Wheeling Nailers Win Game 4, Survive To Fight Another Day
The Wheeling Nailers found themselves on the ropes ahead of their must-win Game 4 on Friday, trailing their North Division Semifinals series to the Norfolk Admirals 3-0.
Powered by two goals from Matty De St. Phalle, the Nailers forced a Game 5 on Saturday night thanks to a convincing 4-1 win in front of their faithful fans at WesBanco Arena.
Advertisement
After only one goal through the first three games, Wheeling erupted for two goals in the first period, led by De St. Phalle's opening tally just 2:05 into the game.
Although the Admirals tied things up just 42 seconds later, Cole Tymkin restored the Nailers' lead at 18:38.
Wheeling Nailers Looking To Avoid History Ahead Of Game 4
Wheeling Nailers Looking To Avoid History Ahead Of Game 4 The Wheeling Nailers are on a collision course with history on Friday night as they host Game 4 of their North Division Semifinals series with the Norfolk Admirals.
Neither team scored in the second period, while remaining tied in shots on goal at 21-21 after 40 minutes.
Advertisement
De St. Phalle gave Wheeling their first two-goal lead of the series with his second of the night at 8:24 of the third before Eli Lieffers put the game out of reach at 10:07.
During his first action of the playoffs, Jaxon Castor was almost perfect in place of Sergei Murashov, making 29 saves on 30 shots for a .966 SV%.
It appears that the starting job now belongs to Castor after Murashov was called up to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton for a chance to play in the Calder Cup playoffs.
Meanwhile, for the first time in four games, Admirals' netminder Thomas Milic looked human, making 25 saves on 29 shots, finishing the game with a .862 SV%. Despite an off night between the pipes, the 22-year-old has stopped 128 shots through four games for a .962 series SV%.
Advertisement
Overall, it was a tightly contested game outside of the final score, as Norfolk finished with 30 shots compared to Wheeling's 29. As expected, there was no love lost between the two clubs, with the Nailers compiling 29 penalty minutes, followed by the Admirals 21.
Your Guide To Ex-Penguins In The 2025 NHL Playoffs
Your Guide To Ex-Penguins In The 2025 NHL Playoffs The
Pittsburgh Penguins may not be participating in the Stanley Cup playoffs this season.
De St. Phalle had the contest's only special-teams goal in the third period, while Norfolk went 0-for-5 on the power play.
The North Division Semifinals continue on Saturday at 7:10 p.m. ET, as Wheeling looks to fight off elimination for the second consecutive night.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
22 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Oilers contemplating at least one lineup change for Game 4 of Stanley Cup final
FORT LAUDERDALE — Kris Knoblauch has some decisions to make. The Oilers head coach said his team will "likely" make at least one change to its lineup for Game 4 of the Stanley Cup final with Edmonton trailing the Florida Panthers 2-1 in the best-of-seven title series. Advertisement "We haven't discussed that with our players yet," Knoblauch said on a video conference call with reporters Wednesday morning. "But there are some things we've been thinking about." One potential switch for Edmonton, which is coming off an undisciplined 6-1 defeat Monday, could see defenceman Troy Stecher draw in for John Klingberg. The 31-year-old from Richmond, B.C., has played six playoff contests this spring and had good chemistry when paired with Darnell Nurse. Stecher came out of the lineup when Mattias Ekholm returned from a lower-body injury for Edmonton's victory in Game 5 of the Western Conference final that clinched a Cup rematch with Florida. "Troy's been very valuable to our team," Knoblauch said. "One thing we as a coaching staff appreciate a lot from Troy is just how dependable he is. Any time we've needed him, he's given us really good minutes." Advertisement The second-year bench boss also praised the efforts of Klingberg, who has a goal and three assists across 18 playoff games. "He's gotten us through a lot of rounds," Knoblauch said. "We wouldn't have gotten through those rounds without the contributions he's made." Knoblauch again declined to name his starting goaltender for Thursday after Stuart Skinner was pulled in the third period of Game 3. Skinner, who has an .886 save percentage in the series compared to the .928 mark of Florida opposite Sergei Bobrovsky, has allowed five goals in each of his last two starts after Edmonton's 4-3 victory in the