ECHL Florida Everblades

Beca Scores in Overtime to Lift Blades to 4-3 Win

Published on December 2, 2011 under ECHL (ECHL)
Florida Everblades News Release


ESTERO, FL - Matt Beca's goal with 1:18 remaining in overtime lifted the Florida Everblades to a 4-3 victory over the Gwinnett Gladiators Friday night at Germain Arena.

For the second consecutive game the Everblades raced out to a good start, only this time they lit the lamp. David Rutherford with some fancy moves in front worked the puck to the slot and flipped a pass to Mike McKenzie on the right wing side. McKenzie fired the puck past goaltender Marc Cheverie on the short side to give the Everblades a 1-0 lead.

Just 25 seconds later, Gwinnett coughed up the puck in their own end which allowed Trevor Bruess to blast a slapshot which beat ChevErie to extend the lead to 2-0.

Florida made it 3-0 after Scott Pitt's fourth of the season at 10:17 of the opening period. Newcomer Jimmy Martin who was acquired yesterday in a trade with Bakersfield, fired a shot from the point which was stopped off the pads of Cheverie. The rebound bounced to Pitt who beat the Gwinnett goaltender five-hole for the goal. Martin picks up his first point as a member of the Everblades with an assist on the goal.

Florida controlled the play all the way through the end of the second period. Gwinnett finally got in the board at 10:13 of the third period. Pat Gallivan flipped the puck off the back of the legs of Everblades goaltender John Muse to make the score 3-1.

Bryan Brutlag took a page our of his teammate's playbook, by throwing the puck toward the backside of the goaltender. The plan worked again, as the puck deflected off the skate of Muse and into the net to pull Gwinnett within one.

The Gladiators pulled the goaltender to allow for the extra attacker. Brutlag set up shop in front of the net and received a pass that he batted into the back of the net for the tying goal with just 37 seconds remaining in regulation, forcing the game to overtime.

In overtime, it would be Rutherford again with some solid stick work, as he brought the puck to the slot and threw a shot on goal. Cheverie made the initial save but Matt Beca put back the rebound into the net on the shortside to seal the Blades 4-3 overtime win.

Goaltender John Muse earns the win stopping 25 of 28 shots, while Marc Cheverie takes the loss allowing four goals on 35 shots.

The two teams will meet again tomorrow in a rubber match scheduled for 7:00 p.m. at Germain Arena. The fun begins at 5:00 p.m. for the McDonald's Tailgate Party which will feature live music on the Comcast Stage by Jam2 as well as bounce houses and face painting for the kids! Saturday's game is also a Family 4-Pack Night. Receive 4 Tickets, 4 hot dogs, and 4 sodas for the great value price of just $56.

To purchase tickets stop by any Ticketmaster outlet, or the Capital Bank Box Office at Germain Arena. The Capital Bank Box Office is open Monday thru Friday from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. and on Saturdays from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Fans may also call Ticketmaster at 1-800-745-3000, or order online at www.ticketmaster.com

Group ticket packages are also available! Call the Everblades hockey headquarters at 239-948-7825 to order your seats. Visit the Florida Everblades at www.floridaeverblades.com for more information on ticket prices and packages. For upcoming events at Germain Arena, visit their website at www.germainarena.com.

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ECHL Stories from December 2, 2011


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