Everblades Cool Inferno 5-3
December 12, 2003 - ECHL (ECHL)
Florida Everblades News Release
ESTERO, FL - The Florida Everblades (15-5-4) and the Columbia Inferno (13-6-2) opened their two game series with a spirited effort as the Everblades prevailed 5-3 over the Inferno in front of 5,418 at TECO arena.
Both teams erupted for a combined five goals in the second period. Reggie Berg got things started just under three minutes in when a shot by Jay Legault on the power play deflected off of a defenseman and went right to Berg who fired it into the open net and the Blades led 3-0. Columbia responded just over a minute later when Dennis Vial's slapshot squeaked through Florida net minder Robb Zepp. Three minutes later Florida was back on top by three when Grey Shaneberger converted a Brent McDonald pass on the power play for his 6th goal of the year and that goal would prove to be the game winner. The Inferno mounted a late rally on goals by Barrie Moore and Chris Pittman and they trailed Florida 4-3 through two periods.
The Everblades penalty killers came up big in the final period, killing off a five minute major penalty to Stu Pietersma. Berg preserved the victory with an empty net goal for his second goal of the game.
Jeff McCullough lit the lamp five minutes into the game on a shorthanded breakaway for his 17th goal of the season. Later in the first Brent McDonald made a nice spin move into the slot and snapped a wrist shot past Columbia goaltender Josh Blackburn for a 2-0 lead.
Zepp stopped 38 of 41 shots. Columbia goalie Josh Blackburn stopped 23 of 28 shots. Florida finished 2 for 5 on the power play while Columbia went 1 for 6.
The Everblades and Inferno will battle again tomorrow night , Saturday, December 13th at TECO Arena. Game time is 7:30.
3 Stars:
1 - McDonald - FLA
2 - Pagnutti - FLA
3 - Van Buskirk - FLA
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