News release
27 February 2013
Wednesday, February 27, 2013ELMIRA, N.Y. - The Elmira Jackals host the Wheeling Nailers for the final time this season in an Atlantic Division battle at First Arena. After tonight the Jackals hit the road for five straight games away from home.
WHO: Elmira Jackals - Ottawa/NHL & Binghamton/AHL (29-20-6) vs. Wheeling Nailers - Pittsburgh & Montreal/NHL and Wilkes-Barre/Scranton & Hamilton/AHL (23-22-9).
The Jackals are facing the Nailers tonight for the eighth of 10 meetings this season and final of five at First Arena. The Jackals are 4-3-0 against Wheeling this season after a 5-0 home win here on February 10. The Jackals have been stingy at home against Wheeling this season with a pair of 5-0 shutout wins and an overall team goals-against average of 1.5. They face a Nailers team tonight that is finishing an eight game road trip on which it is 2-5-0. The Nailers' six road wins are fewest in the ECHL but their first win away from home came back on November 30 here at First Arena. Elmira has gone 3-1-2 at home in February.
Jackals defenseman Jordon Southorn has been as reliable as they come as he has only missed six games so far this season. Lately he has taken his play to new levels and has helped Elmira to a 7-3-2 mark so far in February. He is currently working on a career-high five game point streak (2G, 3A) which has moved him to a tie for eighth among defensemen with 27 points. He also ranks fifth among blueliners at +20. He has been even or better in 10 of Elmira's 12 games this month (+10).