Nailers Sweep Railers for Eighth Straight Win

Wheeling closes out dominant March with fourth series sweep

Mar. 30, 2026 at 4:04am

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An abstract, expressionist painting featuring bold, neon-colored brushstrokes that capture the frenetic energy and movement of a hockey game, with players' forms blending together in a dynamic, vibrant composition.The Nailers' high-octane offense and physical style of play have fueled their dominant March run, setting the stage for a potential playoff push.Wheeling Today

The Wheeling Nailers capped off an 11-1-1 month of March with a series sweep of the Worcester Railers, winning 4-1 on Sunday. Matthew Quercia scored twice for the Nailers, who got 32 saves from relief goaltender Taylor Gauthier after starter Maxim Pavlenko left with an injury.

Why it matters

The Nailers' hot streak has propelled them up the standings, and they now have their sights set on securing a playoff spot in the final weeks of the regular season. Their physical, high-scoring style of play has made them a tough matchup for opponents.

The details

Wheeling jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the first period on goals by Quercia and Brayden Edwards. The Nailers added another goal in the second period from Quercia before Worcester broke the shutout bid late in the third. Brent Johnson sealed the win with an empty-net goal. Gauthier was stellar in relief, stopping 32 of 33 shots over the final two periods.

  • The Nailers closed out an 11-1-1 month of March with the sweep.
  • Wheeling recorded its fourth series sweep of March and ninth sweep of the season.

The players

Matthew Quercia

A forward for the Wheeling Nailers who scored two goals in the win.

Taylor Gauthier

The Wheeling Nailers' relief goaltender who stopped 32 of 33 shots over the final two periods after starter Maxim Pavlenko left with an injury.

Brayden Edwards

A Wheeling Nailers forward who scored a goal in the first period.

Brent Johnson

A Wheeling Nailers forward who scored an empty-net goal to seal the win.

Thomas Gale

The Worcester Railers' goaltender who made 21 saves in the loss.

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What they’re saying

“The Wheeling Nailers might be disappointed to see the calendar turn to April, as they dominated the month of March.”

— Staff Reports

What’s next

The Nailers will play a pair of road games in the week ahead, visiting the Fort Wayne Komets on Wednesday and the Toledo Walleye on Saturday.

The takeaway

The Nailers' dominant March has them in strong position to secure a playoff spot, as their physical, high-scoring style has made them a tough matchup for opponents. Their ability to get contributions from up and down the lineup, like the two-goal game from Quercia, has been a key to their success.