'Blades fall to Checkers 3-2
February 2, 2007 - ECHL (ECHL)
Florida Everblades News Release
CHARLOTTE, NC -The Florida Everblades (26-14-2) lost a 3-2 decision to the Charlotte Checkers (24-15-3) on Friday night at Charlotte Bobcats Arena in front of a crowd of 9,570.
The Checkers, who carried the play throughout the opening period, drew first blood in the contest when Daymen Rycroft poked a loose puck at the top of the crease past Everblades goaltender David Shantz at 11:05 to open the scoring. A wild second period ensued with the teams combining for three goals in the first four minutes of the frame. The Checkers began the barrage on Mark Lee's 13th goal of the season completing a 3-on-2 rush by slipping a shot past Shantz at 1:24.
The Everblades however began their comeback shortly after. Chris Lee tallied a pair of 5-on-3 power play goals to even the score by the four-minute mark. Lee's first of the night and sixth of the season came at 2:18 on a wrist shot from the top of the right circle that found the upper left corner of the net. His second came just 1:28 from the high slot and into the same spot as his first, above the glove of Checkers net minder Alex Westlund. Reggie Berg and Chris Dyment assisted on both goals.
The Checkers regained their lead however, early in the third period when Hugh Jessiman tallied a power play goal with a slap shot from the top of the left circle just 48 seconds into the frame. Despite their best efforts, the Everblades couldn't find the tying goal over the remaining 19 minutes, allowing the Checkers to win their second straight and the seventh game in their last eight contests.
In goal Shantz suffered the loss to drop his record to 12-7-1 after allowing the three goals on 29 shots, while Westlund raised his record to 11-5-1 by stopping 23 of 25 Florida shots.
On the power play, the Everblades finished off the night 2-for-9, while the Checkers closed out the night 1-for-5.
The Florida Everblades, proud affiliate of the Carolina Hurricanes and the Florida Panthers, return to action on Saturday, February 3 when they travel to Augusta, GA to take on the Lynx at 7:35 p.m. from James Brown Arena. Florida Everblades group and individual game tickets & mini-plans are now available! Reserve your seat for all the exciting action today by calling (239) 948-7825. Visit www.floridaeverblades.com and www.germainarena.com for more information on group ticket packages, pricing and upcoming Germain Arena events.
Three Stars:
1) Hugh Jessiman - CHR
2) Mark Lee - CHR
3) Daymen Rycroft - CHR
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