On Saturday night, the Wheeling Nailers played host to the Cincinnati Cyclones in an unusual location – UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex (the Pittsburgh Penguins’ practice facility) in Cranberry Township, PA. The Nailers were forced to play this crucial playoff-deciding game away from their home arena in Wheeling due to flooding caused by the Ohio River, which is due to Ohio’s unpredictable weather patterns lately. The first period was relatively uneventful, with two penalties assessed to Wheeling and one to Cincinnati. The Cyclones finished the period with seven shots, while the Nailers managed eight shots.
In the second period, Wheeling dominated Cincinnati, who performed poorly. The Nailers scored four goals in the second period, with Matt Koopman, Justin Lee, Jordan Martel, and Jared Westcott all finding the back of the net. The Cyclones seemed exhausted in their final regular-season game, while the Nailers had their season on the line and outperformed the Cyclones in every aspect of the game. The Cyclones’ lack of discipline cost them in the second period, as they committed four minor penalties and were outshot 15-4. The Cyclones’ second-period performance was horrible, and it was clear that they had a long and disappointing regular season.
In the third period, there were no significant changes, and Wheeling maintained their dominance in every aspect of the game. Jordan Martel scored his second goal, effectively ending the Cyclones’ chances. Later in the game, Matt Koopman scored a short-handed goal, highlighting the Cyclones’ lack of effort and focus. The Nailers kept up their momentum and won 6-0, securing a spot in the 2023-2024 Kelly Cup Playoffs. As for the Cyclones, their season was a nightmare, and they are now counting down the days until October. Many fans hope that the core group will remain in Cincinnati, but only time will tell.
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