Trenton 3, Wheeling 1

It was like watching a different team last night at the Sovereign Bank Arena as the Trenton Devils played well in all aspects of the game to secure a 3-1 victory over the visiting Wheeling Nailers.  It was also their second straight victory over the Nailers and their third win in their last five games.

It would be Trenton who would jump out of the gates running with all three of their goals in the first period.  The first was defenceman Matt Cohen's first professional goal which occured at 6:30 when he scored from the point.  The second goal, at 11:06, came from a spectacular solo effort by old friend Mark Pandolfo, who carried the puck on his own through the offensive zone and wristing a shot past Wheeling goalie David Brown.  Jim Henkel was credited with an assist on the goal for winning the faceoff.  The third goal came at 17:11 when Eric Castonguay scored his team leading sixth goal from a feed off the stick of Joe Rooney.  The onslaught would chase Brown from between the pipes, as it was Martin Houle who came out to start the second.

Wheeling did manage one goal in the second frame when at 10:12 Vin Hellemeyer scored, and they did have several close calls later in the game when three pucks clanged off either the crossbar or the post, but all would stay out securing the 3-1 victory for the Devils.

Dave Caruso stopped 31 of 32 shots to pick up the win for the Devils, while David Brown could only stop six of nine shots en route to the loss for Wheeling.  Martin Houle played very well in relief of Brown, stopping all 29 shots he faced.

The Devils on the whole seemed energized by the additions of Mark Pandolfo and Colin Pepperall.  Here's hoping they can keep that energy level up tonight against the Cincinnati Cyclones.

My Three Stars:
1) Mark Pandolfo (TRE) - 1 Goal.
2) Joe Rooney (TRE) - 2 Assists.
3) Martin Houle (WHE) - 29 Saves on 29 Shots

~Titans Fan 25~