opener. Advertisement Calvin Pickard replaced his fellow netminder with the Oilers down 2-0 to the Los Angeles Kings in the first round. He went on to win six straight starts before suffering a lower-body injury. Skinner then returned to the Oilers' crease and responded with some terrific starts in getting Edmonton past both the Vegas Golden Knights and Dallas Stars "Calvin was playing really well … we've always felt confident in Calvin," Knoblauch said. "Always been a guy who's been able to come in and give us good, quality starts." Edmonton forward Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, meanwhile, remains a question mark and is listed as a game-time decision after missing practice both Sunday and Tuesday. A key contributor to the power play, penalty kill, and alongside Connor McDavid on the top line, the 32-year-old with five goals and 13 assists in these playoffs was also a game-time decision Monday. Advertisement Nugent-Hopkins had one shot on target in 15 minutes 34 seconds of action in Game 3 for the Oilers, who are already without heart-and-soul winger Zach Hyman because of a dislocated right wrist that required surgery. Florida, meanwhile, expects Edmonton will bring a lot more to the table Thursday. "Usually you get teams' best after (a blowout)," Panthers forward Brad Marchand said. "Especially with the players they have in the room, how competitive they are, they're gonna look to bounce back. When you have that kind of leadership — those top guys — that's a dangerous combination. "We have to make sure that we bring our best." Advertisement UP CLOSE Marchand played with McDavid for Canada at February's 4 Nations Face-Off tournament — an event the Oilers captain ended in overtime against the United States. "I've seen his intensity level every day, just the way that he showed up in that tournament," Marchand said. "He leads from the front and it shows in his play. A very gifted and talented player, but incredible leader as well." LONG ROAD Florida defenceman Gustav Forsling has found a home with the Panthers. His path to becoming a key contributor for the defending champs was winding. The 28-year-old was traded twice before getting claimed on waivers from the Carolina Hurricanes in January 2021. Advertisement "I tried to just work hard every day," Forsling said. "That's all you can do. But there were moments where you didn't believe that you were gonna make it. I always told myself, 'If you don't believe in yourself, no one else is.' You have to stay mentally strong, for sure, during that period. "When you get the opportunity, you've got to be ready for it." Originally drafted by the Vancouver Canucks with the 126th pick at the 2014 NHL draft, the six-foot-one, 199-pound Swede has become one of the league's top shutdown blueliners. "Everyone has a different journey," said Forsling, who signed an eight-year, US$46-million contract extension in March 2024. "Going to be ups and downs … it's all about the journey. Looking back at it, I wouldn't change a thing. It's very cool." This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 11, 2025. Joshua Clipperton, The Canadian Press
USA Today
22 minutes ago
- USA Today
2025 Stanley Cup Final schedule: Panthers vs. Oilers Game 4 time, TV info
2025 Stanley Cup Final schedule: Panthers vs. Oilers Game 4 time, TV info Show Caption Hide Caption NHL rescue dogs, all available for adoption, compete in the 2025 Stanley Pup 32 adorable rescue puppies representing each NHL team will compete in the 2025 Stanley Pup, airing June 6 on TruTV and Sportsnet! The 2025 Stanley Cup Final is a rematch of the 2024 Stanley Cup Final, but the early results are different. The defending champion Florida Panthers lost the opener but now lead the Edmonton Oilers 2-1 after a Game 3 rout. The Panthers will try to take a commanding 3-1 lead in Game 4 while the Oilers will try to tie the series 2-2. Last season, the Panthers won the first three games and the Oilers won the next three. Florida captured Game 7 on home ice for its first NHL championship. This year, the Oilers had home-ice advantage but lost it after a Game 2 loss, They have won five Stanley Cup titles, last in 1990. They are trying to become the first Canadian team since 1993 to win the championship. Here is the schedule, television and streaming information for the best-of-seven Stanley Cup Final: Stanley Cup Final schedule Panthers lead series 2-1 All times Eastern; (x-if necessary) Watch the Stanley Cup Final on Sling How to stream Stanley Cup Final Stanley Cup Final games can be streamed on Sling TV and Max.
