Playoff-Bound Nailers Fall in Home Finale to Komets
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WHEELING -- The Wheeling Nailers were faced with an interesting task on Friday night.
Just two days after clinching its first ECHL playoff spot since 2016, Wheeling had to refocus for its regular season home finale inside WesBanco Arena.
The Nailers fought back late but ultimately fell to the visiting Fort Wayne Komets 2-1.
Several players were out of the lineup to get some much-needed rest before the postseason begins.
"This was as difficult of a game as you can play as a hockey player," Nailers coach Derek Army said. "You've played 70 games to this point and you just went on one of the most incredible runs to get into the playoffs. You had to win every night and it's emotional. Then, you finally clinch and you're riding high then you come back and you have to play another game. That's a tough one for a lot of younger players. It's tough because you have to mentally check in and I think you saw us a little off the mark early and that was a tough thing to shake but I was glad to see us push through. It was just back to playing hockey and not worrying about anything else."
Wheeling travels to Fort Wayne for the last regular season game (Saturday) at 7:30 p.m. and again there will be some players resting in preparation for postseason action.
"(Saturday) there will be another large contingency out," Army said. "We need to get some guys some rest and save them a long bus ride so we can get ready for a playoff push.
"But I'm still looking to see our response and see us push in Fort Wayne and I just want them to do the little things we do well."
The first period was scoreless on Friday night but the Komets grabbed two goals late in the second period to go up 2-0.
However, Matt Foley found Sam Houde, who sent a wrister from the left circle and into the back of the net to cut the deficit in half with 5:32 remaining in the contest.
Houde's late netter extended his point streak to 11 straight games.
Despite inching closer in the contest, Fort Wayne goalie Samuel Harvey made 25 saves and did not allow another one past him to secure the win.
Wheeling's Louis-Philip Guindon was also stellar with 26 saves.
"This was a really good hockey game if you're a fan," Army said. "I thought the best two players on the ice were the two goalies. I thought they were both phenomenal."
Wheeling forward Patrick Watling was named first team All-ECHL on Thursday and defenseman Josh Maniscalco was named second team.
Army was thrilled for both of them to see their hard work pay off.
"All of these guys have played huge for us," Army said. "Watty has been crucial for us and that is no secret. Manny has also been crucial. Watty, to be honest, I think he is the MVP of the ECHL. Manny has taken steps from being a power play guy to a guy who plays 5v6 and important defensive situations."
As always the team awards were handed out after the final home game. Here is a look at the winners.
Project Best Community Award
Adam Smith
WesBanco Defensive MVP
Adam Smith
WesBanco Offensive MVP
Patrick Watling
WVU Medicine Rookie of the Year
Josh Maniscalco
Players' Player Award
Jared Cockrell
Unsung Hero
Cam Hausinger
Fans' Choice Award
Patrick Watling