ECHL Florida Everblades

Blades snare two big points after 3-2 shootout win

Published on March 25, 2011 under ECHL (ECHL)
Florida Everblades News Release


ESTERO, FL - The Florida Everblades (36-28-4) bounced back after a tough loss on Wednesday night to the Wheeling Nailers (35-29-4), earning two big points in the Eastern Conference playoff race after besting the Nailers 3-2 in a shootout on Friday night at Germain Arena. The win allowed the Everblades a chance to clinch a playoff spot tomorrow night at Germain Arena.

The Everblades almost pulled off the win in regulation carrying a 2-1 lead into the final minute of regulation, but Wheeling, with their goalie pulled for an extra attacker, tied the score a two on Kyle Bushee's goal with 47 seconds left in the third period when his shot from the blue line made it through traffic and into the net.

After neither team scored in the five-minute overtime period, the Everblades downed the Nailers 3-1 in the shootout. Dusty Collins tallied the eventual game-winner in the fourth round of the shootout, then Matt Beca sent the Blades pouring over the boards in celebration after slipping his fifth round shot between the pads of Wheeling goaltender Peter Delmas.

Wheeling's lone shootout goal came in the first round, but Everblades goalie Mike Zacharias shut the door on their remaining three chances.

In a game that had a playoff game feel to it, the Everblades opened the game's scoring at 12:03 of the first period with a power play goal from J.F. David. The play began with Beca and Alex Imbeault working the puck along the left side wall before David was fed a pass at the top of the right circle by Imbeault. David's slap shot sailed past Delmas and into the net for his eighth goal of the year.

The Nailers eventually tied the score at one, notching a power play goal of the their own six minutes into the second period. Joey Haddad tallied his team-leading 19th goal of the season by scooping a loose puck out of traffic at the right side of the crease before sliding it across the goal line.

With the score still tied at one, the Everblades grabbed the lead back at 17:46 of the second period with good puck movement. Working the puck around the right side, a pass to the front was a near-miss for Alex Hutchings, but the Everblades maintained control of the puck. From the left corner Brad Snetsinger rifled a pass out to David in the high slot. After delaying for a moment, David threw the puck on net where Hutchings collected a rebound and back-handed home his 12th goal of the season.

In goal Zacharias earned his first win with the Everblades stopping 34 of 36 shots in regulation and overtime and turning away three of four shots in the shootout. Overall Zacharias improved to 12-16-7 in 36 games with Idaho, Ontario and Florida.

For Delmas (13-6-1) he earned a tie in the standings after allowing two goals on 32 shots in regulation and overtime, and giving up three goals on five shots in the shootout.

On the power play, the Everblades closed out the game 1-of-6, while Wheeling closed out the night 1-of-3 on the man-advantage.

The Everblades return to action on Saturay, March 26 when they host the Wheeling Nailers at 7:00 p.m. from Germain Arena. Visit www.floridaeverblades.com and www.germainarena.com for more information on ticket packages, pricing and upcoming Germain Arena events.

Individual tickets to all 2010-11 Florida Everblades home games are on sale now! Tickets are available at the TIB Bank Box Office Monday - Friday from 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. and on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. - 2 p.m. Fans can also purchase tickets through TicketMaster by logging onto www.ticketmaster.com or calling 800-745-3000.

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ECHL Stories from March 25, 2011


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