game are as follows:
1.    Nick Petersen (2 goals for Wheeling)
2.    Ben Street (1 goal, 1 assist for Wheeling
3.    Mikael Bedard (1 goal, 2 assists for Wheeling)

The Cyclones will continue their swing through the North Division on Friday night when they travel to face the Kalamazoo Wings at 7:30pm.  Hear all the action LIVE on MAX-FM starting at 7:15pm.

The defending Kelly Cup Champions will return to U.S. Bank Arena this Saturday, January 22, when they welcome in the Wings for a 7:30pm opening face-off.  It’s another Kids Eat Free Night where fans ages 2-12 will receive a free meal courtesy of John Morrell and Sunkist.  Additionally, the first 2,500 fans through the gates will receive a Cyclones Team Poster.  Discounted ticket packages and single game tickets for the 2010-2011 season are available now.  For more information, call 513.421.PUCK (7825) or visit CyclonesHockey.com.

Click here for tonight’s box score.