NORFOLK, Va. — Strong defense and goaltending was on display at Norfolk Scope Arena on Friday night, as the Wheeling Nailers and Norfolk Admirals played the first of two games this weekend.

Only three goals were scored on 49 shots on goal, as the Admirals prevailed, 2-1, to extend their winning streak to five games, while bringing Wheeling’s five-game winning streak to an end. Norfolk scored both of its goals in the second period, then rode the netminding of Isaac Poulter to the finish line.

Logan Pietila was the lone Nailer to light the lamp, as he netted his team-leading tenth tally of the season.

The two sides played to a scoreless opening stanza, which saw Wheeling lead 7-6 in shots. At the 3:09 mark of the second period, the Admirals broke the deadlock. Josh McDougall created the play by navigating his way in from the right point.

McDougall was ultimately rewarded for his efforts, as his final destination was the bottom of the left circle, where he slammed home the rebound of Jack Jaunich’s shot.

A little more than four minutes later, Norfolk added to its advantage. Brahden Engum launched a pass ahead to Justin Young, which created a breakaway. Young took a simple approach, as he snapped a shot through Taylor Gauthier’s legs.

The Nailers tried to get their offense going in the third period, as they put 11 shots on goal and pulled within one at the 4:34 mark.

Logan Pietila won a puck battle along the left wall, then had a quick give-and-go with Connor Lockhart. The end result was Pietila taking the return feed and roofing a shot into the top-right corner of the twine.

Unfortunately, that was the only goal that Wheeling could muster, as the Admirals held on for the 2-1 win.

Isaac Poulter earned his fifth straight win for Norfolk, as he turned aside 23 of the 24 shots he faced. Gauthier played well in the defeat for the Nailers, as he made 23 saves on 25 shots.

The Nailers and Admirals will wrap up their season series in Norfolk on Saturday night at 7:05 p.m.

Wheeling will then return to WesBanco Arena for three straight home games on January 23, 24 and 25. Friday will be a Frosty Friday with select $2 beers at 7:10 against Reading.

he Royals will also be the opponent at 7:10 on Saturday, which will be Nailers Fight Cancer Night. The opposition changes to Fort Wayne for Sunday at 4:10, which will be followed by a post game skate with odd-numbered players.

The next Big-6 Promotional Game is Pittsburgh Penguins Night on Saturday, February 7, and the special guest will be Phil Bourque.

LOOSE PUCKS

The Nailers have announced the new dates for the games that were postponed at the end of December.

The game originally scheduled for Friday, Dec. 26 between the Wheeling Nailers and Toledo Walleye at Huntington Center will now be played on Friday, Apr. 17 at 7:15.

The game originally scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 27 between the Wheeling Nailers and Indy Fuel at WesBanco Arena will now be played on Saturday, Apr. 18 at 7:10.

The game originally scheduled for Sunday, Dec. 28 between the Wheeling Nailers and Cincinnati Cyclones at WesBanco Arena will now be played on Tuesday, Apr. 7 at 7:10.

The 80’s Night promotion with the post game concert by Tongue ‘N Cheek will take place on Saturday, Apr. 18.

Fans who had tickets to the originally scheduled home games may use their tickets for the corresponding make-up date. They can also exchange their tickets for a different 2025-26 home game for tickets of equal or lesser value, subject to availability.