Yahoo
32 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Healthier Panthers are nearing full strength in the Stanley Cup Final against the Oilers
Florida Panthers left wing A.J. Greer (10) skates during the second period of Game 3 of the NHL Stanley Cup final against the Edmonton Oilers Monday, June 9, 2025, in Sunrise, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky) Florida Panthers center Sam Reinhart (13) skates to the bench after scoring a goal during the second period of Game 3 of the NHL Stanley Cup final against the Edmonton Oilers Monday, June 9, 2025, in Sunrise, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky) Florida Panthers left wing Matthew Tkachuk (19) trips over Edmonton Oilers goaltender Stuart Skinner (74) during the second period of Game 3 of the NHL Stanley Cup final Monday, June 9, 2025, in Sunrise, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky) Florida Panthers' Sam Bennett (9) celebrates his goal against the Edmonton Oilers with Matthew Tkachuk (19) and Eetu Luostarinen (27) during the second period in Game 3 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup finals in Sunrise, Fla., Monday, June 9, 2025. (Nathan Denette/The Canadian Press via AP) Florida Panthers' Sam Bennett (9) celebrates his goal against the Edmonton Oilers with Matthew Tkachuk (19) and Eetu Luostarinen (27) during the second period in Game 3 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup finals in Sunrise, Fla., Monday, June 9, 2025. (Nathan Denette/The Canadian Press via AP) Florida Panthers left wing A.J. Greer (10) skates during the second period of Game 3 of the NHL Stanley Cup final against the Edmonton Oilers Monday, June 9, 2025, in Sunrise, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky) Florida Panthers center Sam Reinhart (13) skates to the bench after scoring a goal during the second period of Game 3 of the NHL Stanley Cup final against the Edmonton Oilers Monday, June 9, 2025, in Sunrise, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky) Florida Panthers left wing Matthew Tkachuk (19) trips over Edmonton Oilers goaltender Stuart Skinner (74) during the second period of Game 3 of the NHL Stanley Cup final Monday, June 9, 2025, in Sunrise, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky) Florida Panthers' Sam Bennett (9) celebrates his goal against the Edmonton Oilers with Matthew Tkachuk (19) and Eetu Luostarinen (27) during the second period in Game 3 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup finals in Sunrise, Fla., Monday, June 9, 2025. (Nathan Denette/The Canadian Press via AP) FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — The bumps and bruises and worse started to pile up midway through the Florida Panthers' third consecutive trip to the Stanley Cup Final. Matthew Tkachuk only returned for the playoff opener after sitting out the final two months of the regular season with the injury he suffered at the 4 Nations Face-Off in February and seems to still be gutting through it. Sam Reinhart and Niko Mikkola each missed time during the Eastern Conference final, and A.J. Greer's injury he tried playing through eventually sidelined him. Advertisement 'It's very hard to win a Cup with unhealthy bodies,' Greer said. The Panthers found that out the hard way two years ago when they were the skating wounded. Tkachuk had a broken sternum, Aaron Ekblad had a broken foot, two shoulder dislocations and a torn oblique muscle, Radko Gudas had a high ankle sprain and they lost to Vegas in five games in the final. While the Edmonton Oilers looked to be in better shape going into this series with the notable exception of injured forward Zach Hyman, Florida has gotten healthier. Coach Paul Maurice said Reinhart is 'back to full health,' Tkachuk, Mikkola and Greer are making a difference and the defending champions are two wins away from hoisting the Cup for a second year in a row. 'It's always good to have a full team that's healthy," fourth-liner Tomas Nosek said after practice Wednesday. "It's been good so far, and hopefully it stays that way.' Advertisement The Panthers will have their ideal lineup for Game 4 on Thursday night in Sunrise after that same group waxed Edmonton 6-1 earlier this week to take a 2-1 lead in the final. Other than do-it-all defenseman Seth Jones, no one played more than 23 minutes in Game 3. That balance, after so much overtime hockey early in what looked to be an evenly matched series, combined with an extra day between games, makes them rested and ready. 'We've been, I think, great the whole playoffs," center Anton Lundell said. 'It doesn't really matter when we play. It's always fun to play, so we don't really care. But obviously now we have had a couple days off, so it's fun to get the energy back and prepare." Reinhart scoring Monday night was his first goal since being out for two games in the Eastern Conference final, ending a drought that dated to the second round against Toronto. He had six shots in Game 2 and has been steadily progressing. Advertisement 'I'm not worried about him,' Maurice said. 'I think his game is getting stronger — quite a bit stronger.' So is Tkachuk's, even if it's clear the tough winger is not moving as well as he does when 100%. But he had an assist and was noticeably better in Game 3, which Maurice called Tkachuk's best of the playoffs. 'It took him a while to build out,' Maurice said. 'The speed of the Carolina series was probably a really, really good thing. Some of these injuries I'm sure they're dealing with it, you can't condition them and rehab them at the same time. They need some time. And he was out for such a very long time that I would say the last month, but certainly the last three weeks, he's back to form now.' That spells trouble for the Oilers, playing without Hyman and with top-line forward Ryan Nugent-Hopkins dealing with an undisclosed injury that has him relegated him to game-time-decision uncertainty. Their longest-tenured player not being 100% is a major blow after Nugent-Hopkins, Connor McDavid and Hyman were such an effective trio getting to this point. Advertisement Coach Kris Knoblauch foreshadowed a lineup change that may or may not be injury related. Either way, his team's depth is being tested. The same has been the case for the Panthers, who have used 22 skaters in the playoffs following 30 during the season. They've grown accustomed to shuffling players in and out and chugging along like some of the NHL's best teams have to do. 'With our depth this year, even when guys are injured or guys are out of the lineup, there's just so much depth on our team that guys can fill in seamlessly and it doesn't change our lineup that much,' Bennett said. "That's definitely a huge factor for us.' ___ AP NHL playoffs: and
