Delmas, Wheeling Shutout Komets

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FORT WAYNE, IN- Defense and goaltending were the story on Sunday afternoon, as the Wheeling Nailers battled the Fort Wayne Komets at Allen County War Memorial Coliseum. In the end, it was Peter Delmas who got the upper hand, as his 44 saves kept the Komets off of the scoreboard. Paul Crowder helped his goaltender, lighting the lamp with 3:33 left in third, giving the Nailers a 1-0 triumph.

The first period was an interesting one for Wheeling, who watched as the Komets threw everything they had at the net in the first twenty minutes of play. Delmas ended up with a 23-save frame, as the game remained scoreless, despite a shots on goal margin of 23-2. The Nailers evened the play in the second period, outshooting Fort Wayne 16-13, but the red light had still yet to turn on.

Finally, with 3:33 remaining in the third, the Nailers broke the deadlock. Paul Crowder got a pass from Keven Veilleux in the left circle, and snapped a shot just inside of the far post for a 1-0 advantage. Delmas and the defense made that goal stand up, as Wheeling swept the season series with Fort Wayne.

Peter Delmas pitched the shutout for the Nailers, stopping all 44 shots he faced. The shutout was the eight of his career, tying him with Andy Franck for the most in team history. The win was also the 44th of his career, tying him with Tyler MacKay for the second most in team history. Jeff Deslauriers made 28 saves on 29 shots for the Komets.