The Maine Mariners posted a 6‑3 victory over the Wheeling Nailers in Game 3 of the North Division Final, taking a 2‑1 series lead.
Power‑Play Surge
Maine struck first on the power play at the 6:58 mark, when Ben Allison slipped a pass to Robert Cronin, who finished the move with a clean shot. Zachary Massicotte added a second goal before the period ended, and the Mariners continued to press.
The second frame brought more offense as Brooklyn Kalmikov and Antonio Venuto extended the lead, while Max Andreev’s third power‑play marker made it 6‑1. Zach Urdahl also contributed a shorthanded goal, underscoring Maine’s depth.
Nailers’ Late Rally
Wheeling refused to go quietly, pulling three goals in the closing minutes. Logan Pietila’s marker came during a four‑on‑four situation, and the Nailers trimmed the deficit, but the Mariners held firm.
Between the nets, Luke Cavallin turned in 35 saves on 38 shots for Maine, while Taylor Gauthier surrendered five goals on 18 attempts for Wheeling. Gabriel D’Aigle stepped in relief for the Nailers, going 11‑of‑12.
Looking Ahead
The series shifts back to Maine for Games 4 and 5, scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. A win in either of those contests would put the Mariners on the brink of the championship.