Trending
It doesn't matter how you color it, it's still a loss.
I'm talking about Wheeling's 5-4 loss to Reading Sunday night at WesBanco Arena in ECHL action.
The contest could very well describe the Nailers' frustrating season in itself.
The home team allows the first goal of the game for the umpteenth time, then ties the game only to see the Royals find the net twice in a matter of 49 seconds at the outset of the second period, with the first lam-lighter coming on a deflected pass and off a Nailers' stick.
Wheeling battled back and finally drew even early on in the final period. In fact, the Nailers even took the lead with just over six minutes left in regulation, but the hockey demons once again worked the evil spell on the hosts.
Same old song and dance from there on.
The Nailers get whistled for a pair of penalties inside the final two minutes of what had been to that point, a rather cleanly-played contest, and the Royals score with less than 60 ticks left in regulation to tie the game and then win it just before the halfway point of the 5-minute overtime session.
"From the 10-minute mark of the opening period on I thought we played pretty well," observed Wheeling head coach Greg Puhalski, "with the exception of that first shift in the second period.
"We had a good hockey game," he added. "I thought we deserved the two points. We got one out of two, but we need as many points as we can get right now."
How many times are we going to hear that the "effort was there."
The "effort" should be there EVERY night! After all, these guys are getting paid to play the game. Granted, it might not be much, but they are considered professionals in the career paths.
400 and Counting
Wheeling's Kelly Miller skated in his 400th career game Sunday. He is in his ninth professional season, his first in Wheeling.
Signed as a free agent after Puhalski took over for Glenn Patrick at the start of 2008, Miller has also played for the Toledo Storm, Fort Wayne Komets (UHL), Cincinnati Cyclones, San Angelo Saints (CHL), Rockford IceHogs (UHL), Topeka Tarantulas (CHL), Amarillo Gorillas (CHL), Huntsville Havoc (SPHL) and Chicago Hounds (UHL).
Miller could've added a bonus to his milestone, but he was denied by a right pad save by former Wheeling goalie Terry Denike on a first-period penalty shot.
Steenrod Sings
The Steenrod Elementary School choir treated the crowd to a fine performance of the national anthem prior to the game.
Three at Home Again
The Nailers will be back on the ice next weekend, with games on Friday, Saturday and Sunday all at WesBanco Arena. On Friday, the Nailers take on the Johnstown Chiefs before their back-to-back games with the Trenton Devils. Friday night there will be a college toga party and all fans wearing a toga will get into the game free. The fan wearing the most elaborate toga will win a $100 gift certificate to Buffalo Wild Wings. For tickets or more information on next weekend's events and promotions visitwww.wheelingnailers.com or call 304.234.GOAL.
North can be reached at knorth@timesleaderonline.com