Nailers Hit Historic Mark With Win Over Reading

The Wheeling Nailers have been making a habit of rewriting the history books.

Friday night was no exception, as they picked up their 12^th consecutive win and earned points in 15 straight games with a 4-1 win in Reading against the Royals. The 12 wins matches a team record, and the 15-game point streak (14-0-1) sets a new club mark.

The Royals scored first, only to watch the Nailers tally four unanswered goals for the win. Matty De St. Phalle scored two goals, while Jordan Martel picked up three assists.

Todd Skirving scored the only goal of the night for Reading, putting in a low shot from the right faceoff dot after shortening up on his stick.

Wheeling’s offense came to life starting at the 12:15 mark. Gabe Klassen put a brilliant fake around a Royals defender, then slipped a nifty pass to Jagger Joshua, who tied the game 1-1 by slamming in a one-timer from the slot.

The Nailers took the lead less than two minutes later, when Martel tipped a Kyle Jackson pass on goal. De St. Phalle took the rebound and flipped it into the right side of the cage on a backhander.

De St. Phalle potted his second on the night, grabbing a loose puck in the right circle and whipping a wrister into the left side of the net for a 3-1 Nailers advantage.

The final goal came in the middle frame after Martel carried the puck in on the right side of the slot and found a wide-open Jackson, who buried a one-timer from the slot to preserve the 4-1 victory and make history for the Nailers.

Martel has played a major role in Wheeling’s successful stretch with 11 points (4-7-11) over his last seven games.

Taylor Gauthier was spectacular in net for Wheeling, turning away 28 of the 29 shots he faced. Keith Petruzzelli took the loss for the Royals, stopping 30 of 34 shots.

Wheeling moves its record to 16-3-1. Reading drops to 8-13-4.

The Nailers and Royals will meet again Saturday night at Santander Arena, with puck drop set for 7 Pm ET.