ECHL Florida Everblades

Everblades Take Over First Place in 4-3 Shootout Victory Over Chicago

January 14, 2012 - ECHL (ECHL)
Florida Everblades News Release


ESTERO, FL -- David Rutherford's two goals and one assist helped the Florida Everblades beat the Chicago Express for the third time in a row in a overtime shootout victory in front of a crowd of 5,285. The win puts the Everblades in the top spot in the South Division.

The start of the game saw both teams' defenses battling as neither teams were able to create much offensive pressure. It wasn't until halfway through the period when David Rutherford out skated the defense and fired a shot from the right side circle and beat Express goalie Peter Mannino.

Chicago answered back at the 17-minute mark when Josh Burrow's shot from the left side circle beat Blades goalie John Muse, tying the score at one.

Rutherford continued his outstanding play in the second period and added his 15th goal of the season when he used some great moves in front of Mannino and put it in from point blank range. Rutherford later added an assist when Matt Marquardt scored off Rutherford's rebounded shot attempt to put the Blades up 3-1.

John Muse was a brick wall in the second period with some amazing saves of seemingly sure goals from the Express.

Chicago took advantage of two powerplay opportunities in the third period and scored two goals. Chicago's first goal came from Pierre-Luc Faubert whose wrist shot from the right side of the goal beat Muse to find the back of the net. The tying goal came from Tyler Donati's shot from the right side circle.

The Blades were unable to take advantage of two powerplays of their own, including a two man advantage. The score was tied 3-3 at the end of regulation.

Overtime proved not enough for these two teams as neither team was able to get a goal for the win. A marathon overtime shootout ensued which went total of 15 rounds before Ryan Donald finally made the game winning shot and the Express's Steven Delisle was unable to respond with a goal to keep the shootout alive as the Everblades win 4-3 in the overtime shootout.

With the win the Everblades now take control of first place in the South Division. The team will travel to Gwinnett for a 7:00 p.m. affair with the Gladiators on Friday.

To purchase family packs, or game 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.

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ECHL Stories from January 14, 2012


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