The Wheeling Nailers began their quest for the Kelly Cup on Wednesday night in Game 1 of their seven-game series against the Norfolk Admirals, losing 4-0.
Despite being outshot 16-8 by Wheeling in the first period, the Admirals got on the board with a goal by Darick Louis-Jean at 5:44 and padded their lead at 13:58 when Brady Fleurent scored.
In the second, Norfork flipped the script with a 12-6 shot advantage, although neither team scored. Then, at 3:41 of the third, the Admirals went up 3-0 when Grant Hebert scored his first of the series. Hebert finished the night factoring in all but one goal, picking up two assists.
Jack O'Leary capped off the evening with a late empty-net goal at 19:21, with Fluerent picking up his second assist in the period to have three points. Meanwhile, Hank Crone had helpers on the game's first two goals to be the only other player with multiple points.
Wheeling Nailers Secure Fourth Best Regular Season In Franchise History
The Wheeling Nailers, the ECHL affiliate of the Pittsburgh Penguins, wrapped up their 2024-25 season by going 2-1-0 against the North Division champions, Trois-Rivieres Lions, this past weekend.
The Admirals' Thomas Milic earned a shutout with 29 saves, while rookie Sergei Murashov made 25 saves, surrendering three goals in his ECHL playoff debut.
After a lopsided start to the contest, each team wound up with 29 shots apiece, with neither capitalizing on their power play opportunities as the Nailers went 0-for-3 and the Admirals went 0-for-4.
Norfolk leads the best-of-seven series 1-0 with Game 2 scheduled for Thursday night.