Winning streak ends as the Toledo Walleye fall to Wheeling
Related articlesJust as the year 2009 came to an end last night, the record-setting winning streak of the Toledo Walleye drew to a close as well. The Walleye fell to the Wheeling Nailers 3-2 in a close New Year’s Eve game at WesBanco Arena.
Despite the loss, Toledo showed good pressure, especially in the first period. Their four power-play opportunities in the first produced several quality shots, but goaltender Michael Teslak was able to keep them off the board.
Wheeling was the first to strike as Toledo defenseman Sebastian Piche lost the puck behind the net. Colin Power picked it up, sending it right to TJ Fox to beat Toledo goaltender Jordan Pearce in the final minute of the first period.
The Walleye gained some momentum near the middle of the second as Bryan Ewing forced a turnover, lining up Malcolm MacMillan for the one-timer to tie the score at one.
Ewing’s success continued about five minutes later as he put the Walleye ahead during a power play. Scooter Smith and Justin Hodgman set up the play to give Ewing his fifth goal of the season.
The Nailers however gave the Walleye little time to celebrate the lead, needing under 90 seconds of play to tie the game at two. Wheeling’s Zack Sill snatched up a puck lost by Chris Robertson, sending it in front for the one-timer by Chris Capraro.
While both teams made good attempts to regain the lead in the final 20 minutes of play, it was Chris Capraro who netted the game winner with just over 10 minutes to play. Casey Pierro-Zabotel passed across the ice to Capraro who beat Jordan Pearce for the go-ahead goal.
Following a quick fight in which Malcolm MacMillan dominated Wheeling’s Kevin Schmidt, the Walleye fought towards the equalizer, forcing Nailers’ goaltender Michael Teslak to make several exceptional saves. Toledo made one last attempt in the final moments, pulling Jordan Pearce and using a timeout to set up a six-man drive, but they were unsuccessful.
posted : 2 years ago Friday, January 1
