READING, Pa. — The Wheeling Nailers took a quick business trip over to Reading on Wednesday night, put in their work, and brought two points back home. Maxim Pavlenko returned to the Wheeling crease with a 32-save shutout, as the Nailers blanked the Reading Royals, 4-0 at Santander Arena. The Nailers got goals from four different players, as they extended their point streak to six games (5-0-1) and improved their league-leading mark to 15-3-1.

The Nailers put together a strong first period, as they scored the lone goal, while killing off a lengthy 5-on-3. The successful penalty kill came first, as Wheeling received back-to-back penalties 23 seconds apart from each other before the match was ten minutes old. The visitors battled through it, then got on the scoreboard at the 13:48 mark. Ryan Mahshie delivered a pass to the left side of the slot, where Jack Works spun and fired a shot through goaltender Yaniv Perets for his third tally in five games against Reading. Daniel Laatsch also collected an assist in his return from the AHL.

The score stayed 1-0 until the closing minutes of the middle frame, when the Nailers upped their lead thanks to a successful power play. Mahshie tossed a backhander through traffic and on goal. Max Graham swiped the rebound free to set up Logan Pietila, who chipped in a shot from the left side of the crease.

Wheeling tacked on two more in the third period to ice its 4-0 victory. Cole Tymkin poked a pass ahead to Zach Urdahl, who broke away and blazed a shot in on the left side of the twine for goal number three. Then, Craig Armstrong waited patiently to serve up a feed for Randy Hernández, who drove down the middle and shoveled a backhander into the top-right corner.

For the second time this season, Pavlenko was perfect in Reading. Yaniv Perets made 33 saves on 37 shots for the Royals.

The Nailers will play three straight home games this weekend, and the opponent for all three will be the Greensboro Gargoyles. Friday at 7:10 is a Frosty Friday with select $2 beers. Saturday at 7:10 is Wizards & Wands: Spells in the Snow. Saturday’s game will feature a brand new wand giveaway, the Nailers will wear specialty jerseys, and fans will be able to shop in Diagon Alley while enjoying butter beer and chocolate frogs. Plus, the annual Teddy Bear Toss will take place to benefit the Salvation Army. Sunday at 4:10 is the second annual Sensory Day, in addition to a post game skate with even-numbered players. For Sensory Day, the goal horn will not be utilized, music will be lowered, and lights will remain on at the same level throughout the day.