ECHL Florida Everblades

Blades win streak hits four after 3-1 win over Sea Wolves

March 6, 2009 - ECHL (ECHL)
Florida Everblades News Release


ESTERO, FL - The Florida Everblades (39-16-3) capped off a great night during their first "Pink in the Rink" Night by notching their fourth straight win and picking up their ninth win in their last ten home games with a solid 3-1 win over the Mississippi Sea Wolves (25-26-7) on Friday night.

On a night when the team was raising awareness in the fight against cancer and the team was wearing special jerseys to commemorate the evening, the Everblades didn't disappoint their home fans with another strong all-around effort, including 18 saves by goaltender David Leggio.

After a scoreless first period, the Everblades finally broke through on the scoreboard midway through the second period. The Everblades, who out-shot Mississippi 19-5 in the middle frame, cashed in the first of their two power play goals at 11:19 when Mark Lee's one-time shot from the right circle sailed over the glove of Sea Wolves net-minder Ryan Munce.

The play began on a failed clearing attempt by Mississippi and led to Kevin Baker finding the puck on his stick. The league's leading scorer then slipped a pass to Lee from the slot to open the scoring. The assist increased Baker's point total to 84.

Despite continuing to pressure the Mississippi net, Munce came up with several big stops to keep a one-goal game heading into the third period.

Early in the third period the Everblades once again found a way to get the puck past Munce with their second power play goal at 6:07. Again a failed Mississippi clearing attempt led to the goal, this time it was Danick Bouchard and Mathieu Roy who kept the puck in the zone before Roy's slap shot was deflected on the door step by Ernie Hartlieb. The goal was the 16th of the season for Hartlieb.

From there the Everblades clamped down on the Sea Wolves limiting them to just two shots over the first 13 minutes of the third period. Doug O'Brien added to Florida's lead late in the period by floating a shot from center ice into the empty Mississippi net with 1:10 remaining in regulation for his sixth goal of the season.

The Everblades' celebration however was cut short as the Sea Wolves, off the face off, saw Jason Tejchma race between the Florida defenseman and in on a breakaway before wristing a shot over the glove of Leggio with 59 seconds left in regulation.

The Everblades held off the remaining charge by the Sea Wolves to pick up the win, and improve their record to 7-0-0 vs. Mississippi this season.

In net Leggio notched his fourth straight win and improved to 21-6-1 by turning away 18 of 19 shots. Munce played well, but took the loss, to fall to 21-17-4 after allowing two goals on 47 shots.

On the power play, the Everblades finished the night 2-of-8, while Sea Wolves closed out the game 0-of-5.

BEWARE OF THE BITE! Action You Can Sink Your Teeth Into! Individual tickets to all Everblades home games are on sale now! Visit the Germain Arena Box Office M-F from 10-6 to purchase tickets, or order online at www.ticketmaster.com. Visit www.floridaeverblades.com and www.germainarena.com or call 239-948-PUCK for more information on group ticket packages, pricing and upcoming Germain Arena events.

The Everblades return to action on Saturday, March 7 when they host the Mississippi Sea Wolves at 7:30 p.m.

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ECHL Stories from March 6, 2009


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