The Wheeling Nailers will host the Cincinnati Cyclones at a neutral site on Saturday, April 13, at 7:30 p.m., when both teams visit UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex in Cranberry Township, PA, just a 25-minute drive from downtown Pittsburgh. With a win tonight and either a Kalamazoo Wings or a Fort Wayne Komets loss, Wheeling can clinch a playoff spot in the 2023-24 Kelly Cup Playoffs.
The last time Wheeling and Cincinnati met was March 30 in Cincinnati. The Cyclones won the game 3-2 off an Ole Julian Bjorgvik-Holm overtime goal. Patrick Polino of the Cyclones would skate down the right wing with the puck on a 2-on-1 rush. Polino would dish a pass over to Bjorgvik-Holm, who buried the puck past Wheeling goaltender Jaxon Castor. Elijah Gonsalves would get the secondary assist on the game-winning goal. Wheeling could not get anything going on the powerplay, as the Cyclones shut them down and went a perfect 3-for-3 on the penalty kill. Despite a 3-2 OT loss, the Nailers outshot the Cyclones 32-19 and picked up a crucial point in the standings.
Saturday night’s game will be hosted at a neutral site. Wheeling announced on April 12 that they would be looking to move the date of the game or find another venue due to flooding around the Wheeling area. The Nailers organization was able to find a location, and it is fitting the location is at the Pittsburgh Penguins practice facility. Doors will open at 7 p.m., with puck drop slated for 7:30 p.m. Tickets are limited to season ticket members and partial plan holders. The team asks you bring your ticket/season pass upon entry, as there will be staff onsite to help fans through the doors.
Stats
Goals Scored
WHL: 226
CIN: 236
PP%
WHL: 21%
CIN: 23%
PK%
WHL: 77%
CIN: 76%
Players to Watch
WHL: F Jordan Martel (2-2-4 in last two games)
WHL: F Tanner Laderoute (3-2-5 in last three games)
CIN: F Patrick Polino (3-2-5 in last four games, 2 points shy of 60 on the season)
CIN: D Jalen Smereck (14-57-71 in 70 games played this season)
