Goaltender Taylor Gauthier made 30 saves on 33 shots for the Wheeling Nailers in a 3-2 loss to the Reading Royals at Santander Arena in Reading on Friday.

The result dropped Gauthier’s record to 20-8-5.

Defenseman Brent Johnson recorded two assists for Wheeling (44-18-3-3) while forwards Matthew Quercia and Matt De St. Phalle each contributed goals.

The Nailers’ next game is a road contest against the Royals on Saturday, 7 p.m.