MANCHESTER, N.H. – The Manchester Monarchs are slowly getting back into stride, defeating division rival Wheeling on Friday night, 3-2.
Jordan LaVallee-Smotherman struck first for the Monarchs 17:53 into the first period, followed by a Zac Lynch goal near the halfway point of the second period.
Cam Brown and Reid Gardiner would bring the Nailers into the second intermission with a tie, but Michael Doherty’s tenth goal of the season 13:40 into the third would be the difference.
Colton Saucerman added two assists in the win, putting him at 27 so far on the season, third among all ECHL defencemen.
With the win, Manchester’s lead atop the ECHL’s North Division is back to three points, following Adirondack’s loss to Brampton earlier in the evening.
The Monarchs return to the ice on Saturday with a 6 p.m. puck drop against the Jacksonville Icemen.