Fort Wayne Komets Unable to Keep Momentum, Fall to Wheeling Nailers 1-0

Komets 44 Shots Not Enough to Top Nailers

Justin A. Cohn | The Journal Gazette

Matt Firman, right, sends a pass from behind the Wheeling net in the Komets’ 1-0 loss today.

Fort Wayne, IN – The Fort Wayne Komets allowed the fewest shots on goal all season in the first period. There was no question about the Komets’ (27-28-2) scoring chances or play in this loss. The Wheeling Nailers (23-22-9) were undeterred however, and rebounded to have a respectable number of shots. The only goal came late in the third period as Nailers forward Paul Crowder netted his 17th of the year on the power play with 3:33 left in the game. Jeff Deslauriers was again outstanding in net, but lacked offense to win.

Coach Al Sims had this to say after the game:

“This was just a microcosm of the whole season. We haven’t been able to score much all year and tonight, (goaltender Peter) Delmas, we either made him look good or he played unbelievable. It doesn’t matter which. The fact of the matter is we couldn’t get a goal despite 44 shots.”

The K’s are still hopeful of making the playoffs in their first season in the ECHL. Komets center Eric Giosa echoed the sentiment of his teammates:

“We certainly still expect to make the playoffs. We expect to make a push. We’ve just got to get some goals in the net and string together some wins.”

For the Komets, it’s that simple and that hard. They are currently eight points out of the final spot, which is currently occupied by the Elmira Jackals. The K’s have just 15 games remaining to make the push.

Team Statistics:

Score by Period:

 SOG:

 Power Play Efficiency

Three Stars:

The Komets continue their home stand Wednesday night against the Toledo Walleye at 7:30 p.m. EST.