Forward Matty De St. Phalle scored the Wheeling Nailers’ lone goal in a 2-1 loss to the Florida Everblades in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference final at Hertz Arena in Estero, Fla., on Friday.
Goaltender Taylor Gauthier made 22 saves on 24 shots as his postseason record slipped to 8-5.
Highlights:
Game 2 of the best-of-seven series is scheduled for Saturday, 7 p.m. at Florida.